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You are here: Home / Travel / UK / Congham Hall Spa Hotel Norfolk

Congham Hall Spa Hotel Norfolk

August 1, 2018 by Fiona Maclean 25 Comments

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Last Updated on February 2, 2019

Country House Hotel in Norfolk – Congham Hall Hotel and Spa:

An invite to Congham Hall Hotel and Spa, near King’s Lynn in Norfolk was one I would never have passed up. Norfolk, and in particular this part of North Norfolk, has special memories for me and I always love going back to what I still see as home. While my parents had something of an itinerant lifestyle, they did manage to put down roots for a few years while my two younger brothers and I were growing up. The plan had been to settle near Nottingham where the schools were good. We’d moved there and spent a school term there. My mother was confident we were settled for the first time. But, my father had other ideas and one rainy winter’s day when I was seven we went on a mysterious trip.

Congham Hall Front 2

We arrived in a sleepy seaside town and mum took us to the pier amusement arcade while my father went off to ‘do some business’ (he was a GP so that never quite made sense to me). I can remember playing shove ha’penny (with real pennies) and trying to stroke the rather mangy monkey chained to the cash desk while Mum’s back was turned. And, I remember paddling in the rock pools, collecting an assortment of shrimps, tiny fish and sea anemones in the cheap buckets we’d bought for the occasion. On the way home we sat, the three children, in a neat row on the back seat. I suspect my youngest brother was in the middle because that was how things were. Just before turning the ignition key, my father turned to us

‘Well children, where would you rather live – in Nottingham or by the seaside?’

While I couldn’t see the look on my mother’s face, I could feel the heat.

‘By the seaside’ we chimed in unison.

That was it, my father declared a family decision and we moved to Hunstanton. It didn’t quite work, after 8 years he was travelling again, but at least we kept a family home in Norfolk while we all grew up.

As such any trip back there is full of ghosts for me. I could hear my mother muttering in my ear as I drove through certain villages. Even at dinner, alone was never alone. My mother was there with my father commenting on everything from the bread rolls through to the other guests!  Congham Hall was exactly the place they would have taken me when I visited from London. So, every insight I had into the way the hotel runs was tempered with my mother’s opinion. Would the plates be hot at dinner?  Would the pool be clean and quiet?  Would the staff be friendly but not TOO friendly?  This is Norfolk – and this is where my own perception of right and wrong was set.

Congham Hall Hotel and Spa - Morning

My parents would have loved it at Congham Hall Hotel. My mother would have been a regular visitor to the spa, making the excuse of using the tidy indoor pool to go and get her nails done or the occasional indulgent facial. They would have come here together on Sundays for lunch. They would have brought their friends. And, they would have brought us – as a gesture of how Norfolk CAN be wonderful. But, to the best of my knowledge, they never did visit. The hotel first opened in 1982, just as I finished University and at a time when my father was full of wanderlust and moving from country to country. Since then it has evolved and changed hands three times. And, what is now on offer at Congham Hall Spa Hotel is quite special, very exclusive and yet not in the least pretentious. One of the best UK hotels we’ve visited this year.

Spa Hot tub and tree Congham Hall Hotel

Perhaps what I found most refreshing was that despite being a ‘country house hotel and spa’ Congham Hall doesn’t offer a country club membership. So, the spa itself is quiet – just the guests staying in the hotel and a few day visitors. There’s a small but perfectly formed indoor pool, an outdoor hot tub, two different styles of sauna and a steam room. On the sweeping lawn, there’s space to play croquet, to putt or to play outdoor Jenga. The spa at Congham Hall offers a whole range of treatments all based on a range of English natural products, specialist brand Elemental Herbology. I was treated to a facial at the spa which left my skin radiant and took a look at the menu of treatments on offer. I  was rather impressed with the spa packages which included one for afternoon tea and treatment, together with the use of the spa – and one for an evening meal with a glass of bubbly on the same basis. Both of which were well priced at £70 and £75 making them affordable indulgences. It’s also worth noting that because the spa and pool are only open to residents or spa day guests my personal experience was that it was never overcrowded and was pleasantly relaxing at all times.

