Thornham + The Lifeboat Inn

The circular walk around the North Norfolk village of Thornham – listed as one of the best UK winter beach walks by The Sunday Times – takes you past Thornham Staithe, with its old coal barn and fishing boats, to Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Holme Dunes. A magnet for migrating birds, this is where The Wash meets the North Sea. You’re also just two miles away from the RSPB nature reserve at Titchwell Marsh.

Overlooking the salt marshes, the historic Lifeboat Inn plates up local seafood, top-notch pub fare and sourdough pizzas (as well as a kids menu).

Blakeney Point + The Wiveton Bell, Wiveton

There’re lots of lovely walks within the Blakeney Nature Reserve, but I can recommend taking a leisurely stroll along Blakeney Point’s 4 mile shingle spit to the sand dunes near the old lifeboat house – psst, look out for seals along the way. The village of Wiveton is less than a 5min drive and home to The Wiveton Bell, perched on the picturesque village green. Exposed beamed ceilings, cosy bar with roaring fie and great menu – what’s not to love?

Sheringham Park + The Ship Inn, Weybourne

Steam train viewed from Sheringham Park - © National Trust Images/Rod Edwards — Sheringham Park © National Trust Images/Rod Edwards

The National Trust’s Sheringham Park is a family favourite with marked routes and walks ranging between distances of 1 to 7 miles. With plenty of woodland, parkland and cliff tops, it’s great for little ones, dogs and bikes. You might get to spot the steam train that runs between Sheringham and Holt and have a little Railway Children knicker flag moment!

End up at the The Ship Inn Weybourne with its roaring log burner, and you can ‘mardle’ with the locals over a pint of Norfolk ale or one of their 75 gins.

The Burnhams + The Lord Nelson, Burnham Thorpe

The Burnhams circular walk is a 4.5 mile hike through the atmospheric salt marshes and past a couple of pretty churches (map here). You might like to take a detour at Burnham Market and look around some of the lovely little boutiques on your way round, then rest weary limbs at The Lord Nelson in nearby Burnham Thorpe (birth place of Horatio Nelson), where you’ll be welcomed by the freshest Woodforde’s beer and tastiest pub food.

Cley Marshes + The Three Swallows

This is a lovely four mile walk around Cley. Start by grabbing supplies at Picnic Fayre deli and then head out past Cley Windmill (FYI you can overnight in style here) where you’ll join the Norfolk Coast Path taking you around the marshes, along the beach and ending at the NWT Cley Marshes Visitor Centre (map here).

From here it’s a two minute drive to The Three Swallows, a traditional village pub overlooking the green. Bursting with character, seasonal produce and two blazing fires, it’s a great spot to warm your chestnuts!

Brancaster Staithe + The Jolly Sailors

If you’re in the mood for a good hike (think dessert calories) then this 3.8 mile circular trail (map here) takes you around Brancaster Staithe and beside the beautiful Brancaster Marshes (check tide times first). Then cosy in for some great pub grub at The Jolly Sailors and maybe a pint from its very own brewery (don’t mind if I do).

Holkham to Wells + The Globe Inn & The Victoria

Fancy a little pub crawl? This 9 mile circular walk between Wells and Holkham takes you along Wells beach, past the iconic beach huts, through the pinewoods and back onto the coastal path into Holkham and onto the estate to explore the grounds and gardens. I recommend fuelling up at the The Globe Inn for brunch and then finishing at The Victoria for late lunch/early dinner.

Blickling Estate + The Bucks Arms

Blickling lake - © National Trust Images/Andy Davison — Blickling lake © National Trust Images/Andy Davison

Explore Blickling’s extensive parkland taking in the Tower, Great Wood and Mausoleum (yes, a pyramid in Norfolk!). They have a multi-use trail (map here) that offers smooth terrain for wheelchairs and buggies. Or if rougher terrain isn’t an issue, try the 4.5 mile Blickling Estate walk (map here) and the lake walk (info and map here) – both spectacular.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, warm up at the gorgeous Bucks Arms just on the outskirts of the estate. This 17th century coaching inn oozes character and history and is the perfect rest spot after an afternoon of walking.

The Pingo Trail + The Chequers Inn, Thompson

The Pingo Trail is part of the Peddars Way that runs a total of 46 miles through the heart of Norfolk – now that’s a pub crawl if you fancy a challenge! This 8 mile stretch (map here) takes you through marshy woodland and wetland and alongside the very picturesque Thompson Water. Reward yourself with a visit to this rather lovely thatched pub, with all the Muddy musts – roaring fires, extensive wine lists and cosy nooks. Mind your head on the low ceilings!

Thetford Forest + The Angel Inn, Larling

There are at least 26 walking trails in Thetford Forest. I recommend you start at High Lodge Centre, where you’ll find a fantastic adventure play area in the woods, Go Ape, bike hire and Segways. A 10 minute drive will bring you to the Angel Inn with its 17th century wood panelling, traditional pub grub and a very impressive whisky selection.

Top four walks include:

The Great Eastern Pingo Trail (7 miles)
The Adventure Play Trail – short easy walk that’s great for littlies as they can search for 6 sculptures along the way
The Orange Walk – suitable for families as it’s not too long and you end up at a little hide to spy on the deer
High Lodge walk trails – takes you past lakes and through ancient woodland dating back to the 17th century. You can also pop into Lynford Hall for a hot chocolate on your way round.

Mousehold Health + The Stanley, Norwich

Mousehold Heath in the north of the city is a great place to grab some winter fresh air. An hour max will relieve any cabin fever and your sloth-like conscience. Then retire to The Stanley on Magdalen street totally refreshed and ready to sample a festive cocktail (or two).

Oxburgh Estate + Bedingfeld Arms

The Norfolk bump is bursting with National Trust properties and Oxburgh Estate is one of my favourites. With an impressive 70 acres as its backyard, there’s plenty of woodland, rivers and meadows to explore. My Lady’s Wood is great for den building and you’ll find buggy-friendly routes around the estate.

Come in from the cold and warm yourself up at the Bedingfeld Arms. Built in 1783 for the Bedingfeld family who still live at the Hall, it’s a stunning pub with plenty of old charm and character.

Peddars Way + The Dabbling Duck, Great Massingham

The 8-mile Harpley section of the Peddars Way walk starts and ends at Great Massingham, which is rather lucky for us as this pretty little village is home to The Dabbling Duck. A great place to recuperate after a long walk, it has a fabulously stylish interior, lots of seating – plus you’ll be in good company as it’s Prince William’s favourite local.

If you fancy a walk with a scone and a cuppa along the way, check out our winter pub walks with cute café pitstops!

Fresh air fix! 13 of the best winter walks with cosy pubs

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