OYO George & Dragon Inn: UK's BEST Kept Secret? (You NEED to See This!)
OYO George & Dragon Inn: Unveiling the UK's BEST Kept Secret? Hold My Pint, This Could Get Wild…
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I've just emerged, blinking from the mist, after a little adventure at the OYO George & Dragon Inn. And let me tell you, it's less "secret" and more "whispered about in hushed tones over pints of ale." Is it the UK’s best kept secret? Let’s find out, shall we? Forget the perfectly curated Instagram feeds; this is raw, unfiltered travel journalism, folks. Prepare for opinions. Lots of opinions. And probably more than a few typos. (Hey, writing this after a few pints, remember?)
First Impressions: Cobblestones, Charm, and… Wait, Is That a Pub?
The George & Dragon… sounds promising, right? Think cozy, think historic, think… pub. Because, let's be honest, that's what a proper British Inn should have, and yes, it does! Finding the place was, like, actually finding it. (GPS, are you even trying?) But the moment I saw those cobblestones, saw the ivy climbing the (probably ancient) walls, and definitely saw the pub sign swinging gently, I knew I was in the right place. First impressions? Pretty darn charming.
Accessibility & The "Can I Actually Get Up There?" Factor
Now, let's talk accessibility. This is huge for me, and honestly, it's not always the strongest suit of these older, charming establishments. (That's a polite way of saying, "prepare for stairs.") I tried to suss it out. There's an elevator, which is a huge win, and some rooms are designed to be wheelchair accessible. However, this isn't a modern, purpose-built hotel, guys. It's got history. It's got nooks and crannies. I'd strongly recommend calling ahead and checking, very specifically about your needs. Don't just assume. Don’t do what I did – make sure you can, you know, actually get to your room! And, I do believe they are truly trying - seeing a hotel strive to include all is a major win.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: A huge plus. Having a pub (yes, a pub!) right there, accessible, is a game changer. Seriously, after a long day of exploring, imagine just stumbling (ahem, walking!) into a cozy space for a pint and some proper pub grub? Heaven.
Rooms: More Than Just a Place to Crash (Hopefully)
My room? Okay, it wasn’t the Ritz. It was… comfortable. There was air conditioning, which, let's be honest, in the UK, is a luxury only occasionally needed, but appreciated all the same. The free Wi-Fi (praise be!) was strong, though sometimes a little temperamental – you know, like an old friend. I had a desk (crucial for working, ahem, drinking tea late at night) and a safe box – always a smart idea, especially with the stories I'm sure this place has seen. There was, thankfully, a coffee/tea maker. And most importantly, a comfortable bed! Nothing worse than a saggy mattress after a long day exploring. My room was a non-smoking room (thank goodness), complete with complimentary tea. Just ask if you need a high floor for the view, or if you want an interconnecting room for the family. Some rooms had a bathtub and separate shower/bathtub, but some basic rooms just have a shower, so double check! A refrigerator is a nice feature too - for that cheeky late night snack stash.
Seriously, the room had everything I needed. Except maybe a personal butler. (I'll put that on the wish list).
The Pub! Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Kryptonite (in a Good Way)
Okay, let's talk pub. Because, seriously, it's a proper pub, with a decent selection of ales on tap. And food? Yeah, it's good. Really, really good. I went for the classic: fish and chips. Perfectly golden, crispy batter. Flaky fish. Chips that were fluffy on the inside, and perfectly crunchy. (I’m drooling again). There's a restaurant, too, with A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, and yes… Vegetarian restaurant (Huzzah!). They also have a buffet in restaurant, salad in restaurant, and soup in restaurant. They even have a Coffee/tea in restaurant! They have Breakfast [buffet], including Asian breakfast, and Western breakfast. They do have Room service, too, though I preferred the atmosphere of the pub, personally, with the Poolside bar. They also have a Snack bar. And yes, I indulged in a Happy hour. (Don't judge. You'd do the same). They also thankfully do Breakfast takeaway service.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did They Really Deep Clean?