Congham Hall Bay Window

Congham Hall Lounge 3

Indoors at Congham Hall Hotel, there are two lounges and a library area where you can sit and read. And of course a comfy bar for that pre-dinner drink. But, if walking is your thing and the weather isn’t perfect, the hotel has also got a whole set of boots available for guests to borrow…

Congham Hall Boots

This is a place to enjoy the food too – you only need to walk around outside to realise that the kitchen has at its disposal a huge natural pantry. The herb garden, started by Mrs Forecast, one of the previous owners, offers everything from lovage to winter savoury.

Congham Hall Pottinger

There’s a vegetable garden and massive orchard – the hotel restaurant uses much of its own produce. There are more blackberries than a whole flock of birds could ever devour.

Congham Hall Potting Shed 2

The chef at Conham Hall makes good use of what is on hand both from the hotel grounds and from the region –  the first night I feasted on local samphire (which tastes closer to asparagus than the stuff you buy from Waitrose to chef-up your fish), then heritage beets from their own garden served with a hazelnut praline and goats curd,

Congham Hall Garden Beetroots

Followed by halibut with a herb crust and Sauce Vierge and finally on a lemon verbena pannacotta, which somehow seemed to have acquired a whole host of friends in the form of berry sorbet, fresh fruit, praline and crocquant.

Congham Hall Lemon Verbena Pannacotta

The second night I was there, I couldn’t resist trying the samphire again.

Congham Hall Samphire

I’d heard one of the guests at a neighbouring table raving about the ham hock with toasted ciabatta, piccalilli and herb salad so that was, of course, the obvious way to start the meal. It was indeed delicious, with a light herb jelly and a small salad to complement the hock and pickle.

Congham Hall Pressed Ham Hock

And, I opted for the chef’s special again as my main course – cod with clams and beurre blanc on a bed of spinach and crushed new potatoes.

Congham Hall Cod

To finish – well, I might have been tempted by one of the desserts but instead opted for a small selection of cheeses, all British farmhouse varieties and a lovely way to end the meal. I was impressed by the wine list too. Especially by the range of wines on offer by the glass. I’d rather pick (or have recommended) the right wine to drink with each course – and could do so very well at Congham Hall.

Oh, and this is the view over dinner.

Congham Hall Sunset

 

Congham Hall Pastries

Breakfast was just as good. There was a thoughtful selection of buffet dishes including local Greek yoghurt, pastries and cereals. And, of course, a choice cooked breakfasts. I loved the delicious ‘spa breakfast’ which is a cut-down, healthier cooked breakfast of grilled bacon, poached eggs and tomatoes on toast. I had mine with extra mushrooms and no eggs, but the eggy version really did very nearly tempt me to the dark side;)

And of course, the cooked breakfast just had to be tried.

Cooked Breakfast Congham Hall Hotel and Spa

Mind you, porridge with honey, Drambuie or maple syrup was also tempting. And I very nearly opted for the pancake with crispy streaky bacon, blueberry compote and maple syrup.

Balcony Congham Hall Dandelion

There are 26 rooms in the hotel, mostly in the main house. My suite, the Dandelion, came with a lovely balcony, complete with table, chairs and view;)

Congham Hall Dandelion Sitting Room

It had a comfortable lounge that felt very much like a home from home (only tidier). There was a fridge equipped with fresh milk for teas and coffees and some complimentary mineral water. A proper coffee machine and a kettle and a great selection of herbal and traditional teas. Every afternoon a small pack of homemade biscuits arrived.

Bedroom Congham Hall Hotel and Spa - Dandelion

In the adjoining bedroom, the bed was a massive, comfortable mahogany affair. Six soft pillows for one lucky girl!  And, looking out over the woodland, that freestanding bath.

Bath - Dandelion - Congham Hall

There was a well-equipped bathroom too, complete with robes and slippers and with some rather lovely toiletries from Elemental Herbology, one of the brands used in the spa.

I could genuinely just have set up camp here for a few months.

