Looking for inspiration for a half-term bolthole for all the family? As one of the UK's best loved holiday escapes (also one of the driest and sunniest counties), Norfolk Hideaways, North Norfolk's premier holiday lettings agency has cherry picked its favourite properties, all but one (that will be the penthouse) with woodburning stoves.

Fancy staying in a beautifully converted Civil War ammunition store, complete with secret tunnel? Or tinkling the ivories in a Grade II listed 'quintessential English cottage'? What about an old, but completely restored, school house - or is that too ironic for a half term break?

If luxury is what you're after, then look no further than the penthouse in Wells-next-the-Sea, which we think is the only such property of its type available.

Here's Norfolk Hideaways best family retreats in North Norfolk this Autumn and October half term.

The best traditional North Norfolk Cottage

Mayes Cottage, Brancaster

Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms

Price £972 Fri 23rd - Fri 30th October

Cute, cute, cute! Mayes Cottage is a traditional brick and flint Norfolk Cottage in central Brancaster.  It has just been completely refurbished including the addition of a stunning new kitchen and dining room extension with vaulted ceiling.  The rooms are all tastefully decorated with new floorings and furnishings throughout. Many of the original features have been retained including the old front door. The décor is restful and stylish.  The kitchen is bespoke with deep granite tops and new appliances. A fabulous and comfortable base from which to explore the North Norfolk beaches.

The best for large groups

Ivy Farm Barns, Stanhoe

Sleeps 8 plus 2 in 4 bedrooms

Price £1,607 Fri 23rd - Fri 30th October

Underfloor heating and woodburning stoves make this large and luxurious property the ultimate cosy autumn retreat. A high spec 3 storey property on the edge of Stanhoe, there's superb bespoke design features and luxuriously appointed accommodation throughout. Fabulously located, the Duck Inn is within walking distance, the Georgian village of Burnham Market is a 5 minute drive away, the coast, 10 minutes.

The Only Holiday Penthouse in Wells

The Granary Penthouse, Wells-next-the-Sea

Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms

Price £1,117 Fri 23rd - Fri 30th October

A Penthouse! In Wells! We know, it's rare - in fact the only penthouse let in the holiday market here, so a unique opportunity to enjoy 180 degrees, uninterrupted views over the harbour and estuary in sumptuous luxury. The accommodation is tastefully presented with high quality appliances, furnishings and linens. There is a lift to the apartment and parking to the rear.  The bedrooms are on separate floors so this gives a high degree of privacy if two couples or a family wish to rent the apartment.

Best Quirky Retreat

The Magazine, Sedgeford

Sleeps 5 in 3 bedrooms

Price £922 Fri 23rd - Fri 30th October

The Magazine is one of the most interesting properties we have in our portfolio. Built in 1642 as ammunition store in the time of Oliver Cromwell and the Civil War, it just oozes mystery and history. The house was built in the style of a chapel to disguise it's real use. It is situated on the old Roman road Peddars Way on the outskirts of the village of Sedgeford. There is a rumour of a secret tunnel running to the coast to aid escape and to covertly move munitions during this turbulent period of English history. To stay here gives guests a chance to sample living in a fabulous historical conversion whilst still retaining modern comforts. There are too many original features to list but the large stone mullioned windows are a wonderful feature in the sitting room. It sleeps 5 in three bedrooms two of which are up in the eaves. There are cosy wood burners in the kitchen and sitting room.

The Most Typical 'English' Cottage

Painter's Corner, Heacham

Sleeps 4 plus 1 in 3 bedrooms

Price £507 per week , Fri 23rd - Fri 30th

A Grade II listed, typically English Cottage, situated on the Church Green in the conservation area of Heacham, Painter's Corner overlooks the Church. Inside, the cottage is heavily beamed inside with a large inglenook fireplace housing a woodburner. Many original features have been retained and as the owner's son is a professional pianist there is also a new perfectly tuned piano for the more musical guests to play!  

The best for Old School

The Old School House, Docking

Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms

Price £882 Fri 23rd - Fri 30th October

Smack bang in the centre of the village, The Old School House  has just been completely and sympathetically restored to a high standard with a new kitchen, bathroom and furnishings. There are several original features of the old school including the big red arched door to the front and tiled floors. The ground floor is spacious with two sitting rooms, a good sized kitchen, garden/dining room and a downstairs shower room.   The gardens are newly lawned and fully enclosed and dog proof.  Brancaster is just a short drive away.

The Best Contemporary  

Driftwood House, Brancaster

Sleeps 6 plus 2 in 4 bedrooms

Price: £882 Fri 23rd - Fri 30th

Driftwood House is a light and airy contemporary property situated in Brancaster. It really does have the WOW factor.  The accommodation is 'upside down' to take advantage of the views over the salt marshes towards the sea.  The sitting room is comfortable and has the advantage of a wood burning stove for the cooler months.  There is plenty of seating and the kitchen is well equipped.  The bedrooms are downstairs.  The fourth bedroom can be either used as a bedroom, complete with a sofa bed with proper mattress or a sun room with access to the gardens through French doors.

For more holiday cottage information visit:

www.norfolkhideaways.co.uk @norfolkhideaway

Tel: 01485 211022.

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Media contact

To request hi-res images, for further information or to arrange a press trip, please contact Rebecca Scrase, Norfolk Hideways PR, T. 01449 677033 M. 07985 973973 or by e-mail: rebeccascrase@gmail.com

Note to Editors

Norfolk Hideaways has nearly 280 one to eight bedroom properties along the spectacular North Norfolk coast and up to 5 miles inland. With a portfolio stretching from Old Hunstanton in the east to Cromer in the west, it specialises in self-catering holiday cottages between Heacham and Mundesley.  Norfolk Hideaways was founded in 2009 by Hetti Simpson.