Look, I’m a germaphobe at heart. (Don't tell anyone). And in this post-pandemic world, safety is paramount, right? I was impressed. The George & Dragon seemed to take cleaning seriously. They had Professional-grade sanitizing services, rooms sanitized between stays, and daily disinfection in common areas. There were visible hand sanitizer stations everywhere. They even have Anti-viral cleaning products, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They even have Room sanitization opt-out available. They are following hygiene certifications**. They have *Cashless payment service*, and *Individually-wrapped food options*. They really tried to create a *Safe dining setup*, and have *Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.* They had a First aid kit, and a Doctor/nurse on call. I saw a Fire extinguisher, and Smoke alarms aplenty. Seeing the staff in action, I felt secure and safe within the inn.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: More Than Just Drinking (Maybe)
Okay, I’m not going to lie, I mostly explored the pub. But apparently, there are other things to do around here! The fitness center? (Didn't see it.) Spa? Sauna? Those were hiding from me, I swear. Pool with view and Swimming pool [outdoor]? Not sure they existed. I did see the Gym/fitness option. But, seriously? Did someone say massage? I might have to go back just for that. The Steamroom must be amazing. The Body scrub sounds like an idea. I am very intrigued. I saw a Terrace and Smoking area. I think the spa is hidden, perhaps, or maybe just a well-kept secret.
Services and Conveniences: More Than Expected
The George & Dragon did a solid job with the extras. Concierge? Check. Daily housekeeping? Check. Laundry service? Check. Dry cleaning? Check. (Good for the inevitable beer spill.) I also saw facilities for disabled guests. There's an Elevator, and they also provide Essential condiments. There's also Facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge plus. They have a Convenience store, which is always a plus! They have Food delivery options. They provide Invoice provided. They give you a Luggage storage space.
They give access to Business facilities, too, if you need to work. They also have Meeting/banquet facilities with Outdoor venue for special events, and Indoor venue for special events. Did I mention the Car park [free of charge]? Yes, the car park is free! They also have Car park [on-site], and even a Car power charging station. They also have a Cash withdrawal service, and the possibility of Currency exchange. There is a Safety deposit boxes option, and a Doorman to welcome you in. With some Meeting stationery, and Projector/LED display you can host Seminars if needed.
For the Kids & For the Couples (If That's Your Thing)
I saw families, which is good, because they cater to them. There are Babysitting services, and Family/child friendly options, including Kids meal. They have Couple's room, and also are a Proposal spot, so you know, pack your ring!
Getting Around
I’m not going to lie, I pretty much stayed put. But they have Airport transfer, Taxi service, and Valet parking. They help you getting around the inn. The Bicycle parking option is a plus.
The Verdict: Is it the UK's Best Kept Secret? Maybe, Maybe Not… But… YES!
Okay, so the George & Dragon Inn isn’t perfect. It’s not a gleaming, sterile
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private 5BR Pool Villa Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a logistical Frankenstein monster of an itinerary for a stay at the OYO George and Dragon Inn, because apparently everyone's got one of these in their "UK Adventure Bucket List." And let me tell you, planning it is proving to be more challenging than assembling IKEA furniture after a bottle of wine. Wish me luck, I'm going to need it.
Pre-Trip Anxiety Bonanza (and the inevitable overpacking):
- Week Before D-Day (Departure Day, not the other, darker Day): Okay, first off, I've got to pack. Which is a nightmare. I'm pretty sure I'll be squeezing in enough clothes to last me through a climate change apocalypse and a Renaissance fair. Must. Pack. Raincoat. And waterproof boots. And a spare pair of boots. And… well, you get the idea.
- The "Should I bring a travel adapter?" Question: Am I paranoid? Possibly. But I swear every outlet in the UK is trying to outsmart me.
- Flights and Trains, Oh My! Scouring flight deals is like trying to win the lottery. Eventually, I found something kinda reasonable. Hopefully, the plane doesn't fall out of the sky. Then figuring out the train situation? Don't even get me started. I'm pretty sure I could've built a nuclear reactor in the time it took me to understand the different rail passes.
