Travel: Outdoor baths for a life of luxury on tap in Norfolk

I can’t remember the last time I had a bath with a friend but it was probably about 35 years ago. It’s not an opportunity that crops up very often, but that’s set to change at Congham Hall’s brand new Orchard Cabins, as the star attraction of the sleek open-plan spaces is an outdoor bath tub.

Wiggling into skin-tight swimming costumes – after a three-course meal of roasted beetroot, goat’s cheese, plump pillows of ravioli and a decadent assiette of (not so) mini puddings – seems like a good idea at the time. And once the silver taps are splurting water into the ginormous tub, there’s no turning back.

Bubbles spill over the top as we hurl ourselves in, seconds away from deciding an outdoor bath is exactly what every single one of us needs in our lives right now.

The apple trees watch over us and the stars twinkle from a distance, as we lay back and savour the dark night sky.

The Norfolk hotel has built five luxurious new rooms with outdoor bath tubs, all overlooking the beautiful apple orchard at Congham Hall in Norfolk. Launched to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the hotel’s management by Nicholas Dickinson (previously of Le Manoir and Luxury Family Hotels) and his team, the timing couldn’t be better.

As “The Great Resignation” rumbles on, with people choosing to move away from cities and into the countryside, it offers a great taste of Norfolk life.

Congham Hall lies is in the west of the county, and there’s an abundance of fresh air and green spaces, beautiful beaches and stunning houses, and it’s teeming with nature at every twist and turn.

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As well as the outdoor bath, the rust-coloured cabins give you the option of bathing inside. Much less fun, but because one roll-top is sometimes not enough, you can take your pick from the brushed tin tub outside, or the pretty pink bath in the bathroom, both big enough for multiple bathers.

Inside the cabin, a squashy bed awaits our weary limbs, beside a large pink sofa, marble-topped circular coffee tables and comfy spinning chair; the perfect spot to sit and take in the views of the orchard. A green bistro table and chairs sit out on the balcony for morning brews and sundowners. It really is a place to relax.

“We’re in Norfolk, there’s no such thing as late,” Nicholas tells us as we apologise for our tardiness at dinner. We’re then encouraged to sup on aperitifs by the bar before heading over to our table in The Samphire Kitchen – a two AA Rosette restaurant, which has recently had a restyle.

Game and fish feature heavily because of the location – Congham aims to source 80% of ingredients from within a 20-mile radius, as long as they’re the best available. And there’s a separate vegetarian menu, too.

The Secret Garden Spa features a 12-metre swimming pool, steam room, saunas, treatments rooms and a new outdoor deck with hot tub.

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If you feel the need to explore further afield, local walking routes are available from reception, along with pairs of Dubarry boots. We blow the cobwebs away on a flat three-mile loop, taking in the old railway line and local woodland.

We’re told Old Hunstanton Beach is worth the 25-minute journey, but we choose to while away an hour or two at the local distillery, Whatahoot, instead.

Whatahoot is an award-winning distillery and gin school, set in a beautiful 15th Century building in Kings Lynn (seven miles from the hotel). We gather on sofas with AJ, who talks us through the history of gin, and the brand, and why husband-and-wife team Nicky and Jason decided to set it up.

Whether you pop along for the distillery tour to learn all about how gin is mad, upgrade to a cheeky cocktail masterclass or book into the four-hour gin school where you make your own gin, you’re likely to wobble out with a big smile on your face.

Back at the hotel, waking up to the early morning sky – light dancing on the fruit trees as I sit with a cuppa on the balcony – feels like a moment out of a self-care manual. And before we leave, there’s time to squeeze in one more bath.

Undoubtedly, I am an outdoor bath convert. So much classier than a hot tub. More peaceful, more sustainable, more stylish. It’s self-care on tap, if you’ll excuse the pun, and I really want one in my garden.

P.S.

North Norfolk is home to the Queen’s country retreat, Sandringham; the royal family’s only private home and estate in England. Parts of the estate are open to the public. Visit sandringhamestate.co.uk

Factfile 

Orchard Cabins are available to book on an introductory offer of £399 per night, including breakfast and dinner, rising to £450 per night from April 1. Tel 01485 600 250 or visit conghamhallhotel.co.uk