The Lifeboat Inn
Ship Lane, Thornham PE36 6LT England
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Avg. C$262 /night, 8/8 - 8/9
C$510
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per night
C$191
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4.0
#2 of 2 inns in ThornhamLocation
Cleanliness
Service
Value
The Lifeboat Inn, situated minutes from the stunning sandy beaches on the Norfolk Coast has been receiving guests since the 16th century. This wonderful country inn, situated in the picturesque village of Thornham on the North Norfolk Coast, has 13 recently refurbished bedrooms and has different dining areas to suit all occasions; small functions, weddings and Christenings; a welcoming lounge with an open fireplace; a bright conservatory; a traditional, history-soaked bar. It is an ideal bed and breakfast destination for a weekend or long break away.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Public wifi
Free breakfast
Bar / lounge
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Room features
Housekeeping
Room service
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TheAA: The Automobile Association.
HOTEL STYLE
Historic Hotel
Quaint
Location
Ship Lane, Thornham PE36 6LT England
Getting there
Norwich Airport
56.9 km•
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Rental Cars
10 Restaurants
within 1 kilometer
2 Attractions
within 1 kilometer
Reviews
4.0
896 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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The Lifeboat Inn, nestled in a tranquil and picturesque setting, is often praised for its inviting atmosphere, featuring log fires and a cozy ambiance. While guests commend the cleanliness and dog-friendly amenities, opinions on the value are mixed due to concerns about overpriced food and inconsistent service speed.
Room experiences vary, with comfort and cleanliness highlighted, though some guests point out issues with size and maintenance. Despite mixed service feedback, the warm environment and quality decorations contribute to the hotel's charm.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Satisfactory
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Detailed Reviews
The Lifeboat went to extra lengths to eliminate risk during these difficult times. All staff wore face coverings at all times, strict social distancing in the restaurant, which is only open to residents,the food was hot and plentiful with plenty of choice. Bedrooms were very clean with all the normal complimentary items available, once you check in that rooms becomes your personal space for the duration of your stay. Room attendants do not enter again until you check out. Clean towels and additional tea/coffee are left outside your room on request. Dispite dreadful weather the team did all they could to make us feel welcome and safe, well done the Lifeboat!
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Some considerable thought and detail has gone into reopening this venue. Excellent hygiene and organisation. Serving simple and tasty food in a large sit-down marquee, small or large box food options, £7 and £13 respectively. Drinks are and food are ordered at the bar. All cutlery wrapped in brown paper envelopes. Very smart presentation with recyclable brown box and paper theme - clever touches throughout. Had pizzas, burgers and fish salads. All agreed it was excellent - well done to all the staff!
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Date of stay: July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
We stayed a couple of nights for a winter break. Excellent value at half price if you ate evening meals either at Lifeboat or Chequers, so we ate at Chequers one night and Lifeboat the next. We chose "Riches", their best room, which was very cosy and nicely decorated. Very comfortable bed, nice bathroom and shower. This is clearly a popular place to eat; on a Monday evening there were lots of people dining. I treated myself to mussels as a starter and got a huge plateful of really lovely molluscs. Main courses were excellent too, and the wine list was good, although the Woodford's Wherry had to be sampled too.
Breakfast was really nice as well, with very large portions. Full English (eaten by OH) beautifully cooked, while I opted one day for haddock, spinach and poached eggs then smoked salmon and scrambled eggs the next. Both these were superb.
The Lifeboat has a lovely atmosphere, with real a real fire in one reception room, a warm and comfortable bar area, and a smarter restaurant room as well as the conservatory. Staff were welcoming, friendly and helpful, and worked very hard.
I would definitely recommend this as somewhere to stay or just come for a meal. The location is great too - close to the sea and marshes.
Breakfast was really nice as well, with very large portions. Full English (eaten by OH) beautifully cooked, while I opted one day for haddock, spinach and poached eggs then smoked salmon and scrambled eggs the next. Both these were superb.
The Lifeboat has a lovely atmosphere, with real a real fire in one reception room, a warm and comfortable bar area, and a smarter restaurant room as well as the conservatory. Staff were welcoming, friendly and helpful, and worked very hard.