The George & Dragon: A Hopeful Starting Point (hopefully):
- Arrival Day - Ouch, my wallet: Arrive. Check-in. Immediately experience sticker shock at a pint of beer. Honestly, are gold prices cheaper? But hey, the Inn's supposed to be charming. Hopefully.
- Afternoon: The Pub Crawl is a Must: Okay, maybe. Perhaps I should start slow. Maybe a pint at the George and Dragon itself? I've heard their food is decent. After all, a man (or woman) has got to eat. And hydrate.
- Evening: Fish & Chips with a Side of Regret: Gotta find a chip shop. All those travel blogs made it sound so romantic! I'm hoping the fish is crispy and the chips are actually chips. Maybe a mushy pea incident? I heard they're an acquired taste. Wish me luck.
Day 2: The "Wandering Like a Lost Sheep" Experience (with a slightly better idea than before):
- Morning: Attempting a Walk…and Mostly Succeeding: I'll try, perhaps, to actually leave the Inn. Maybe I'll find a trail or something nice. I heard the countryside is pretty. Hopefully, the weather cooperates (fingers crossed).
- Lunch: Find a bakery to eat a pasty. If I don't cry. Hopefully, I don't get lost to the point of starvation.
- Afternoon: A Little Exploration: Maybe check some local historical landmarks. Or maybe some cute shops? I'm not sure what will interest me more.
- Evening: Curry Night (because, England). I have to. It's practically a law. I'll find a local curry house and stuff myself silly. Probably regret it later, but it'll be delicious.
Day 3: Embracing the Tourist Trap (and maybe finding some genuine fun):
- Morning: A Day Trip (or, the Art of Winging It): I'd like to keep my plans flexible. Which is a fancy way of saying I haven't decided where to go yet.
- Afternoon: Back to the Inn - Relaxation: After all that adventuring, I'm going to want a break, so I'll rest at my accommodation. I'll enjoy the day and the atmosphere.
- Evening: Live Music or, you know, Bedtime: After a long day walking around places, I'll try to let go.
Day 4: Departure (and the bitter sweetness of it all):
- Morning: Farewell, George & Dragon!: I feel great, even though I'll be tired. I'll savor the last morning.
- Afternoon: Final Souvenir Hunt (or, panic buying): Okay, time for some last-minute souvenir shopping. I'm probably going to spend way too much money on things I don't need.
- Evening: Plane or train ride home: I'll take my time and reflect on all the great memories I made.
Post-Trip Thoughts (aka, the inevitable emotional breakdown):
- The Glorious Mess: I'm sure I'll have forgotten half of what I did. But that's the beauty of it, right? The messy, imperfect, human-ness of travel.
- Will I go back? Probably. Once I've recovered from this one.
So there you have it. My "plan." God help me. And please, send chocolate. I'll need it. And maybe a guidebook. And maybe a life coach. Fine, I'll just go with my gut instincts. Wish me luck! Cheers!
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Pool Villa Awaits (V283)
Okay, "UK's BEST Kept Secret"? Seriously? What's the catch? Is it even REAL?
Alright, alright, settle down, skeptic! The George & Dragon Inn in Cley next the Sea, Norfolk… yeah, it *is* a bit of a claim, innit? BEST kept secret? Sounds like travel influencer clickbait, I know. But after visiting… well, let's just say I've been *converted*. The catch? Well, you might end up not wanting to leave. That’s the *catch*. And yes, it's gloriously real. Think roaring fires, proper pub grub, and rooms that feel more like cozy retreats than sterile hotel rooms. I’m still half-expecting a badger to show up offering me a pint.
The Food: Is it actually any good, or just pub-grub-standard-y? (Be honest!)
Hoo boy, the food. Okay, *deep breath*. This is where my blood pressure spikes a little… in a GOOD way! I went in with low expectations. Pub food, right? Chicken in a basket. You know the drill. WRONG. Utterly, beautifully, gloriously wrong. They've got a Michelin-starred chef... or something close, I swear. The fish and chips were… *chef's kiss*… the batter was light and crispy, the fish flaky and perfectly cooked. My partner’s (who is a vegetarian, bless her heart) butternut squash wellington was *divine*. Seriously, I almost stole a bite. Almost. And the bread… Oh, the bread! I think I ate my body weight in their sourdough. I'm still dreaming about it. Seriously.
