The Westleton Crown: Perfect for a picture postcard countryside staycation surrounded by seaside towns

The Westleton Crown in the rural village of Westleton, Suffolk. Picture - Emma Cabielles

Imagine a postcard of a picturesque country pub, perched proudly on the edge of a charming village green, flowers blooming, colourful parasols, the essence of great British hospitality.

One glance tells you, should you choose to pop by, that the welcome will be warm, the food hearty and the accommodation chic and inspired.

Rustic wooden tables throng its pretty approach, alive with animated chatter as thirsty folk and their four-legged friends decide it’s a delightful pit stop for a pint in the sun. A real grass roots diamond.

The Westleton Crown has 34 en-suite bedrooms.

How right they are. Every inch an inn of distinction, The Westleton Crown is the king of quintessential watering holes set in the delightful rural village of Westleton, Suffolk.

With a scattering of traditional seaside towns right on its doorstep, 34 ensuite bedrooms and a sublime conservatory-style restaurant opening onto a lush, landscaped terrace ideal for drinking and dining al fresco, this vibrant East Anglian gem is a proud jewel in the Chestnut crown.

Arriving at teatime after a steady drive from Nottinghamshire, we were instantly enamoured by the utopian inn on the green; thriving, inviting, justifying our journey at first sight.

After a warm greeting, we were soon checked in and admiring our stylish home for the weekend, Grebe, one of the hotel’s ‘better’ rooms nestled in tranquil countryside to the rear of the premises.

A conservatory-style restaurant opens onto a lush, landscaped terrace ideal for drinking and dining al fresco.

Rated snug, good, better, best, family and single for the solo traveller, whether you simply want a good night’s sleep, a little more luxury or a pooch-perfect place to rest your head, each beautifully designed bedroom has its own unique character, a wild bird name and a dash of rustic charm.

Grebe duly impressed with king size bed, contemporary décor, comfy sofa, airy skylights, elegant bathroom with freestanding bath and even a small, furnished balcony to breathe in the surrounding beauty.

Walls adorned by striking photography of the tiny, duck-like birds, we had everything we needed for a relaxing stay, whilst the endearing theme reminisced our strolls down Cromford Canal in Derbyshire, where a rare Grebe duo regularly show off their ducking and diving skills to delighted walkers.

Al Fresco Appeal