Bell By Greene King Inns Thetford * 15th-Century Inn

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Bell By Greene King Inns Thetford Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

King St, Thetford, United Kingdom, IP242AZ

Close to the Charles Burrell Museum

Very good

7.4

7.3

/10

3.0

3.2

Loved by Bell By Greene King Inns guests

Seamless check-in
Spacious room
Comfortable bed
Excellent breakfast
Helpful staff

"Our room was really nice, overlooking the river with a lovely balcony."

Friendly Local from United Kingdom

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"We thought the menu and the kitchen were excellent."

John from gb

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"Great historic hotel."

Jason

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Charming 15th Century Tavern in Thetford

Location

The Bell Hotel is located in Thetford, a historic town rich in heritage. Situated centrally, this hotel provides easy access to various local attractions. Guests can enjoy the nearby nature reserves and historic landmarks, including Ancient Hill and Thetford Forest.

Amenities

The Bell Hotel offers a range of facilities, including accessible options for guests with disabilities. This dog-friendly hotel welcomes guests traveling with pets, providing water bowls and treats for furry companions. Additionally, a car park is available for guests' convenience.

Dining

On-site dining at the Bell Hotel includes a variety of culinary options, featuring local beers, wines, and seasonal dishes. Guests can enjoy traditional pub favorites alongside crafted ales such as Greene King IPA and Flint Eye. The hotel regularly hosts events with festive menus, catering to seasonal celebrations.

Family-Friendly

The Bell Hotel accommodates families, offering a welcoming atmosphere for guests of all ages. Children can enjoy a dedicated menu featuring favorites and indulgent desserts like Sticky Toffee Pudding. High chairs are available, ensuring comfort for younger guests during meals.

Unique Experience

The Bell Hotel boasts a historical charm dating back to the 15th century, featuring many original attributes. Guests can explore brewing heritage through programs and enjoy a selection of seasonal craft beers. Experiences, like beer tours, offer insights into the local brewing culture.

Highlights

Location: Located in Thetford, a historic town rich in heritage

Amenities: Disabled wheelchair access & dog-friendly services

Dining: Seasonal dishes & crafted ales served on-site

Family-Friendly: Dedicated menu & high chairs available

“This property stands out with its 15th-century architecture and uniquely spacious rooms, although some areas could use a refresh; the on-site King James restaurant impressed me, though, especially the family dining deals and traditional British cuisine. Its location is ideal for exploring attractions like Thetford Forest, and I appreciate that they welcome dogs. It's a comfortable stay with a lot of character.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Great

8.7/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningLush Breakfast

Breakfast offered varied hot choices like salmon eggs Benedict. There were also pancakes and a full English with a vegetarian option.

Oliver from Canada

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy Parking

Free onsite parking made arrival and departure simple. The central location meant easy access to parking, near the town.

Mei from China

Review on

BedroomSuper Comfort

The super king bed was very large and super comfortable. Clean and crisp sheets, plus fluffy towels added to the luxury.

Rajesh from India

Review on

Room FeaturesBalcony Bonus

Room 11 featured a balcony. It also included a sofa bed and coffee table for extra convenience.

Isabelle from France

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Select your room type

Bell By Greene King Inns offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Single Room

2 persons

35 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Twin Room

2 persons

35 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room

2 persons

35 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Family Room

2 persons

35 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Facilities

Bell By Greene King Inns offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.3/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Free parking
24-hour reception
Pets allowed
24-hour security
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Golf course

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Bathtub

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
CD player
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Delight in the welcoming dining experiences at Bell By Greene King Inns, where traditional English dishes meet a family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy heartwarming meals and an array of beverages, all crafted with care to ensure a memorable gathering for friends and family alike.

Bell By Greene King Inns Thetford Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Modern English fare

Ambiance

Family-friendly setting with a warm, traditional vibe

Key Offerings

Indulge in a diverse menu featuring mains for breakfast and dinner, alongside sharers perfect for social dining. Treat yourself to a selection of unique hot drinks including Salted Caramel Luxury Hot Chocolate and Mis Amigos Chocolate Cream Tequila Liqueur coffee.

