The Perfect Base For a Norfolk Golf Break

Is it possible for a golfer and non-golfer to enjoy an idyllic breakaway together? Congham Hall Hotel provides a clear and specific answer.

I love my golf and find participation relaxing, engaging and reinvigorating. 

My wife, who has been known to describe herself as a golf widow, finds the game less enthralling.

I set myself a challenge this year to find a venue that we could both share and enjoy equally. A golfer/non-golfer trip that offered us both the chance of a sublimely relaxed time away from home. 

When I discovered that Congham Hall were partnering with a number of high-profile golf venues in Norfolk, I recognised the potential for creating this as a base for a luxurious and relaxed time away from home. See Congham’s Golf Coast Trail and Golf Break.

It was an easy sell to my wife having shown her the hotel website that details the nature of the venue in all its glory. It was simplicity itself to then select the golf courses I wished to visit and arrange tee times. 

Using the Golfshake Interactive Search Map, I simply assessed each of the venues that attracted me and ascertained visitor tee time availability.

If you are planning a future trip, this resource is exceptional and easy to use. If you have a business meeting planned but fancy a round of golf to break up the journey, check out the nearby golf courses. I regularly use this when travelling to find golf clubs in order to stop off and have a decent meal instead of using motorway services, etc. 

Congham Hall Hotel

Congham Hall is ideally situated in West Norfolk near to Kings Lynn but in a rural relaxed location perfectly located for the short break away. Set in 50 acres of parkland, including orchards and its renowned Herb Garden, the facilities include an  exceptional spa, pool and massage centre, allied to a fantastic hotel and award-winning restaurant.

We decided to access one of the recently opened orchard cabins for a two-night stay. They are located in the grounds of the hotel. The Herb Garden itself is a visitor attraction of sufficient merit to receive primary route board sign status due to the number of visitors it attracts. 

Each of the cabins has been built with an environmental focus in mind, they look towards an orchard, and are not overlooked in any manner, providing an exceptional but unusual feature of outdoor bathing should you wish.

The outside bath situated on a patio is also provided with external heating. There is little or no ambient lighting in the dark and the experience of exterior bathing at night, gazing into the stars is stunning, peaceful and so relaxing.

There is a more conventional heated jacuzzi that is also a social centre for guests. It's next to the swimming pool and within easy access to all the rooms.

This is a venue that exudes attention to detail. Thoughtful touches that enhance the visitor’s experience. Things like the provision of a small set of binoculars and a birdwatching guide book in the bedside cabinet. A simple thing to include, but genuinely of interest due to the extent and scope of the wildlife that lives, thrives and dovetails into the operation of this luxury hotel.

The setting and decorative of the cabins is luxurious, each is appointed with excellent bathroom features inside and out.

All of the rooms are decorated in a boutique style with luxury and comfort evident in each of the chosen furnishings and furniture. 

This is a venue that thrives on and encourages loafing and relaxing, reading the Sunday papers, going for country walks, but there is also provision for croquet and other more energetic activities like tennis, cycling and horse riding.

The cabins give panoramic views of the orchard and its wildlife. Expect to hear the dawn chorus as there are extensive colonies of local birds that roost within ear shot of the hotel.

Returning to those thoughtful extras, they include a library of top-quality boots for resident’s use, umbrellas in stands located in strategic areas allowing access between cabins and the main hotel.

Breakfasts were exceptional, cooked to order from a delightful menu. Tea is provided in loose leaf form with a tea pot and strainer. 

When reviewing a venue, I try to sum it up in my head in a few words as possible:

“Relaxed serenity, friendly welcome, exceptional service provided by knowledgeable staff.” 

The site has a history dating back to the Middle Ages and the nearby cricket ground with its thatched roof pavilion was previously part of the grounds for the Hall. The place is a quintessentially English rural haven. This was also the site of a recent world championship snail racing event. Incredibly, this event has now been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records. 

I visited a top 100 golf course at Royal Cromer on the Sunday afternoon whilst my wife enjoyed what she described as the best full body massage of her life. We had an evening meal booked, but still found the time for a swim, jacuzzi and tropical storm shower.

In what was a first for me there was a choice of steam room, sauna or an immersive experience shower. There were lighting effects like lightening, sound effects of the tropical rain forest and full body jets of hot warm and cool water. Other jets provided different scents and perfumes that accompanied the choice of shower. An excellent way to warm down after a very enjoyable round of golf at Royal Cromer.

We started our evening with a locally produced gin and tonic deciding to spoil ourselves to a decent bottle of wine. The sommelier at the hotel was helpful and the wine list is provided using an iPad for reference and choice. The tasting notes are comprehensive making it simple to establish the best matched choices to the delicious food selected.

Silver service is provided without it feeling imposing or uncomfortable at any time. Expect to linger in the dining room taking in the views of the grounds and the overall feeling of comfort and opulence. The entire dining experience was one of competent, careful service delivering exceptional products, consistently without compromise. The food provided was simply excellent in every respect. It is easy to see how it was awarded and retain its two AA star rosettes.

There is a genuine focus on locally produced food with each dish enhanced by the extensive herb garden.

The Golf Trail

There are six golf courses currently on the golf trail and I would be happy to base myself at Congham Hall again to visit any of them.

This was a very special weekend away allowing us to enjoy some relaxing downtime in opulent luxury. Our second day was spent at Sheringham Golf Club. As my wife loves walking and hiking, she decided to join me for the round of golf and make use of the wonderful location and coastal paths that boundary the course.

The golfing experience is detailed separately, but as we enjoyed delightful weather and a clear day offering jaw dropping views and steam trains, we had a very pleasurable time. 

My new favourite post round experience is the swim and sauna and our golf and walk had generated a decent appetite for our evening meal. This was again simply exceptional in every respect.

Verdict

I loved the time we spent at Congham Hall and all the guests to whom I chatted reported similarly positive reviews. I cannot find anything to criticise directly other than our time here was too short.

We will return to Norfolk as this is a beautiful part of the country with its beaches and broads that I have not explored sufficiently. 

The answer to the question I posed myself at the start of our visit was a definite yes and my wife has already indicated that she would also love to return. A golfer/non-golfer trip to Congham Hall is highly recommended.

For more information, please visit https://www.conghamhallhotel.co.uk/.