The property was originally a seminary, but under Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries it was sold as an inn in 1540 and renamed The Bell. The sense of history is enhanced by the fact that this accommodation retains much of its original character. Tudor wall paintings were discovered from an old open gallery in 1938, when layers of wallpaper were stripped away. These paintings can now be seen preserved behind glass in one of the bedrooms. Also famous as the home of the cast and crew of the television series 'Dad's Army', Thetford features throughout the series, providing backdrops to many of the programme's scenes. The hotel comprises a total of 46 guest rooms and is non-smoking throughout. Facilities on offer include a lobby, a restaurant and Internet access.

The hotel enjoys an ideal location at the centre of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. The 12th century Thetford Priory is within walking distance. Thetford Forest is just 8 km away, while Oxburgh Hall and the nearby Water Gardens are about 20 km from the hotel. Also worth a visit is Bressingham, with its Steam Museum and Garden. Thetford bus and train stations are both within a 500-metre radius of the property. Norwich Airport is approximately 56 km from the hotel, while London Stansted Airport is some 88 km away and London Luton Airport is about 113 km away.

The restaurant specialises in good simple English food. The bar also serves delicious meals, together with traditional ales.