Reservation

Open daily from 18:00 to 22:00

Bell By Greene King Inns Location

King St, Thetford, United Kingdom, IP242AZ

Map view

King St, Thetford, United Kingdom, IP242AZ

City landmarks

Landmark

Guildhall Museum And Art Gallery

2300 ft

Landmark

Thetford Castle Hill

2600 ft

Landmark

Thetford Warren Lodge

1.1 mi

Landmark

Thetford Town Council

2100 ft

Landmark

The Lynford Stag

1.3 mi

Landmark

Euston Hall

3.3 mi

Farm

Elveden Estate

3.5 mi

Landmark

Go Ape Thetford

3.8 mi

Nearby

Museum

Dad's Army Museum

1200 ft

St. Nicholas House 21-23 White Hart Street

Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life

300 ft

Nicholas St. Minstergate

Charles Burrell Museum

500 ft

English Heritage

Holy Sepulchre Priory

2000 ft

Thetford Priory

2000 ft

Forest

Forest in the Brecks

500 ft

Restaurants

Rumbles Fish Bar Thetford

200 ft

45 King Street

Central Cafe

300 ft

Unit 1A St. Nicholas House House White White Hart Street

Greggs

1000 ft

13-17 King Street

The Red Lion

900 ft

Market Place

Domino's Pizza Thetford

1000 ft

18/18A Well Street

Cafe Sourial

1000 ft

Market Place 2 The Shambles

The Chase, Hungry Horse

1600 ft

Newtown

Mr Chips

1100 ft

9 Market Place

Norfolk Kitchen Diner

1200 ft

9-11 Guildhall Street

Explore Thetford

Local Highlights

Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life

2 minutes walking

Museum showcasing Thetford's history with exhibits and artifacts. Notable for its family-friendly workshops.

Dad's Army Museum

5 minutes walking

Museum dedicated to the iconic British sitcom. Offers interactive exhibits and memorabilia for fans.

Thetford Castle Hill

10 minutes walking

Historical site of a Norman castle with scenic views. Ideal for history enthusiasts and leisurely walks.

The Lynford Stag

25 minutes walking

Gorgeous natural reserve with walking trails and wildlife sightings. Great for nature lovers and picnics.

Go Ape Thetford

10 minutes driving

Tree-top adventure course with zip lines and swings. Great for thrill-seekers and group fun. Booking recommended.

Kaye's Garden

5 minutes walking

Serene garden for relaxation and picnics. Perfect for families and individuals looking for a tranquil escape.

Rumbles Fish Bar Thetford

1 minute walking

Casual eatery known for its fresh fish and chips. Popular choice for families and quick meals. Gluten-free options available.

The Red Lion

4 minutes walking

Cozy pub offering traditional British cuisine. Signature dishes include hearty pies and ales. Reservations recommended.

The Shambles Theatre

10 minutes walking

Local theater featuring live performances and community events. Great for family outings and cultural experiences.

Thetford Brewery

5 minutes driving

Craft brewery with tasting sessions and tours. Popular choice for adults looking to sample local brews.

Getting around

City Centre

Thetford6 min · 1700 ft

Airports

Cambridge (CBG)75 min · 31.0 mi

Norwich International (NWI)100 min · 41.4 mi

Train

Thetford Railway Station8 min · 2000 ft

Thetford Train Station8 min · 2000 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:30

Check-out

from 01:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Breakfast

A american breakfast is served and charges are applicable.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Year renovated:

2012

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Bell By Greene King Inns from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Bell By Greene King Inns is frequently praised for providing great value for money and convenient free parking. Many guests enjoyed the cooked-to-order breakfast that includes items such as strawberries and blueberries, and some found the rooms to be large and spacious, with features like a balcony overlooking the river and comfortable super king beds. While some guests have noted that certain rooms could benefit from some TLC and updates, others appreciate the hotel's unique charm and proximity to attractions like the Dads Army tour and the museum in Thetford.

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Review score

Based on 690 verified reviews

7.4/10

Very good

70%

Recommend

Staff

8.8/10

Location

8.7/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.0/10

Facilities

7.3/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Good location

Comfortable bed

Good food

Plenty of parking

Cons

Dirty room

Burnt breakfasts

Avery from United States

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 12, 2026

8.5/10

Solid Stay with Friendly Service

friendly managerclean roomeasy parking

The manager Adam was friendly. He welcomed me and provided helpful service. The room was clean, and I found it spacious. I could easily park near the building.

The building seems to be undergoing refurbishment now, which it badly needs.

Service

9/10

The staff were polite throughout the premises. Everyone seemed genuinely dedicated to assisting guests. They quickly addressed any questions. I observed efficient assistance with luggage and prompt responses to requests.

Dining

8/10

Breakfast included a good selection of options. The food tasted lovely and was well cooked with nice quality ingredients. Dinner was very good, and the bar area offered a nice atmosphere.

0 Helpful

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Julian from United Kingdom

Family with children

Twin Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: January 09, 2026

6/10

average stay with some issues

cracked sinknoisy window

the bathroom was quite dated. the sink had cracks and the toilet paper holder was loose. also, the window did not block out much noise from outside.