Let's talk rooms. Are they cramped and stuffy, or... well, charming?
Right, the rooms. Okay, they *are* charming. Think exposed beams, cozy throws, and a real sense of history. We stayed in 'The Snug'… which was exactly what it purported to be – snug. Not cramped. Cozy. They aren't the size of a football pitch, mind you; it's an old Inn, so space is at a premium. But they're tastefully decorated, and CLEAN. And this is important: the bed was ridiculously comfortable. I actually slept through the sunrise... which, for me, is a minor miracle. And the bathroom? Spotless. Important. Because, let's face it, a grubby bathroom can ruin the whole experience. This one didn't. It was a proper haven.
The Atmosphere: Is it pretentious and snooty, or friendly and welcoming? (Because let's be honest, some pubs are, ugh...)
The atmosphere… this is where The George & Dragon *really* shines. No pretentious nonsense here. Just genuine warmth. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. The locals? They're chatty. Proper chatty. We ended up having a long conversation with a lovely old gentleman about birdwatching (apparently, Cley is a birdwatcher’s paradise… who knew?). It feels like a proper community pub, not a tourist trap. They don’t roll their eyes when you stumble in looking like a drowned rat after a walk on the beach (which I may or may not have done...). It's the kind of place where you can relax and truly *be* yourself.
Okay, the "Secret" aspect. Why is it "secret"? Is it hard to get to?
The "secret" is probably because it's a bit… off the beaten track. Cley next the Sea isn't exactly a major tourist destination, you know? You're not going to stumble upon it by accident. It's a bit of a drive– especially if you're coming from the city. But honestly? The drive is part of the charm. You navigate these tiny, winding Norfolk lanes, and your stress just melts away. It’s a proper escape. Plus, it's not ridiculously expensive, which, let’s face it, makes it a winner. And while I wouldn't call it "hard" to get to, having a car is definitely a perk. Public transport? Possible, but a bit of a palaver.
Any downsides? (Come on, nothing's perfect!)
Alright, alright, I *told* you I’d be honest! Look, it’s not ALL sunshine and rainbows. One tiny, tiny issue, and I'm really grasping here… The wifi wasn't the strongest in the rooms. Fine in the bar area, but it could be a bit patchy upstairs. (First world problems, I know.) And during our stay the dog next door barked a bit at dawn. Little git. Honestly? That's about it. I mean, it’s an old building, so don't expect cutting-edge soundproofing. But honestly, I can't find any real, glaring faults. They're really small, easily overlooked.
Tell me more about one experience that really blew you away!
Okay, fine, buckle up. I'm going to gush. There was this one night... We were sat by the fire in the bar, and it was COLD outside. Really, bone-chilling cold. We’d been for a bracing walk on the beach, and I was absolutely frozen. The barman, this lovely chap called (I think) John, noticed me shivering. He brought me over a pint of their local ale, and it warmed me up from the inside out. Then, the food arrived. I had the slow-cooked beef. Oh. My. God. It melted in my mouth. Truly, I could have eaten three portions. And the atmosphere… Everyone was laughing and chatting. Some local musicians started a bit of an impromptu jam session. It was just… perfect. I swear, for a few glorious hours, I completely forgot about the outside world. I felt cozy, content, and completely at peace. That night, I truly understood why people fall in love with places like this. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it! That's when I realized this was a special place and I’ll be back.
Anything else I need to know before I book?
Book in advance! Seriously. It's popular for a reason, and rooms get snapped up quickly. Check their website for any special events – they sometimes have themed weekends. Pack your wellies. You'll be doing some walking. And most importantly: go with an open mind and a sense of adventure. You might just find yourself a new happy place. I did. And if you do, tell me about it! I'm already planning my return trip. TheHotelicity
