Planning a weekend mini-break or an extended staycation this summer? Then Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort is located within a 10-minute drive of the vibrant city of Norwich, Norfolk Broads and University of East Anglia, and enjoys a great location for those looking to explore the very best of Norfolk – which means it might just be the perfect place.
This sprawling four-star resort is set within the walls of a stunning mansion built back in 1859, which is something of an architectural masterpiece – and is nestled amidst 150 acres of glorious wooded parkland. In a nod to its rich history, a combination of Elizabethan and Victorian styles can be seen throughout, but touches of contemporary charm bring it up to date.
The resort feels blissfully secluded, so if you’re in need of a restorative escape, as a couple or with friends or family, and to really disconnect from the stresses and strains of life, then it’s the perfect place to do just that.
The hotel
The resort is operated by the QHotels Collection and forms part of 19 four-star luxury hotels across the UK from the group. There are 166 en-suite rooms and suites, but the star of the show is the resort’s impressive 18-hole golf course, which is immaculately kept and one of the best in the county – making the resort a real haven for golfing enthusiasts from across the UK and further afield, too.
The spa is another highlight, and offers guests the chance to indulge in their choice of hot stone massages, body wraps or aromatherapy – before or after a visit to the on-site health club (complete with a well-equipped gym, sauna and steam room) and perhaps a swim in the indoor heated pool.
The hotel is also home to sophisticated dining spot The Brasserie Restaurant, which serves breakfast and dinner, and there are two bar-lounges to choose from if you fancy an aperitif, a nightcap or a place to simply relax.
Tucked away in rural Norfolk, with both the Suffolk and North Norfolk coastlines within easy reach, Dunston Hall is the perfect place for a leisurely break.
Rooms and suites
The hotel offers a mixture of Classic, Deluxe and Superior rooms, as well as larger Family rooms, Feature rooms and Suites.
I checked into a Deluxe Room for the weekend, which was spacious, immaculately clean, and enjoyed beautiful garden views, offering all the amenities you would expect from a four-star hotel. The super king bed and its plush pillows made for a comfortable night’s sleep, and rooms in this class also feature a 43 inch TV for all your entertainment needs. There’s also a large desk and a seating area so that you can spread out a bit if you need to, along with an en-suite bathroom, with additional features including air conditioning and a security safe welcomed.
The colour scheme was rather muted, with a grey carpet and cream coloured walls, with touches of brown adding some texture. It was inoffensive but rather bland and perhaps a little dated, which is not to my personal taste; I would have liked to have seen a little bit more colour and creativity to give rooms more of an identity. But that said, if you like the traditional look and feel then you might find them to be your cup of tea.
The en-suite bathroom was a decent size and well lit but again was a little underwhelming in terms of style and appearance.
Food and drink
The hotel offers a number of different dining options, but its Brasserie Restaurant is the star of the show. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing meal while taking in the beautiful views of the hotel’s lush and green garden, choosing from a menu of delicious modern British fare.
For starters the smoked mackerel filet is a real treat, and came in a sizable portion that you could also have for a main. Served with a celeriac rémoulade, gooseberry chutney and rye bread, the mackerel was beautifully fresh and perfectly smoked, with the chutney adding some fantastic sweetness to the dish and the rye bread offering some texture and crunch.
The potted British crab is another great option for fish lovers. Potted crab comes from the method of “potting” meats and fish to preserve them from the pre-refrigeration days, and is now a classic and much loved appetiser from the pubs of Ireland and England. It’s a great way to showcase such an extravagant ingredient like crab, and served with a tarragon mayonnaise, salmon caviar and toasted sourdough, it was sweet, succulent and delicious.
For mains, the 10 oz 30-day dry aged rib eye steak is highly recommended. Served with rocket, gem and parmesan salad and a choice of fries or thick cut chips, it’s of course best served medium rare. The impressive marbling gave the ribeye great flavour and a tender, butter-like texture, making it one of the best steaks I’ve eaten in recent memory.
Another great option for mains if you’re looking for something a little lighter is the baked filet of sea bass, which is served with a saffron cream mussel sauce, herb gnocchi, leeks and samphire.