I would definitely recommend this as somewhere to stay or just come for a meal. The location is great too - close to the sea and marshes.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: Riches is very comfortable and spacious.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from LifeboatManager, Manager at The Lifeboat Inn
Responded Feb 27, 2020
Good evening, Thank you for such a glowing review. I will pass on your comments to all the teams. Look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Thank you Sam
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I read some of the negative reviews and I have to say I am astounded. The team here are fantastic (Sarah E with the glasses!) really helpful and fun and the whole experience was really good. The menu was limited but we knew that would be the case because of the situation we all find ourselves in. The fish and chips and pizza we had we're really good and I was pleased they were in boxes - made us feel as though it was safe which must be a positive thing. We had a happy, relaxing evening. My advice is ignore the moaners, this is a cheerful, safe, good place to eat.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We decided to stay here due to the good comments we read regarding the property being dog friendly.
We stayed with our two cocker spaniels and when I booked there were no issues when I mentioned this other than an extra charge of £15 per dog.
When we arrived there is a huge car park belonging to the pub so no issues parking.
A lovely roaring fire was going when we entered the pub and the receptionist was very pleasant and showed us to our room.
I had ordered flowers and wine for my wife as it was our anniversary and these were in our room waiting with the wine on ice.
The room was very nice and clean and quite spacious. I believe the bed was only a double which was a shame as we are used to bigger.
There were doggie bowls and towels in the room along with a few treats.
The room had complimentary shampoo, shower gel and body lotion but no conditioner which I believe is a must and perhaps should be introduced over the body lotion?
The hotel had booked us in for dinner provisionally even though we hadn’t asked them to which was a blessing considering how busy the restaurant was.
There was quite a choice on the menu but disappointingly they were all out of pizzas which was my wife’s first choice, I found this a little bizarre considering we were booked in for an early meal at 6.45.
I had steak and my wife fish which was plentiful in size.
After returning to our room we were acutely aware that a lot of the rooms were taken up by dog owners because as you walked along the corridor you were greeted to a dog chorus as you walked past each door. This might put off those who are staying without animals, but didn’t inconvenience us in the slightest.
Breakfast is between 8 and 10am and the tables are arranged dependant on party size.
I went for the lifeboat inn breakfast which is a full English and my wife opted for the vegetarian option.
Both were extremely hearty and we couldn’t eat it all. There were also cereal’s, fruit and yoghurt as well as toast and Tiptree jams.
There are also sausages for the dogs at a £1 each which are excellent value for money as they are big fat and juicy and the same as served to us.
We didn’t use the bar area of the inn but it looked very welcoming and cozy.
Overall we had a wonderful stay and wouldn’t hesitate to return.
We stayed with our two cocker spaniels and when I booked there were no issues when I mentioned this other than an extra charge of £15 per dog.
When we arrived there is a huge car park belonging to the pub so no issues parking.
A lovely roaring fire was going when we entered the pub and the receptionist was very pleasant and showed us to our room.
I had ordered flowers and wine for my wife as it was our anniversary and these were in our room waiting with the wine on ice.
The room was very nice and clean and quite spacious. I believe the bed was only a double which was a shame as we are used to bigger.
There were doggie bowls and towels in the room along with a few treats.
The room had complimentary shampoo, shower gel and body lotion but no conditioner which I believe is a must and perhaps should be introduced over the body lotion?
The hotel had booked us in for dinner provisionally even though we hadn’t asked them to which was a blessing considering how busy the restaurant was.
There was quite a choice on the menu but disappointingly they were all out of pizzas which was my wife’s first choice, I found this a little bizarre considering we were booked in for an early meal at 6.45.
I had steak and my wife fish which was plentiful in size.
After returning to our room we were acutely aware that a lot of the rooms were taken up by dog owners because as you walked along the corridor you were greeted to a dog chorus as you walked past each door. This might put off those who are staying without animals, but didn’t inconvenience us in the slightest.
Breakfast is between 8 and 10am and the tables are arranged dependant on party size.
I went for the lifeboat inn breakfast which is a full English and my wife opted for the vegetarian option.
Both were extremely hearty and we couldn’t eat it all. There were also cereal’s, fruit and yoghurt as well as toast and Tiptree jams.
There are also sausages for the dogs at a £1 each which are excellent value for money as they are big fat and juicy and the same as served to us.
We didn’t use the bar area of the inn but it looked very welcoming and cozy.
Overall we had a wonderful stay and wouldn’t hesitate to return.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jess D, Other at The Lifeboat Inn
Responded Apr 22, 2022
Wow, what a lovely review! Thank you. It was a pleasure to have you stay with us at The Lifeboat. Such detailed reviews are always so helpful to ourselves and other readers and thank you for making the time and effort to do so.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lovely old Inn in a great position for walking and generally exploring the area. Room was large and spotlessly clean but did initially smell of smoke which was probably the result of years past of a smoking bar over which it was situated. Covid secure for our 2 night stay for the most part although a group of 6 sat in the small lounge area which necessitated walking through them at less than the distance required on two occasions. Staff did their jobs efficiently but there was no sense of welcoming or being valued as a guest. Dogs were allowed in the restaurant and despite us being dog lovers we did find it disconcerting to see residents feeding them under the table at meal times. Overall a well - needed and enjoyable break but could have been so much better.
