The Lifeboat Inn

Hotels
8.5 (575 reviews)
Ship Lane , Hunstanton , gb

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Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Pets allowed
Fax/photocopying
Packed lunches
Non-smoking throughout
Board games/puzzles
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Good food
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Small rooms
High prices

Categories

Cleanliness
7.64
Several reviews noted issues with cleanliness, including mould in the bathroom and unclean dog beds.
Service
9.11
Staff were described as super friendly and attentive, contributing to a positive experience.
Location
9.15
The hotel is well-located for sightseeing and beautiful views, with many positive mentions.
Room Quality
8.1
Rooms are generally described as lovely and comfortable, but one reviewer mentioned a small room.
Amenities
8.63
Good range of amenities available, including parking and complimentary toiletries.
Value for Money
8.09
Value for money received positive notes but some reviews mentioned high prices for low-value items.
Food and Beverage
8.64
Food quality received positive remarks, although there were some issues noted with meal choices.
Overall Experience
8.61
Many guests expressed a desire to return, indicating overall satisfaction despite minor issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-20 08:25

Property Description

Charming 16th Century Inn in Picturesque Thornham

Historic Charm: The Lifeboat Inn, a 16th-century property, seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comforts. Each en suite bedroom is equipped with free toiletries, a hairdryer, TV, and radio.

Ideal Location: Situated in the quaint village of Thornham, just a short walk from the Norfolk Coast Path, guests can easily explore the marshes and sand dunes. With attractions like Holkham Hall and Sandringham House nearby, there's plenty to discover.

Explore Norfolk: Offering a perfect base to explore Norfolk, from historic sites to scenic landscapes, Lifeboat Inn is the ideal choice for a memorable getaway.

Book now to experience the perfect blend of history and comfort at The Lifeboat Inn.

Important information:

Please note: not all rooms can accommodate extra beds and cribs, so please make your request at time of booking.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: NWI

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 3 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 3 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 4 years old to 17 years old stay for £25 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    Children from 4 years old to 17 years old stay for £25 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.5
Based on 575 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.64
Service: 9.11
Location: 9.15
Room Quality: 8.1
Amenities: 8.63
Value for Money: 8.09
Food and Beverage: 8.64
Overall Experience: 8.61
G
Gooch • family_with_children • gb
7
2026-03-16 • via Nuitee
S
Sav • family_with_children • gb
9
2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
C
Chris • family_with_children • gb
10
2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
K
Karen • couple • gb
10
Pros:

room, dinner & breakfast as well as the welcome & service by the staff team - all excellent

Cons:

nothing - couldn't improve

2026-02-23 • via Nuitee
B
Blackwell • couple • gb
10
Exceptional
Pros:

This is our favorite place there is something about it that is just lovely. We asked for Rumbold room and it didn't disappoint. The atmosphere is one of olde worlde down stairs and modern coastal upstairs. The staff are so friendly and welcoming.

Cons:

Veggie menu could be better but I asked for certain food and the chef did it. Thanks chef

2026-02-09 • via Nuitee
J
Jayne • couple • gb
10
A very enjoyable stay
Pros:

Lovely room and a lovely breakfast

2026-01-30 • via Nuitee
B
Blackwell • couple • gb
10
Wonderful old place with modern bedrooms
Pros:

This is our go to place. Just wonderful. We love the rooms,the shower the bed is utterly amazing. I am vegetarian and there is food for me to eat. The young man who served us breakfast morning of the 28th was so professional he is a real credit to you. Going again next week.

Cons:

Could you please do more veggie food 😋

2026-01-28 • via Nuitee
R
Rebecca • family_with_children • gb
9
Lovely pub, friendly staff, amazing location.
Pros:

We have visited the lifeboat allot over the years but this was our first time staying there. The staff are all lovely and very friendly and accommodating. Love the open fire. Had Sunday lunch and the food was delicious. Lovely walks straight from the pub door.

Cons:

The hot water in our room was very very hot and we found it very difficult to get a comfortable temperature to shower in. This could be very dangerous.

2026-01-21 • via Nuitee
L
Lucinda • couple • fr
9
2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
L
Liam • couple • gb
5
Pros:

Staff

Cons:

Cleanliness

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
M
Margaret • couple • gb
5
Pros:

Breakfast good
Locatiom goodw

Cons:

Wardrobes in the bedrooms.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
E
Ernest • couple • gb
8
An enjoyable stay only too short.
Pros:

Staff very friendly and quick to please. The breakfast was very well presented and of excellent quality. Liked the fact that I was given a key for the outside door in case I return after the inn is closed.

Cons:

The inn is starting to look war torn and could do with a good clean. An industrial vacuum cleaner instead of the cheap domestic one, getting into corners and dusting some of the artefacts throughout the inn would be a start.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
D
Debbie8 • family_with_children • gb
9
Pros:

Food was good, room was a lovely size, location was ideal for what we had come for, staff were very friendly, plenty of parking , complimentary toiletries and biscuits were lovely.

Cons:

Road noise was louder than I expected but it is on a main road so not unexpected.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
D
David • couple • gb
9
It was a lovely holiday! Total guesswork with where we were booking, but turned out great!
Pros:

Staff! Location and facilities.

Cons:

Flies in the dining room. The room was quite hot.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
J
Jane • couple • gb
10
First class all round.
Pros:

Lovely quiet location, we arrived early but were given our table for lunch and room straight away. All staff friendly and helpful. Food excellent.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

Dog friendly, very clean, nice rooms and bar.

Cons:

Drink prices somewhat high.

2026-01-16 • via Nuitee
B
Blackwell • solo_traveller • gb
10
We will be back
Pros:

The room was warm and cozy. The bed was amazing and we had a beautiful sleep. Staff super helpful and very friendly. We had just had to let our dog go to Rainbow bridge and the fact that dogs were allowed was so lovely and we met the beautiful Kate a labrador retriever, who was happy to be fussed.
Modern decor mixed with original was so lovely.

Cons:

Not a complaint but it would be amazing if you could provide more choices for vegetarians.

2026-01-14 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • couple • gb
8
Lovely 2 night stay.
Pros:

Lovely 2 night stay, Staff were all very friendly & helpful. Food & drinks were great, including breakfast.

Cons:

nothing

2026-01-12 • via Nuitee
A
Adrian • couple • gb
8
friendly staff,lovely food,cosy rooms
Pros:

breakfast was amazing

Cons:

nothing it was absolutely perfect

2026-01-11 • via Nuitee
F
Fiona • couple • gb
9
Would definitely come back but hopefully for longer next time
Pros:

Food was exceptional, good quality produce.
Restaurant was really welcoming, service was excellent

Cons:

It was all good

2026-01-11 • via Nuitee