Sundial Cottage

Hotels
Watch House Lane , Norwich , GB

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
24-hour front desk
Heating
Garden
Pets allowed
Hiking
BBQ facilities
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Unique accommodation
Friendly host
Cons:
Cold rooms
Difficult to find

Categories

Cleanliness
7.99
Some reviews mention issues like the cold bedroom and sharing garden space, indicating room for improvement.
Service
8.96
Matthew is frequently described as a lovely and helpful host, enhancing the service experience.
Location
9
Multiple reviews highlight the great location by the sea and its proximity to the beach.
Room Quality
8.45
Guests enjoyed the unique room settings like the railway carriage and caravan, but some concerns about cold spaces.
Amenities
8.48
Amenities are noted as decent, though there are mentions of the fridge not working properly.
Value for Money
8.94
Many guests felt they received a good deal given the unique experience and pricing.
Food and Beverage
8.49
No specific feedback on food; considered standard quality for this hotel tier.
Overall Experience
8.46
Overall sentiment is highly positive, with guests appreciating the uniqueness and charm of the stay.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-23 08:41

Property Description

Unwind by the Sea
Indulge in the serene beachfront setting at Sundial Cottage, just a stone's throw away from popular attractions like Blickling Hall and BeWILDerwood.

Comfort & Convenience
Enjoy complimentary services like private parking, shuttle, and WiFi, along with a 24-hour front desk and shared kitchen for your convenience.

Outdoor Relaxation
Make the most of the warm weather with barbecue facilities, or cozy up near the outdoor fireplace after a day of exploring the nearby cycling trails.

To experience a relaxing beachfront getaway at Sundial Cottage, book now to secure your stay.

Important information:

This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
Managed by a private host
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

Cleanliness: 7.99
Service: 8.96
Location: 9
Room Quality: 8.45
Amenities: 8.48
Value for Money: 8.94
Food and Beverage: 8.49
Overall Experience: 8.46
C
Christopher • solo_traveller • gb
8
A blast from the padt
Pros:

This quirky set of train carriages was l
Placed near the beach around a hundred years ago. Roof and frontage of the property apart it would be almost authentic from that time.
It is a very short stroll to the beach.
The property is reached by going along a private track road .Which is surprising well maintained.
You get to share facilities with Matthew the owner.
In truth it is a blast from the past and should be booked with that in mind.The furnishings are very much in line with the property.
You can imagine your grandparents turning up or a railway guard .
Matthew is the sort that will chat but equally give you space.The bedroom was separated by a curtain as we're most of the rooms.
My own judgement is that this is great for a backpacker, motor tour around Norfolk in a budget.
And of course Bacton and nearby beaches are special and fairly private.

Cons:

The bed wasn't great.That apart there is a shortage of storage space in the bedroom.But I have no doubt Mathew is flexible if he can do it he will .

2026-09-12 • via Nuitee
J
Joe • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

Amazing hospitality - you are staying in a unique personal home and made to feel very welcome.

Cons:

This may not be for everyone but if you like surprise and adventure and a fabulous beach, go for it!

2026-09-10 • via Nuitee
J
Justine • couple • gb
7
Pros:

The Property is in a great location for the beach and the host is a very engaging gentleman

2026-09-03 • via Nuitee
C
Clare • couple • gb
6
Beautiful location, wonderful host and quirky accommodation.
Pros:

Location is just wonderful. Stones throw from the beach. Accommodating host, Matthew was great.
Look out tower was a high point (excuse the pun), what views!!
Can use the kitchen and dog friendly.
Quirky accommodation which was very cute and enjoyed hearing the story about how it came about.
Recommend the chippy about 15 min walk down the coast.
Thanks Matthew (& PB) good luck with the test in Dec.

Cons:

Just the shower facilities, was a bit worried I would flood the floor whilst showering. I didn’t, but anyone less savvy with a handheld shower than i, may have.