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Date of stay: August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prior to the second lockdown we managed to visit Norfolk and stayed at the Lifeboat Inn in Thornham. We had walked past it on a number of occasions but never ventured in but knowing what a great location it was in we thought we would stay there for a couple of nights.
Firstly, they were very organised in booking in with timed slots so as to avoid a number of people all arriving at the same time. We found all the staff to be very helpful and observing the correct rules and regulations ... the room was very good with a nice view out over the marshes towards the sea ... the food and the drink were all excellent and all in all we had a most enjoyable stay. I feel sure that we will be back as it is perfect for so many great walks.
Firstly, they were very organised in booking in with timed slots so as to avoid a number of people all arriving at the same time. We found all the staff to be very helpful and observing the correct rules and regulations ... the room was very good with a nice view out over the marshes towards the sea ... the food and the drink were all excellent and all in all we had a most enjoyable stay. I feel sure that we will be back as it is perfect for so many great walks.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed here August bank holiday with our dog to allow some much needed adult time (carers to our Autistic child) while our 2 children stayed with grandparents at their caravan in Thornham. We only had breakfast and a drink in the hotel as we spent our days with the family at the caravan.
Breakfast was nice and you could take dogs in the restaurant which appealed to us. They were given a complimentary doggy sausage which was a nice touch, although think the dog sitting on a chair and eating from a dog bowl on the table was a little too much - most people had a dog in the restaurant and bar - not a place to go if you don't like dogs.
We had a drink in the bar the first evening, but there were empty glasses on all the tables. We chose to have a drink in a different Thornham pub the following night for this reason. Every time we passed the outside tables near our room they too were full of empty glasses.
Our room was Hillary on the ground floor. When we entered it had an overpowering smell of wet dog. This smell stayed despite us airing the room. I understand that being dog friendly there are going to be smells but the smell was so strong. Perhaps the carpets need cleaning more often, or perhaps hard floor instead of carpet would be more practical.
Our biggest disappointment was upon entering out room - the carpet was not hoovered, it was covered in other guests dog hairs, sticky buds and debris. We reported this to a staff member who remarked that it had indeed been hoovered and that the cleaners were now at their sister hotel, but she would she if there if there was anything she could do. Much to our dismay nothing was done and no one mentioned this during our stay. Such a shame, as if we had just been provided with a hoover I would have hoovered it myself.
We were asked during check out if everything was ok with our stay to which we remarked about the carpet not being cleaned (this was the same member of staff as we reported the issue to on arrival). The reply we got was “oh was it not done” to which we replied no. And that was it, no apology, or ‘this isnt our usual standard’. Had we had an apology and this been rectified we would have totally understood that things get missed, but it were as if we were the problem.
Cleanliness is a basic for us, and the fact that we paid £430 for two nights which includes £15 per night for our dog to have a dirty room and pub littered with used glasses means we would not recommend or return to this hotel.
Breakfast was nice and you could take dogs in the restaurant which appealed to us. They were given a complimentary doggy sausage which was a nice touch, although think the dog sitting on a chair and eating from a dog bowl on the table was a little too much - most people had a dog in the restaurant and bar - not a place to go if you don't like dogs.
We had a drink in the bar the first evening, but there were empty glasses on all the tables. We chose to have a drink in a different Thornham pub the following night for this reason. Every time we passed the outside tables near our room they too were full of empty glasses.
Our room was Hillary on the ground floor. When we entered it had an overpowering smell of wet dog. This smell stayed despite us airing the room. I understand that being dog friendly there are going to be smells but the smell was so strong. Perhaps the carpets need cleaning more often, or perhaps hard floor instead of carpet would be more practical.
Our biggest disappointment was upon entering out room - the carpet was not hoovered, it was covered in other guests dog hairs, sticky buds and debris. We reported this to a staff member who remarked that it had indeed been hoovered and that the cleaners were now at their sister hotel, but she would she if there if there was anything she could do. Much to our dismay nothing was done and no one mentioned this during our stay. Such a shame, as if we had just been provided with a hoover I would have hoovered it myself.
We were asked during check out if everything was ok with our stay to which we remarked about the carpet not being cleaned (this was the same member of staff as we reported the issue to on arrival). The reply we got was “oh was it not done” to which we replied no. And that was it, no apology, or ‘this isnt our usual standard’. Had we had an apology and this been rectified we would have totally understood that things get missed, but it were as if we were the problem.
