GoHotelly

The Swan Inn

Experience a 4.7-rated stay at The Swan Inn in Gooderstone, King's Lynn. Trusted guest reviews and clear location details support confident booking decisions.

The St, Gooderstone, King's Lynn PE33 9BP, United Kingdom View on map
9.4/10
Exceptional Based on 60 recent guest reviews
What recent guests emphasize

The Swan Inn Highlights

Recent guests consistently highlight the welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and charming interior of this cosy village pub. Practical details and suitability for various occasions are also noted to help plan a visit.

Guests often praise

  • The friendly and attentive staff creating a warm, welcoming environment.
  • A cosy, well-furnished interior contrasting with a modest exterior.
  • The large, attractive garden ideal for relaxation and photos.
  • A wide and excellent selection of drinks, including quality beers like Batemans XB.
  • The lively and enjoyable atmosphere, suitable for social gatherings and events.

Worth knowing

  • Payment is cash only, which some guests found inconvenient.
  • The exterior can appear slightly rundown, especially the pub sign, but the inside is notably cosy.
  • Popular spot for special occasions such as wedding receptions.
  • Friendly and accommodating to families with young children.

Best for

  • Those seeking a traditional, welcoming village pub experience.
  • Visitors looking for a relaxed spot with good drinks and garden space.
  • People attending or hosting small celebrations and receptions.
  • Families wanting a friendly pub environment, even with young children.
  • Fans of well-regarded local Norfolk pubs and craft beers.
Compare booking partners

Open this hotel on the platform you trust.

GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.

Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.

About this property

Welcome to The Swan Inn

The Swan Inn is a traditional inn located on The St in the village of Gooderstone, near King's Lynn. Known for its cosy interior and large garden, this venue offers a welcoming atmosphere that many guests have praised for its friendly staff and inviting setting. Although the exterior, particularly the pub sign, may appear somewhat worn, visitors have noted a pleasant contrast once inside.

As a local pub, The Swan Inn operates on a cash-only basis, which has been highlighted by several guests as important to keep in mind when planning a visit. The inn features a broad selection of drinks, including notable local ales, contributing to a robust and enjoyable experience for those seeking a relaxed drink or casual gathering.

Many reviews commend the establishment for its warm hospitality and community feel, with regular visitors appreciating the friendly service and family-friendly environment, including accommodations for young children. The garden area is especially valued for social events and casual meet-ups, providing a charming outdoor space.

Situated in a quiet village setting, The Swan Inn appeals primarily to those looking for an authentic local pub experience in Norfolk rather than a luxury accommodation. Its strong reputation as one of the area's better pubs makes it a suitable choice for both locals and visitors seeking a down-to-earth social spot with a good selection of drinks and a pleasant atmosphere.

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

PJ
Peri JT Apr 20, 2026
8.0

CASH ONLY! Lovely pub, friendly staff, but we got stung by not having any cash. A friendly punter sorted us out.

JC
John Chaplin Apr 18, 2026
10

Excellent drinks and great atmosphere A truly excellent venue

GD
gary Davenport Apr 17, 2026
10

What a lovely pub. Definitely one of the best five pubs in Norfolk. Will be there again.

SL
Stephen Lenane Apr 12, 2026
8.0

Went in for a drink. It looks a bit scruffy on the outside, particularly the pub sign, however it is completely different inside. Very cosy and well furnished with a lovely large garden. Had a nice pint of Batemans XB. I will definitely go back there.

VC
Vessy Coleman Apr 11, 2026
10

Great local pub, large selection of drinks, cash only.

DC
David Cheetham Apr 09, 2026
10

So friendly, both sides of the bar. For me, best pub in Norfolk. Libby, and Lindsay, you are the best.

RR
Rob Rook Mar 30, 2026
10

Was there on Saturday 23rd April 2022 for my son and daughter in-laws wedding reception. Great place and venue couldn't fault it everyone had a great time. Garden was lovely for photos too be taken as well.

NS
Nazar Skoropad Mar 28, 2026
10

I recently stopped by this charming local pub for a quick pint of beer, and I must say, it was a delightful experience! The atmosphere was incredibly cosy, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. I only stayed for about an hour, but I enjoyed every moment of it. I'll definitely be returning for another visit soon. Keep up the great work! Cheers!

HS
Harry Squibb Mar 15, 2026
10

Loverly pub in this quant village, well worth a pie and a pint.

HW
helen wright Mar 11, 2026
10

One of our favourite pubs, we live a few miles from the village but always make an effort to come here. The owners are very friendly and good with our 2 year old. Highly recommend!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Swan Inn

People also viewed

Similar Inns in King's Lynn

Hand-picked alternatives with a comparable feel, size and price band.

45 Leigh Rd, Wimborne BH21 1AE, United Kingdom

Closed

Closed Lodge offers a kidfriendly stay at 45 Leigh Rd, Wimborne BH21 1AE. Enjoy a toprated 4.8 experience with 68 guest reviews ...

4.8 (68) View
9-10 Shorehead, Stonehaven AB39 2JY, United Kingdom

Marine Hotel

Stay at Marine Hotel in Stonehaven with 4.5star rating, free WiFi, breakfast, beach access & modern seafood restaurant overlooki...

4.5 (829) View
1 Rhigos Rd, Cefn Rhigos, Aberdare CF44 9YU, United Kingdom

The New Inn

Stay at The New Inn, a highly rated 4.7 inn located at 1 Rhigos Rd, Cefn Rhigos, Aberdare. Enjoy a trusted guestreviewed experien...

4.7 (326) View
163 High St, Dunbar EH42 1ES, United Kingdom

Castle Hotel

Stay at Castle Hotel in Dunbar, rated 4.4 with 131 reviews. Enjoy free WiFi, bar, and smokefree rooms near Tantallon Castle and ...

4.4 (131) View
Lady Bank, Tamworth B79 7NB, United Kingdom

Castle Hotel

Relax at Castle Hotel in Tamworth with free WiFi, a vodka bar, and kidfriendly amenities. Steps from Tamworth Castle and close t...

4 (434) View
Packington Hill, Kegworth, Derby DE74 2DF, United Kingdom

Kegworth Hotel & Conference Centre

3.6star Kegworth Hotel & Conference Centre offers en suite rooms, Mediterranean dining, gym, free parking, and meeting spaces nea...

3.6 (718) View
61 Beaver Ln, Ashford TN23 5NU, United Kingdom

Debbies Digs

Stay at Debbies Digs, a 4.8rated guest house in Ashford TN23, close to Port Lympne Safari Park and Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Sp...

4.8 (51) View
Llys-y-gwynt, A5, Bangor LL57 4BG, United Kingdom

Travelodge Bangor

Travelodge Bangor offers colorful rooms, free parking, and petfriendly stays. Rated 3.6 with 1284 reviews, close to Beaumaris and...

3.6 (1,284) View
Chipping Road, Longridge, Preston PR3 2NB, United Kingdom

The Derby Arms

Enjoy traditional rooms with free WiFi and breakfast at The Derby Arms in Longridge, near Beacon Fell Country Park and Samlesbury...

4.5 (1,022) View
Rosevine, Portscatho, Truro TR2 5EW, United Kingdom

The Rosevine

The Rosevine offers bright cottages and suites with kitchens, free WiFi, parking, indoor pool, and beach access in Portscatho, Co...

4.6 (154) View
Share your stay

Stayed at The Swan Inn? Help the next traveler decide.

Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.

Your email is only used to verify the review — it won't be shown publicly.