2026-09-02 • via Nuitee
G
Gemma • family_with_children • gb
10
2026-09-01 • via Nuitee
C
Carol • couple • gb
10
An absolute gem of a place if you like character and whimsey
Pros:

Sundial Cottage is a fabulous quirky maybe even eccentric venue. Once you are inside you can tell that you are in an old railway carriage with all the history and nostalgia that entails, beautiful woodwork, arched ceilings, narrow corridors with rooms on either side. It absolutely oozes character. The location is simply stunning with steps taking you down the cliff to an almost private beach, and a pub that does delicous seafood just a few minutes stroll away along the Norfolk Coastal Path. Both the cottage and the pub are dog friendly and there are no restrictions on the beach so this is a great place to bring your furry friends. Matthew is an added bonus with all of his local knowledge and such a warm character you really feel at home. I honestly think this was one of the nicest places I have ever stayed.

Cons:

The door to the bedroom is a curtain which I would have liked to know before I booked. The mattress didn't really suit me, but my husband found it very comfortable. I can see that this place wouldn't work for everyone as it's not the sanitized experience you usually get in hotels and it would be difficult to navigate if you had any mobillity issues, but for anyone else it's amazingly good value.

2026-08-25 • via Nuitee
D
Dave Mbiyu • family_with_children • gb
9
Excellent location and an excellent host. We were made to feel welcome from the start
Pros:

The location is excellent as its about 5min to the beach & Matthew is an excellent host

Cons:

There was nothing not to like

2026-08-24 • via Nuitee
M
Marko • extended_group • si
10
Owner is very nice and forthcoming person, location of an accomodation is just phenomenal!
Pros:

Owner, Matthew, is very nice and forthcoming person indeed and did help me and my friend with many excellent and valuable informations regarding our point of interest, photography. The locations Matthew advised us were just phenomenal and we are very thankful for them. Location is also one of the highlights of this accommodation. House is practically on the beach. And the location of the property is excellent starting point to a day visit of any part of Norfolk, what is especially important when you are on a "see as much/take as many excellent photos" style of travel. Thank you Matthew for a pleasant stay!

2026-08-23 • via Nuitee
B
Bobby • solo_traveller • gb
1
Pros:

Location.
Had kitchen

Cons:

Didn't know owner lives at place.
He was okay however kept talking to us when wanted couple time alone. Curtain no door on room. Run down.
Worst of all owner was criticising us about not recycling. All due respect we not kids, we're on holiday and unacceptable to do this. Worst place we've stayed in this country.
Only good thing is great location and kitchen.

2026-08-18 • via Nuitee
D
DARREN • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
G
Glendon • extended_group • gb
8
Our Maremma's first holiday on the beach - and so Matthews place was a brilliant introduction for he
Pros:

It was a very good location - secluded garden - and a sun trap - even tho was July - the wind was somewhat cold especially on the beach but was fine in the garden. Matthew was a great host for even our larger than life dog companion!

Cons:

The advert is realistic - and the reviews cover some peoples point of views - which are reasonable - but one also has to factor in the price - which is extremely low - so acceptance of the situation might best reflect that. The road in is a bit rough - but you look at the others residents cars down that drive - and they are just normal cars not 4x4's, so I guess it's a case of what you are used to.

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • couple • gb
10
Converted train carriages create a magical place to stay, close to a wonderful beach
Pros:

We had a brilliant time at Sundial Cottage. It's really quirky and different. Matthew was the perfect host. We felt welcomed and completely at home from the moment we arrived. The shared kitchen and bathroom were great, and we had everything we needed. Everywhere was very comfortable and clean, There's a lovely beach a few minutes' walk away, where dogs are allowed all year round. We had a lovely, relaxed, peaceful stay, and hope to return again soon.

Cons:

Speaking for ourselves, we liked everything. Some people might not like the railway carriage vibe, and the fact that there are two twin beds rather than a double. We really enjoyed sharing Matthew's home, but other people might want complete privacy and a lockable door. For people wanting a slight change from the usual hotel room, it's enormous fun, and our small dog was extremely welcome, too.

