The Control Tower: A Unique Art Deco B&B in North Norfolk

What truly makes a memorable bed and breakfast? Is it the perfect location, the warmth of the hosts, or the quality of the morning coffee? I recently travelled by car to North Norfolk—a county that has long been on my bucket list—to find out what happens when history and hospitality collide in the most unexpected way.

From RAF Airfield to Art Deco Sanctuary

Located in Walsingham, The Control Tower B&B is a landmark of modernist architecture with a fascinating past. Originally built in 1943, this building served as the nerve center for the 199 and 171 Squadrons during WWII, coordinating secret radio counter-measure missions.

Today, owners Nigel and Claire have meticulously renovated the space, preserving its iconic silhouette while filling the interior with stunning Art Deco fixtures and mid-century furniture. It is a vegetarian retreat that feels less like a hotel and more like a private invitation into a curated piece of history.

The Beauty is in the Details

While there are only three en-suite double rooms, the experience is defined by thoughtful touches. In our room, I was delighted to find a coffee-making kit featuring pour-over filters and local beans from Greyseal Coffee Roasters. It’s these small, artisanal details that elevate a stay.

Nigel kindly took us on a tour of the house, including the open roof deck, where you can still feel the echoes of the building’s former life as a watchtower. It’s rare to find a place where you can learn about military history while enjoying the comforts of a boutique home.

A Masterclass in the Vegetarian Breakfast

I believe life begins at breakfast. The spread at The Control Tower is genuinely exceptional, focusing on locally sourced ingredients from Norfolk producers. Even for non-vegetarians, the care and freshness of the meal—enjoyed in a sun-drenched dining room—is a highlight of the stay.

Unspoiled Magic of North Norfolk’s Beaches

The coastline here is defined by a sense of vastness that you rarely find elsewhere in the UK. Unlike the pebble shores of the south, North Norfolk offers miles of soft, golden sand and salt marshes that change character with the tide. At Wells-next-the-Sea, the beach is framed by a pine forest and a famous row of colorful, stilted beach huts, while Holkham feels like an endless wilderness—so large that even on a busy weekend, you can find a quiet corner of the dunes to call your own.

Whether you’re watching the local seals bobbing in the surf or walking the coastal path as the sun sets over the marshes, these beaches are a masterclass in the beauty of the British outdoors.

During our stay, we followed a slow-travel itinerary that perfectly captured the region’s charm:

• Wells-next-the-Sea: A three-mile drive leads to a sprawling beach famous for its colorful huts and long coastal walks.

• Holkham Estate: A stunning landscape that has served as a backdrop for countless films. We were lucky enough to visit Holkham Estate during the North Norfolk Food Festival!

• Burnham Overy Staithe: A picturesque harbor perfect for a sunny afternoon walk by the water.

Why the Human Connection Matters

The real “deal-breaker” for a great B&B is the hospitality. Claire and Nigel made us feel at home instantly—from the tea and biscuits upon arrival to the evening chats in the living room with other guests over a glass of wine.

A Sunny Afternoon at Burnham Overy Staithe

Our final day was spent at Burnham Overy Staithe, a spot that feels like a hidden gem even within the popular Norfolk coastline. The harbour here is a picturesque maze of small boats and winding creeks, leading out toward a stunningly secluded beach. To reach the sand, you enjoy a peaceful walk along the raised sea wall, offering panoramic views of the salt marshes and the various bird species that call this area home. Arriving at the beach during a warm, sunny spell felt almost Mediterranean; the water was calm, the dunes were glowing, and it provided the perfect, quiet bookend to our coastal exploration.

Every time I leave London for a mini-break, I am reminded of how much beauty is tucked away in the British countryside. If you are looking for a stay that combines architectural significance with soulful hospitality, The Control Tower in Norfolk is a destination in its own right.