Congham Hall Garden Rooms

I took a look at some of the other rooms. Each is slightly different, some traditional like mine but also a whole set with more contemporary styling. The garden rooms are just outside the main hotel building in the same courtyard area as the spa. More contemporary in style, these also have their own patio areas.

Shadows - Congham Hall

It’s obvious this is somewhere you come, find your nirvana and then return to Dandelion, Bluebell or whatever room you like the best – they are all different. The rooms outside the main building each have a small patio area and there’s plenty of accommodation which is disability-friendly.

Watching Calf - Congham Hall

It is still Norfolk. The service at Congham Hall Hotel and Spa was friendly and helpful rather than formal. There were some delightful touches – a morning windscreen wash for my car and the homemade biscuits in my room, while some details I felt were missing like a turndown service to store the piles of cushions on the bed or help with my suitcase up the stairs when I arrived. But, on balance, the experience was fabulous, mostly down to the enthusiastic and charming team at Congham Hall. And, where appropriate, the plates at dinner were hot – my mother would have been so happy!

This is definitely somewhere I can recommend without hesitation. I loved my stay and while I know some of that was a touch of nostalgia it was also that this was a fine place to spend a few days, relax and recharge. Do check out my post about the Norfolk Art Experiences which the hotel has launched. And I’m hoping to explore East Anglia and Norfolk, in particular, a bit more over the next few months. It’s a part of England I used to love so much.

Thinking of visiting?  Why not pin this post for later

Congham Hall - Country Hotel and Spa in Norfolk, England, UK

 

Fact Box:

I was a guest of Congham Hall Hotel (01485 600250; www.conghamhallhotel.co.uk ) in North Norfolk. Room rates start from £135 per night, room only, and £219 per night for dinner, bed and breakfast.

Art Experiences guide and package

Congham Hall recently launched Six of the Best… Norfolk Art Experiences which is available free to download from the hotel’s website, and introduces guests to some of the county’s unexpected artistic highlights. It is the latest in a series of free self-guided itineraries conceived by the hotel, which also include The Magnificent Seven… Norfolk Garden Trail and the Fantastic Five… Norfolk Nature Trail.

Guests wishing to put Norfolk’s art at the centre of a relaxing break can also benefit from a new ‘Art Experiences’ package specially created to accompany the new visitor guide. Congham Hall is offering two nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast and two tickets to the Richard Long exhibition for £438 per room in total, available Monday to Thursday until 26 October (excluding July and August), subject to availability.

 

Filed Under: Travel, UK Tagged With: Boutique Hotel, Country house hotel, Fine Dining, Norfolk, Spa Hotel

About Fiona Maclean

London based freelance writer and marketing consultant. I edit London-Unattached.com and write for a number of other publications. With a music degree and a background in marketing across many sectors, my passions include all types of music, food, restaurants, wine and travel

Comments

  1. Surveillance Private Investigator says

    January 3, 2019 at 1:05 am

    I enjoyed going to your webiste. I leave comments rarely, but
    you definately up deserve a thumbs!

    Reply
  2. Stewart Biddle says

    August 16, 2017 at 2:17 pm

    This places looks lovely

    Reply
  3. Trisha Velarmino says

    August 9, 2017 at 11:15 pm

    I love your story on how your father decided to change plans! I can imagine you and your siblings answering “by the seaside” in unison. It must be a life changing decision for the whole family!

    Reply
  4. Wanderlust Wayfarer says

    August 8, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    This looks like the perfect place for a luxurious and relaxing weekend getaway. And the food looks absolutely delicious–mu mouth is watering!

    Reply
  5. Paige W says

    August 8, 2017 at 2:33 am

    What a stunning place to stay! I love the look of the greenhouse and the delicious foods. There are so many details that make this place really special. It looks so elegant.

    Reply
  6. Siddhartha Joshi says

    August 7, 2017 at 4:50 am

    Congham Hall looks great, but I loved your personal story even more. I could also relate to so much there…

    Reply
  7. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    August 6, 2017 at 9:01 pm

    What a lovely place to visit and so great to bring back those memories!