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
G
Gronzalska • couple • gb
9
2026-05-29 • via Nuitee
L
Laithascotty • solo_traveller • gb
3
A cave would be more comfortable
Pros:

The location right on the beach in a peaceful spot

Cons:

I wasnt going to leave a review because 1) I didnt actually stay there and 2) the owner refunded my money after i had asked him. But i feel i must write about my experience when i arrived at this cottage as it was not good at all.
Myself and my husky type dog arrived on an absolutely boiling hot day after having driven for 4 hours in it, my dog was very heat stressed, panting hard and i said a few times that i needed to get him out of the sun and get some water, despite this, Matthew insisted on 'talking me through' various points outside such as the steps down to the beach, where the nearest pub was etc, everytime i responded with 'Ok' but he wasnt interested and just kept waffling on until i finally said firmly that I HAD to get the dog in. So that was the first thing that annoyed me.
But it got much worse. Once we went into the cottage which was so cluttered with all his stuff it was hard to even move around he showed me my room and OMG the heat it was like an oven. No windows looking to outside so no air coming in at all, i went out and brought in my portable fan and plugged it in, the whole time Matthew is busy telling me that its not that bad, most people are very happy, its an exceptionally hot day etc etc. Had a quick chat and a cup of tea in the kitchen then i went outside to sit in the relatively cool garden. He has a small and cute caravan, no one was in it and i went inside and sat down for 2 seconds to get the feel of it then i sat on the step of it and tried to relax a bit. Matthew came out and told me he had switched off my fan. Admittedly i did get quite tetchy about this and asked him why, he explained then that it was just circulating warm air in the room as there was no air from outside going in so it was pointless to have it on and wasting electricity. He then had a go at me for sitting on the caravan step and told me i hadnt paid for the caravan and he didnt say i could use it and it would have been polite to ask!!

2026-05-28 • via Nuitee
P
peter • couple • gb
8
Good for the beach and walking the dog.
Pros:

The accommodation was EXACTLY as described. Location was excellent, right next to the beach. Bedroom and bedding, and all rooms were clean. The accommodation is dog friendly, and we took our spaniel, but there were no signs of dog hair or previous visitors taking dogs.
Matthew was a good host.

Cons:

I don't think there is anything to complain about. It is Matthews house and he lives as he wants to.
Because he describes EXACTLY what he is offering, we would say "it is what it is".

2026-05-21 • via Nuitee
R
Russell • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

Perfect thank you

Cons:

Nothing

2026-04-25 • via Nuitee
R
Robert • couple • gb
10
Excellent host and a wonderful place to stay
Pros:

Superb host and the most beautiful views.

Cons:

A hot tub on top on the lookout tower 🤣

2026-04-25 • via Nuitee
B
Belinda • solo_traveller • gb
1
Pros:

The location was very close to the beach the host was pleasant and informative

Cons:

I feel this place shouldn't be hosting guests the property is not suitable.
If I hadn't travelled so far and could have found something else I would not have stayed one night
I managed to find a room elsewhere and pay extra for it for the second night

2026-04-13 • via Nuitee
P
Pamela • solo_traveller • gb
10
Sundial cottage
Pros:

Such an unusual property with two train carriages in the home, totally unique and amazing
Mathew the owner was helpful and informative
The view from the edge of the cliff was fantastic, and you could go down the steps to the beach and then walk along to the pub( which I didn't do as I have COPD and don't I could have managed the steps back up

Cons:

It was unusual and unique, so nothing not to like

2026-04-12 • via Nuitee
H
Hayley • couple • gb
10
Pros:

Stayed a few nights with my daughter. We both had a fantastic time. Mathew was wonderful and very accommodating. the location was beautiful, Accommodation was full of character and holds some very interesting history. we very much look forward to booking another few days in the summer months.

2026-04-05 • via Nuitee