Travel

Talk a Norfolk walk and enjoy a pint

A walk by the sea followed by a warming quencher in a cosy pub is a proper tick-boxer of a break. With its latest property additions as a base, Winterton Cottages has picked its top seasonal walking and imbibing combinations for the ideal East Norfolk getaway.

Cliff top walk, Sherlock-inspired pint and stay in a super-luxurious new for 2024 barn conversion in Happisburgh (sleeps 4)

Taking in the iconic red and white striped Happisburgh lighthouse the Happisburgh Circular is a scenically rich seven miles meandering the clifftop, footpaths and quiet lanes,   A delightful liquid reward awaits walkers at the end - in the coastal village’s Hill House pub and micro-brewery. 

This 16^th century inn, a favourite of author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s, offers a range of real ales, mostly from local brewers and tasty pub grub.  You can stay at Winterton Cottage’s latest addition the Hall Farm Barn (from Easter 2024). This brand-new contemporary barn conversion is within walking distance of the village. 

Sleeping four, with two ensuite bedrooms, everything is all on one level including an open plan living/dining area with a smart TV and a well-equipped kitchen. For keen cooks there are two electric ovens and a large hob with a convivial kitchen island plus a wine fridge too. The property’s large, enclosed garden offers lovely views over the countryside and is fully enclosed making it dog friendly. 

A seven-night stay for four from April is £892. (www.wintertoncottages.co.uk Tel: 01493 800645).

Hill House Pub Tel: 01692 650004

Enjoy the Winterton Circular walk with a drink in the Fisherman’s Return. Stay close by at new contemporary bolthole, Grayling House (sleeps 6)

The coastal village of Winterton-on-sea with long and sandy dune-back beach is particularly wonderful in winter. There are several circular walking options available, the longest of which is the six mile Winterton Circular that takes in the National Nature Reserve, an ancient shoreline and Winterton Ness. 

A wonderful end-of-journey respite is the Fisherman’s Return, a 300 year old brick and flint free house in the centre of Winterton, serving up to five real ales, and freshly prepared food (the seafood specials here are exceptional).

Within walking distance of the pub is Grayling House. A brand new three-bedroom detached house with rural views tucked away down a quiet lane on the edge of Winterton-on-Sea and also close to the beaches and café. Downstairs, as well as the modern open plan living and dining, there’s a separate snug with comfy seating and smart TV, while upstairs each of the kingsize bedrooms has its own ensuite shower room. 

The enclosed garden (two dogs are welcome) is wonderfully landscaped, with gorgeous views of the trees from the house; plus, there’s ample parking and an EV charger. 

A four-night stay for six costs from £640. www.wintertoncottages.co.uk Tel: 01493 800645).

The Fisherman’s Return Tel: 01493 393305

One for the foodies: The Fleggburgh to Rollesby circular with a stay at the new Trinity Barn (sleeps 4)

The Fleggburgh to Rollesby circular walk is a 6 mile (9.6 kilometre) circular walk taking in beautiful countryside and two medieval churches. Starting and ending at one of East Norfolk’s favourite gastro pubs, the Kings Arms in Fleggburgh it’s the ideal jaunt for foodies who can reward their endeavours with something hearty. The pub has racked up some sizable accolades including 2AA rosettes and JRE young restauranteur award for its notable dining experience. 

Trinity Barn is a modern detached property tucked away in the Broadland village just a two-minute walk from the pub.  Well equipped, it is centrally heated throughout, but there's also a fire in the open plan dining room making it toasty for winter. Sleeping four, there’s a ground floor double bedroom and a bathroom while upstairs the second bedroom is ensuite with two single beds.

A three-night stay for four from £375. (www.wintertoncottages.co.uk Tel: 01493 800645).

Kings Arms Fleggburgh Tel: 01493 368333 

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