If you’ve still got room for something sweet once you’re done then the dessert menu is packed with decadent treats. Chocolate lovers will do doubt love the classic chocolate fondant or the white chocolate mini doughnuts, or for something a little different, the indulgent caramel custard tart or the comforting warm lemon polenta cake certainly won’t disappoint.
A buffet breakfast is also served in The Brassiere Restaurant offering a good selection of pastries, juices and the usual hot options of bacon, sausage, eggs, fried bread, hash browns, mushrooms and tomatoes.
The hotel’s bar and lounge offers an all day menu to enjoy, including a wide variety of sandwiches, soups, nachos and stone baked pizzas. Mains like the slow-cooked beef ragout, Great British cheeseburger, chicken tikka curry or the tomato and basil penne and pasta are also on offer if you’re after something a little more substantial, or are craving some simple yet tasty comfort food.
For a quintessentially British treat, be sure to book in for afternoon tea. The traditional offering comes with an assortment of traditional savoury finger sandwiches, sweet treats and fancies – and of course, fruit and vanilla scones with clotted cream and berry preserves. If you fancy swapping out your pot of tea for something a little more indulgent, then the Moet Afternoon Tea comes with a chilled glass of champagne apiece – or you could go off piste and opt for the Hendrick’s Gin Afternoon Tea, which comes with a teapot of gin and tonic to share instead.
You can also enjoy a light bite and a drink at the clubhouse Bunkers Bar overlooking the golf course, where there are a number of TVs on display showing live sport for guests to enjoy.
The spa and health club
Two of the major draws of the resort are its spa and health club which offer facilities so impressive that they attract the country’s top footballers when Norwich FC hosts Premier League and Championship games, with many of the opposition clubs opting to stay here throughout the season.
The Dunston Hall gym is kitted out with high-tech Life Fitness equipment so that fitness enthusiasts of all kinds can squeeze in as many workouts as they like during their stay at the hotel, with a welcoming and supportive environment and a team of dedicated personal trainers on hand to help out where needed.
For swimmers, the heated indoor pool is a treat and comes complete with a whirlpool, sauna and steam room to relax and unwind in afterwards.
If you’re in need of some additional R&R, or perhaps just some TLC, then The Lilac Room Spa & Salon boasts six treatment rooms and a manicure and pedicure suite where you can indulge yourself with an opulent menu of spa and beauty treatments.
The golf course
This is where the resort really excels and makes it one of the best golf hotels in the UK. With 6,179 yards of green, this 18-hole championship course attracts golfing enthusiasts from across the country, with tuition available from top PGA pros and a driving range where you can work on improving your handicap.
Perfect for all skill levels, with both long and short game areas to suit all ages and abilities, you certainly don’t need to be a professional yourself to make the most of it – and if you haven’t got a taste for golfing already then you may well find that you do by the time you leave.
After a long day out on the course, the Bunkers Bar is the perfect spot to refuel with some tasty food and drink, with an attractive terrace overlooking the course.
To do
There are a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy in the surrounding area when staying at Dunston Hall.
The historic Norwich Cathedral, known for its stunning architecture and picturesque grounds, and the medieval Norwich Castle, which offers fascinating exhibits and panoramic views of the city, promise to whisk you back to times gone by. For a taste of local culture, you can stroll through the vibrant Norwich Market and on to pretty Elm Hill, which is lined with charming cafes and shops – or head to the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts which provides an impressive collection of contemporary art.
If you’re the active type or are keen to immerse yourself in norwich’s surrounding natural beauty, then venture to The Broads National Park for a spot of boating or a scenic walk.
In a nutshell
Combining historic charm with modern amenities, the Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a rural escape in the scenic Norwich countryside, and a haven for golfing enthusiasts of all abilities. The perfect spot to relax, unwind and recharge over a long weekend.
Factbox
Address: Ipswich Rd, Norwich NR14 8PQ
Phone: 01508 470444
Website: dunstonhallhotel.co.uk
All imagery unless stated otherwise credit: Q Hotels/Dunston Hall
