Permanently moored among the pleasure craft and fishing boats in the harbour of Wells-next-the-Sea is a 114-year-old North Sea clipper, a former Dutch cargo ship. Restored by Ton Brouwer, who captained it on its last commercial voyage in 2008, the Albatros is now a pancake restaurant, bar, music venue and B&B, offering one of the most entertaining ways to spend a couple of hours (or a couple of nights) on the north Norfolk coast.

Captain Ton, a sea-crinkled Dutchman, runs a relaxed ship and dishes up pancakes the size of a lifebelt, served with beers from Woodforde's Broadland Brewery in Woodbastwick. "I think she's the only pub-like ship of her kind in the UK," he says, "and the only one registered in the Good Beer Guide." Guests can eat on deck, and watch the bustle of the quayside, and the bobbing boats, or below, where a musician is often found strumming on a guitar.

Accommodation is in cabins and breakfast is served on deck as the sun comes up. The boat is a memorable place to stay after a day exploring the Georgian architecture and independent shops of Wells-next-the-Sea (visitnorfolk.co.uk) or vast dunes and beaches of nearby Holkham. Watching the sun set over the saltmarsh from the deck of the Albatros as birds come into roost and boats pull into shore is one of life's simple pleasures. Especially if accompanied by a pint of local ale.

"People can stay on board without getting seasick," says Captain Ton. "I like to think the Albatros is a bit of Dutch maritime history that I've transplanted into Britain."

• Where to stay the Albatros (The Quay, Well-next-the-Sea, 07979 087228, albatros.eu.com), double cabin from £30pp per night B&B