4 great stays on the East Coast

Wells-next-the-Sea on the north coast of Norfolk offers nature in abundance, from its huge expanse of sandy beach to the sheltering fringe of pine trees. The town has a historic heartbeat too, with a network of Georgian streets and an old stone quayside from where malt was shipped all over the country. Recently, the landmark building The Granary, down at the harbour, has been converted into luxury apartments with stupendous views out to beach and sea. Number 16 The Granary is ideal for a cuddly couple or a small family and costs from £554 a week. To book, call 01485 211 022 or go to norfolkhideaways.co.uk.

 

Nowhere has sea views quite like a lighthouse – and at Cromer lighthouse in Norfolk, built in 1833, you can enjoy the wonderful coastal panorama from dawn to dusk in one of a pair of cottages available for rent, The Link and Valonia. The smaller of the duo, The Link, sleeps two and has a walled garden with sea views, from £679 per week. Both cottages are just a 10-minute stroll along the coast path or the beach to Cromer for food and fun. To book, call 01386 897959 or go to ruralretreats.co.uk.

 

If it’s an unusual experience you’re after, The Riverside cottage on the River Deben in Suffolk provides not only five-star luxury, but a vista onto Letheringham Water Mill’s inner workings too. Inside the master bedroom of the newly converted cottage, situated in the 18th-century Mill House, is a viewing gallery onto the giant water wheel. A week’s stay for two – dogs welcome – costs from £495. Call 01728 747186 or go to letheringhammill.co.uk.

 

Be one with the sea from the eyrie-like living room of Top Deck in picturesque Walberswick Harbour, Suffolk. The two-bedroom apartment is located in the Yacht Yard, from here you can take in the quiet beauty of the River Blyth and the gentle clink of the yachts anchored there. It has a twin too, Lower Deck, if you’re away with friends but want to retain some privacy. A two-minute stroll away is the village green for cafés, two pubs and a new seafood place, The Sardine Tin, where hot roast salmon sandwiches are made to order. From £800 a week. To book, call 01502 322405 or go to heritagehideaways.com.