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The Black Boys Hotel

Stay at The Black Boys Hotel in Aylsham, Norwich. Enjoy free breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly rooms near Blickling Hall and Cromer Pier.

Market Pl, Aylsham, Norwich NR11 6EH, United Kingdom View on map
9.2/10
Exceptional Based on 1478 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Free parking Air-conditioned Pet-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

The Black Boys Hotel review highlights

Visitors appreciate the warm atmosphere, excellent food, and attentive service at this charming pub hotel set in a historic market town location. Practical amenities and its proximity to local attractions add to its appeal.

Guests often praise

  • Outstanding and generously portioned food, with many noting the high quality and value for money.
  • Friendly and attentive staff providing welcoming service, even when busy.
  • Comfortable and warm rooms within a historic, atmospheric building.
  • Convenient free parking and bike storage appreciated by visitors.
  • Good breakfast options featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Worth knowing

  • The pub can get quite busy and noisy, especially during meal times and evenings.
  • Booking in advance is recommended due to its popularity and limited seating capacity.
  • No on-site fitness center, airport shuttle, or swimming pool available.
  • The bar area is lively, which may not suit guests seeking a quiet environment.
  • Pet-friendly policies and smoke-free premises cater to various guest needs.

Best for

  • Food lovers seeking high-quality dining in a historic pub setting.
  • Visitors wanting a cozy base close to Aylsham’s market place and local heritage sites.
  • Travelers who value free parking and bike storage for exploring the Norfolk countryside.
  • Guests looking for a pet-friendly, smoke-free accommodation option.
  • Those seeking a warm, authentic village atmosphere with easy access to nearby attractions.
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About this property

Welcome to The Black Boys Hotel

Situated in a historic building overlooking Aylsham’s market place, The Black Boys Hotel offers a combination of warm, air-conditioned rooms within a charming pub setting. This property incorporates several roles, functioning not only as a hotel but also as a bar, British restaurant, and traditional inn. Guests benefit from complimentary breakfast, free parking, and bike storage, making it convenient for both short stays and longer visits.

The establishment receives positive feedback for its attentive service and high-quality food, with reviewers frequently praising the generous portion sizes and well-prepared meals. The dining experience blends a casual pub atmosphere with chic culinary offerings, though some guests note the venue can become busy and lively, reflecting its popularity in the village centre. Advance booking is advised to secure tables, especially during peak times.

Travelers will appreciate its central location in Aylsham, just over a mile from notable attractions like Blickling Hall and within reasonable reach of Cromer Pier. The proximity to Norwich Airport, approximately a 17-minute drive away, adds to its accessibility. Nearby points of interest include National Trust sites and a scenic steam railway, offering varied activities for visitors.

With free Wi-Fi, room service, and pet-friendly policies, the hotel caters to both leisure and more practical needs. While it lacks an airport shuttle, pool, or fitness center, the combination of amenities and its setting makes it suitable for visitors seeking a traditional British inn environment with modern comforts. The Black Boys Hotel draws guests who value a welcoming pub atmosphere paired with comfortable accommodations and well-regarded dining options.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Free parking
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Room service
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

K
Karen Mar 11, 2026
10

My partner and I stayed in Marsham last night and booked a last minute taxi and meal at The Black Boys, having eaten many times in the Recruiting Sergeant we were hoping it lived up to the same. It went above and beyond! The place was packed, so we were very lucky to get a table. Every member of staff were highly attentive with constant smiles. The food was outstanding, all 3 courses were amazing. We eat out a lot and this by far was one of the best meals we've had in ages. Such a shame its not on our doorstep in Hemsby. Maybe Colchester Inns can open a restaurant in Yarmouth.

JS
Jamal Sealey Feb 18, 2026
8.0

Pleasant breakfast with some friends. I'm not sure if it was cos I was extra hungry. I orders the Royale Benedict and had to order a granola afterwards as was still hungry. Would definitely recommend and I intend to revisit.

SB
Steven Blyth Jan 28, 2026
10

Called in for lunch today with the wife on the occasion of our wedding anniversary. We’ve been here many times over the years with the family and always received a warm welcome. The food has always been excellent and never had any need to complain about anything. The pub is situated within the centre of the village, approximately 10 miles from Norwich. There’s a small car park behind the building but parking is also available in the town centre and a pay and display. I’ve also stopped off several times in the past for breakfast on a Sunday morning while cycling with friends. Give them a visit you will not be disappointed.

NNR
North norfolk reviews Jan 18, 2026
10

Amazing pub with great food! Portion sizes are very generous and reasonable for the price. Bit noisy at times but doesn’t take away from the amazing experience you’ll have here! Definitely my top recommendation for eating in Alysham

NS
Nicholas Smith Jan 13, 2026
10

Update 7th January 2026. We visited again for lunch. I had the burger and Mrs Smith had the mussels followed by great crumble and profiteroles. Great food and a great atmosphere. Added extra photos too. 21st August 2025 1pm. We didn't stay in the hotel. We have been coming here for a number of years and we are never disappointed. Unfortunately there is no real option to give greater detail for the food they serve. The lunch menu we have is always substantial and the portion sizes are generous and value for money. . Excellent and highly recommend if you are in town. Advisable to book in advance as they are always very busy.

CR
Chris R Jan 11, 2026
10

Try to visit here once per month for breakfast. Proper, locally sourced foods & cooked to perfection. I have had a couple of evening meals here too which were great but for some reason, its not been a regular visit for those. No fault of the restaurant, its just theres so many places to choose from locally (including several others owned by the same chain; Colchester Inns)

C
Curiouspeas Jan 11, 2026
8.0

Living in Reepham, we often find ourselves at The Bucks Arms in Blickling but fancied a change so explored one of the other restaurants run but the same company. Happy to report that the menu and quality of food matches that of Bucks Arms. We did find the bar to be quite noisy (but that's the nature of their layout so you can't be too fussy). We would visit again. *We did not stay at the hotel so can not comment on the rooms.

SG
Stacey Gleave Jan 02, 2026
10

We went for a celebration dinner there and really enjoyed it. Food was lovely, even catered to gluten free dietary requirements with ease. Service was great despite being incredibly busy. Thank you

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Black Boys Hotel

Aylsham, Norwich, UK

In a historic building overlooking Aylsham's market place, this charming pub with rooms is 1.4 miles from Blickling Hall (stately home and gardens) and 11 miles from Cromer Pier (entertainment venue).

  • Aylsham Bus Shelter 1 min Walk
  • Aylsham Market Place 1 min Walk
  • Tesco 6 min Walk
  • Norwich Airport 17 min Car · 22 min Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Norwich. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

National Trust - Blickling Estate 6,572 reviews

National Trust - Blickling Estate

Blickling, Norwich NR11 6NF, United Kingdom

4.7 · Heritage Building
Bure Valley Railway (Aylsham station) 2,366 reviews

Bure Valley Railway (Aylsham station)

Aylsham Station, Norwich Rd, Aylsham, Norwich NR11 6BW, United Kingdom

4.7 · Heritage Preservation
National Trust - Felbrigg Hall, Gardens & Estate 2,591 reviews

National Trust - Felbrigg Hall, Gardens & Estate

Felbrigg, Norwich NR11 8PP, United Kingdom

4.6 · Park
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