    Reply
  8. sherianne says

    August 6, 2017 at 3:13 pm

    This place looks amazing! I would have gone for the pancake and bacon!

    Reply
  9. Gemma Orton says

    August 6, 2017 at 12:47 pm

    I live in Norfolk. I think I must visit here! Do you know what the disabled access was like?

    Reply
    • Fiona Maclean says

      August 6, 2017 at 9:28 pm

      I know they have two disabled access rooms for guests with special wheelchair friendly bathrooms (I asked) and that most of the garden suites are also ‘limited’ disabled access (e.g. no special bathroom features). The restaurant and bar is on the ground floor so I think it should be fine. There are parts of the hotel that wouldn’t work and you’d need to check with them about the spa

      Reply
  10. Janice says

    August 6, 2017 at 10:48 am

    I really enjoyed reading this Fiona. I could hear and see your parents as well as you and your brothers. Congham Hall sounds exactly the kind of place I’d love to stay and those boots are a really magic touch!

    Reply
  11. Mimi & Mitch says

    August 6, 2017 at 9:27 am

    The food looked yummy but not enough though! Mitch needs way more food than that to be satisfied haha. The place is wonderful, the interior is amazing and super classic – you sure would’ve had an amazing time there!

    Reply
  12. Suz says

    August 6, 2017 at 8:58 am

    Love the seaside, and what a place to unwind and enjoy.

    Reply
  13. Victoria says

    August 5, 2017 at 8:02 pm

    Your family story was such a nice addition to this post! So cool you got to live in a seaside town for part of your childhood. This place is amazing and beautiful and would love to visit

    Reply
  14. Karla says

    August 5, 2017 at 3:24 pm

    Seems like you had a good time. It was a lovely hotel to be with. I basically enjoy hotel with nice gardens or just near greenery and this is one of it.

    Reply
  15. Alina Popescu says

    August 5, 2017 at 1:20 pm

    I wish I could pack up and go there right now! Congham Hall looks lovely and the garden shots are my favorite. That tub you’ve shown looked interesting too, perfect for a long soak with a good book.

    Reply
    • Fiona Maclean says

      August 5, 2017 at 3:14 pm

      It was nice – genuinely workable for two as well, if you fancied sharing;)

      Reply
  16. Kavey at Kavey Eats says

    August 5, 2017 at 11:10 am

    How fascinating that you still hear your parents in your ear when visiting this part of the world. Memory is an amazing thing. Congham Hall looks lovely, I like the room itself and I’m always happy to find restaurants that grow some of the produce they serve.

    Reply
    • Fiona Maclean says

      August 5, 2017 at 11:12 am

      pretty much only here Kavey. I had a really strange feeling driving through some of the villages on my way to the hotel. It’s a part of the country which is so intrinsically linked with my childhood.

      Reply
  17. Tracy says

    August 4, 2017 at 9:23 pm

    I’m new to this blog, and I have to say the posts and pictures are KILLING me! We love London so much, consider it our “home away from home”. I can’t say enough how much we enjoy your content. Thanks!

    Reply
  18. Kacie says

    August 2, 2017 at 9:12 pm

    This looks like such an elegant place to stay. I like that you can lend walking boots; I would definitely forget to bring any with me!

    Reply
  19. Claire @foodiequine says

    August 2, 2017 at 2:21 pm

    So many touches about this that I love but in particular the boots available to borrow (I have those exact same boots!) croquet on the lawn (an essential at any country house hotel as far as my husband is concerned!) and the fact that the spa isn’t overcrowded (a personal bugbare of mine!)

    Reply
    • Fiona Maclean says

      August 5, 2017 at 11:25 am

      Its a lovely hotel Claire – one I would definitely recommend

      Reply
  20. Mindi Hirsch says

    August 2, 2017 at 10:30 am

    What a lovely spot for a getaway! I love that the hotel is special without being pretentious, and the food looks “to die for” good.

    Reply
    • Fiona Maclean says

      August 2, 2017 at 10:41 am

      The food is fresh, seasonal and local – I really enjoyed my visit there.

      Reply

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