The Saracens Head
Escape to North Norfolk’s hidden gem
In the heart of bucolic north Norfolk, just a few miles from the coast and on the edge of Wolterton Park you’ll find our unique, family run six bedroom Georgian Inn.
The Saracen’s was originally built by G S Repton for Horatio Walpole in 1806, in the style of an Italian farmhouse and as a fun sidekick to it’s much larger neighbour and Horatio’s home, Wolterton Hall a Palladian mansion and one of the four big power houses of North Norfolk. If you fancy a Norfolk escape that’s classically quirky, with bags of heritage but without any stuffiness.
At The Saracen’s our ethos is simple. We want to make our guests feel completely at home and enjoy all that we have on our doorstep – glorious walks wonderful places of interest, the marvellous coast, and crucially, decent rest and great food. With the focus on creating an original, classical menu with a twist, we are always lead by what’s seasonal and recommended by our fantastic suppliers. We pride ourselves on respecting what has worked historically and continue this by celebrating Norfolk’s abundance of produce, while maintaining the traditional integrity and warmth of a family-run inn.
Food:
Our ever-changing seasonal menu uses the finest local ingredients and is created by our award-winning team. Seasonal superstars include Cromer Crab, fresh local asparagus farmed less than a mile away, as well as mouth-watering beef and lamb from our local suppliers. The focus is on delivering great food and service, with the emphasis on creating dishes that showcase the abundance of local produce, and letting the flavours speak for themselves.
The Restaurant is open for lunch (12 – 2) and dinner (6.30 – 8.30) Wednesday to Saturday, and Sunday lunch (12.30 – 2.30).
To book a table call us on 01263 768909
Rooms at The Saracen’s
Our Six rooms are simple, stylish and elegant, designed with your comfort and practical needs in mind. The family room has space for two children and a cot and all our rooms are ensuite and convert to twins from doubles, so it’s as easy for friends as it is for couples. Dogs are welcome everywhere, apart from the dining room restaurant.
The magical walled garden and magnificent views extending over fields to the coast make The Saracen’s a destination spot for anyone wanting an escape with great local food, style and comfort with a relaxed, home from home atmosphere. Eat outside in warmer weather, or get snug in the relaxed restaurant or our slightly more formal dining room.
Locations
From Norwich, Cromer or North Walsham
About 3 1/2 miles past the Aylsham roundabout, turn off the A140 at the large tourist board sign marked “Wolterton Hall”. Follow signs into Erpingham, go past the pub for another 1/4 mile. Don’t bear right for Aldborough. Instead, keep straight on past the church on the left and head for open country. After 1/2 mile, find us on the right hand side!
From Holt and district
Turn off the bypass for Hempstead, through Baconsthorpe, Plumstead to Matlaske Old School. Turn left in Matlaske village, right again over the old wartime airfield for 1 mile, then left – signposted Aldborough. Turn right at small crossroads (round church over left), follow 1 mile to Wolterton Hall gates. Turn left – you’re nearly here!
From Dereham, Fakenham, Melton Constable and North Coast
At the Saxthorpe five crossways. Take exit brown sign, “Mannington Hall” (and Matlaske). Take next right to Mannington Hall. Pass Hall , at next T-junction, turn left. After 500 yards, turn right. At next T-junction turn left, for 500 yards. You come to Park Farm on left. Turn right (old estate wall on right). The Saracen’s Head is 1/2 mile on left, opposite the end of the long wall on your right.