Upon arriving at The Gunton Arms, guests are immediately drawn into the serene countryside surroundings. The main house, where the pub is located, exudes authentic countryside charm with its welcoming, rustic elegance.
After being shown to our room, it was clear that The Gunton Arms excels in creating spaces that make you feel at home. The room was spacious, well-appointed, and furnished in a way that invites relaxation. The soft tones of the decor and the oversized windows that let in natural light gave the room an airy, peaceful feel.
The Bacon Bedroom
The beauty of The Gunton Arms is that it caters to both the social butterflies and the quiet retreat seekers. Whether you prefer the peace and quiet of your room, the lively buzz of the pub, or the privacy of the guest-only spaces, there’s something for everyone. You can curl up by a cosy fireplace nook, sipping tea made in the kitchenette available for guests, lose yourself in a good book, or challenge someone to a friendly game of chess. It’s the perfect place for both introverts and extroverts to find their own pace.
The guest-only sitting area
A Lucien Freud artwork in the guest-only living room
One of the most distinctive features of The Gunton Arms is the incredible art collection that adorns its walls. Thanks to Ivor Braka’s impeccable taste, the hotel functions not just as a retreat, but as a living, breathing gallery. The artwork throughout the property includes pieces from some of the most influential artists, including Tracey Emin, Lucian Freud, and Damien Hirst. The experience of walking through the halls feels like moving through an open museum, where every room and corridor offers something visually stunning.
William Morris wallpaper and staircase
An iconic Damien Hirst in the Ladies Bathroom
The presence of such celebrated works adds a layer of sophistication and intellectual allure to the setting. Yet, it doesn’t feel sterile or intimidating; on the contrary, the art is integrated seamlessly into the environment, making it feel like an extension of the very fabric of The Gunton Arms. Whether you're lounging in the sitting room, strolling down the hallways, or enjoying a drink at the bar, you are always surrounded by art that invites reflection and conversation, without being overpowering.
Tracey Emin artwork in the 'Emin room' of the house
The experience at The Gunton Arms is not limited to just its art and ambiance. The food is also outstanding, In a dim lit pub with burning candles on each table, guests are invited to watch Chef Stuart Tattersall cook the mouth-watering steaks and roast potatoes on an open fire. Standouts included the cod with creamed leeks and peas, buttery potatoes and purple sprouting broccoli infused with garlic, chilli, and orange zest; as well as the pistachio cheesecake with raspberry coulis which had the perfect biscuit base. The entire meal was a celebration of seasonal British produce and thoughtful preparation, a true testament to The Gunton Arms’ dedication to providing an exceptional dining experience.
Elk Room
The Chalet Dining Room
The pub also provides a selection of lighter meals, including toasted sandwiches and various snack delicacies. The chips with curry sauce were a nostalgic, comforting treat, perfect for a midday pick-me-up after a long walk.
Duck on flatbread
Roast Dinner
The following day was a perfect blend of rest and exploration. After a restful night’s sleep, we decided to take a leisurely walk around the estate. The beauty of the surrounding countryside is truly enchanting as deer roam freely on either side of you. The five-metre-high white block-piled pyramid sculpture designed by American conceptual artist, Sol LeWitt, adds an artistic touch to the natural beauty of the area.
Sculpture by Sol LeWitt
The Gunton Arms’ secluded location makes it the ideal place for a quiet retreat. There’s little in the way of nearby distractions, which adds to the sense of being truly away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. While the estate is perfect for summer walks, the warmth and cosiness of the pub make it equally inviting during the colder months, offering the perfect balance for any season.
The rustic chic bathrooms in the bedrooms at The Gunton Arms
Artwork by Hans-Peter Feldmann in the entrance of The Gunton Arms
In the evening, we ventured to the Suffield Arms, a sister restaurant to The Gunton Arms. Known for its laid-back feel and creative cocktail bar, the pub attracts both locals and visitors, making it a great spot to enjoy a lively evening. The restaurant’s tapas-style menu is a real treat, with standout dishes like boquerones, tortilla, and parmesan aioli corn ribs that showcase the restaurant’s commitment to quality and originality. Each bite was bursting with flavour, and the combination of local ingredients with Mediterranean influences made for an unforgettable meal.
Tapas at The Suffield Arms
On our final day, after a delicious breakfast at The Gunton Arms, we set off to explore some nearby attractions. A visit to the coastal town of Cromer offered beautiful views of the sea, and lunch at Rocky Bottoms provided a wonderful opportunity to savour local seafood. We then made our way to the Sandringham Estate, the royal family’s private residence, to explore its stunning grounds and learn about its history.
Damien Hirst butterfly artworks adorning the walls around the Elk bay window
For those looking to extend the adventure, a stop in Cambridge on the way back to London offers the chance to enjoy some traditional punting along the River Cam, a quintessentially British experience that provides a charming conclusion to the weekend.
Whether you’re drawn to the exceptional artwork, the incredible food, or simply the tranquillity of the countryside, The Gunton Arms offers it all in the most uniquely authentic way. With its intimate, welcoming environment and luxurious touches, The Gunton Arms is a destination that will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and eager to return.