Cleanliness is a basic for us, and the fact that we paid £430 for two nights which includes £15 per night for our dog to have a dirty room and pub littered with used glasses means we would not recommend or return to this hotel.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed here to celebrate a special birthday and had a lovely visit.
The staff went out of their way to be very welcoming and helpful. The rooms were spotlessly clean and everything was to a very high standard.
The bed was extremely comfy and it was nice to have good quality toiletries.
It is expensive and perhaps lacked that extra little something that other similarly priced hotels offer. There were just 4 coat hangers (albeit top quality ones!) and the biscuits were nice but run of the mill. There was a gap around one blind so I was awoken as soon as it got light.
One of the reasons we chose The Lifeboat Inn was because my sister loves it there and it was her birthday present and also because it is dog friendly and could accommodate her 3 dogs. There were nice touches such as dog treats, bowls and blankets provided but not sure that and any additional cleaning merited the £60 charge (£20 per dog).
Breakfast was wonderful with all the produce being very fresh and delicious. The staff were very helpful, bringing out an extra mushroom when my sister had a bit of food envy!
The staff went out of their way to be very welcoming and helpful. The rooms were spotlessly clean and everything was to a very high standard.
The bed was extremely comfy and it was nice to have good quality toiletries.
It is expensive and perhaps lacked that extra little something that other similarly priced hotels offer. There were just 4 coat hangers (albeit top quality ones!) and the biscuits were nice but run of the mill. There was a gap around one blind so I was awoken as soon as it got light.
One of the reasons we chose The Lifeboat Inn was because my sister loves it there and it was her birthday present and also because it is dog friendly and could accommodate her 3 dogs. There were nice touches such as dog treats, bowls and blankets provided but not sure that and any additional cleaning merited the £60 charge (£20 per dog).
Breakfast was wonderful with all the produce being very fresh and delicious. The staff were very helpful, bringing out an extra mushroom when my sister had a bit of food envy!
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good food, great location, friendly helpful staff. However a dirty bath on arrival was not expected considering how much the sea view room costs. Reported to reception on check out, an apologetic answer was given, but considering how long lockdown has given for rooms to be cleaned it was very disappointing with no offer of any form of compensation.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jess D, Other at The Lifeboat Inn
Responded Jul 24, 2021
Good Morning Thank you for your review and I am extremely sorry to hear the issues regarding the bath. I can assure you our housekeeping team work to a very high standard. Housekeeping also service every room in the morning so I am unsure as to how this would not of been rectified. However, I am glad you enjoyed your stay with us and the food! I hope we get to welcome you back to The Lifeboat Inn again soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sorry, not a clue!
Hi there.
I cant remember what the dog policy was as far as eating inside, but as the Covid situation is steering restaurants/pubs to sit outside (where possible) you shouldn't have any major problems. I think the ladies name at the Lifeboat was Amanda who greeted us...so best to just give her a quick call.
I am not sure what time they close - best to ring and ask. Generally in North Norfolk restaurant last servings are 9pm but the bars often stay open until the last customer leaves.
Thank you for your question
All the bedrooms are dog friendly so we cannot guarantee that there won't be a reaction. We do extensively clean each bedroom after a dog has been in there though. There are additional cleaning routines initiated for a room after a dog has been present
I hope this clarifiies
Yes, they do serve food all day.
"Normal cleaning is great, but it deeps a deep clean to remove the dog hairs from the carpet."Read full review
"You’ll get a table in the bar up to around 6-7pm when they do get booked or reserved."Read full review
"Book a "Better Room" or above. Great for walking from the hotel to the coastal area but check tide times. "Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
C$244 - C$421 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the lifeboat hotel thornham
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandEast AngliaNorfolkThornham
NUMBER OF ROOMS
13
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Lifeboat Inn
Which popular attractions are close to The Lifeboat Inn?
Nearby attractions include Old Hunstanton Beach (5.3 km), RSPB Titchwell Marsh (2.0 km), and Brancaster Bay (3.9 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Lifeboat Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at The Lifeboat Inn?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to The Lifeboat Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include Berni Beans, Old Town Beach Cafe, and The Crab Hut.
Is The Lifeboat Inn located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.9 km away from the centre of Thornham.
Are pets allowed at The Lifeboat Inn?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to The Lifeboat Inn?
Many travellers enjoy visiting King's Lynn, Uk (6.0 km).
Is The Lifeboat Inn accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.