0 Helpful

rosie from united kingdom

Couple

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 23, 2025

9.0/10

romantic getaway

friendly staffeasy exploringdelicious breakfastdivine aroma

I loved the friendly staff. They were always ready to help. the location made exploring so easy. the breakfast each morning seemed like a dream. the asian curry my love ordered in the bar smelled divine, a wonderful aroma.

The sound system made a slight buzzing noise. It was not too bad, though, and i did not mind it much.

Dining

9/10

The hotel offers a selection of traditional pub fare. Presentation is very nice. there is a garden available wanting to enjoy their drinks. breakfast is also an option and has a good variety.

Location

10/10

The hotel benefits from easy parking which adds to its appeal. the area is great for exploring the surroundings. It makes getting around simple. the hotel is a short distance from local attractions.

Rooms

8/10

My room was very clean with very helpful and friendly housekeeping staff. the room had good size. It felt spacious and airy, lovely. the staff were very helpful. They even helped with the cases.

0 Helpful

Dick from United Kingdom

Single

double room

6 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 16, 2025

9.0/10

a pleasant place this was

convenient locationhelpful staffample assistancegood breakfast

the hotel location assisted my cycling plans. i left my vehicle there without trouble. the staff demonstrated friendliness and provided ample assistance when i needed it. i found the breakfast offerings to be well prepared and satisfying.

the structure was like it needed a bit of maintenance work on its exterior.

Facilities

9/10

parking proved convenient and accessible right on the premises. my bicycle got accommodated easily within a designated conference room. this.

Dining

8/10

lunch in the bar area tasted quite delicious, and i found it a satisfying experience. the breakfast included a good continental selection. this offered several choices, which allowed a customizable start to the day.

Location

10/10

access to the general area felt seamless, and getting around was easy. the position of the place allowed easy movement. it supported a range of activities that i planned during the visit.

0 Helpful

Geoffrey from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 01, 2025

8/10

comfy bedtown centre

The breakfast was good and served with cheerfulness. Free parking was available and convenient. The bed was very comfortable. I got a good night's sleep.

The hotel needs some updates and fresh paint.

0 Helpful

Isabella from Italy

Couple

Double Room

2 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: October 13, 2025

9.0/10

Charming Stay with Character

cute staffefficient ladyfree parkingriverside walks

The staff were cute upon arrival. Breakfast was very good, served by an efficient lady. Free parking was available after registering at reception. I liked riverside walks close by (I even saw a kingfisher!).

The window was quite broken.

Rooms

9/10

The room was spacious and clean. A bath with shower overhead was convenient. Plenty of wardrobe space was available. The room also included a sofa bed and coffee table by the window.

Dining

9/10

Breakfast was cooked to order and included yogurt. I was delighted to see strawberries and blueberries (especially the fresh berries!). The lunchtime meal was great and there was a two-course meal deal.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Bell By Greene King Inns

Is it possible to have my dog accompany me during my stay, and are there any additional fees for this?

10 November 2024

A friendly welcome awaits for your dog! There is an additional charge of £10 per stay for each dog.

Are there any restrictions on the number of dogs that can stay in one room?

15 August 2024

Yes, up to two dogs are allowed per room to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests.

Can dogs access all areas of the hotel, including the restaurant?

22 March 2025

Dogs are not permitted in the restaurant area or in Superior rooms, but are welcome in designated pet-friendly spaces.

Is there secure storage available for bicycles during my stay?

5 February 2025

Yes, there is a secure area available for storing bicycles overnight.

What time do breakfast services start and end?

18 January 2025

Breakfast is served from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM on weekdays, and from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekends.

Can I bring my small pets other than dogs, like rabbits, with me during my visit?

30 October 2024

Yes, small pets like rabbits may be accommodated as long as they remain in their cages during your stay.

Is early check-in an available option if I arrive before the standard check-in time?

25 September 2024

Early check-in is generally not possible unless the room is booked for the night prior. However, the staff will do their best to accommodate your request.

What kind of breakfast options are available for guests?

12 December 2024

Guests can enjoy a continental buffet featuring cereals and a variety of cooked items that are made to order.

Are there accessible rooms or a lift available for guests with mobility issues?

27 April 2025

Unfortunately, there are no ground floor rooms or elevators in the hotel, but staff will be available to assist as required.

Can reservations be canceled without a penalty, and what is the cancellation policy?

3 March 2025

Cancellation policies vary: if you have a flexible booking, cancellations can be made up until 12:00 PM for a full refund, whereas advanced bookings typically do not allow for refunds.