Sandy beaches to epic wildlife – north Norfolk is perfect for a cosy winter staycation
WITH vast sandy beaches, epic wildlife and hearty food, beautiful north Norfolk is the place to blast away the winter blues.
We sent three of our editors to Nelson's County to enjoy the delights of East Anglia.
The Gin Trap Inn, Ringstead
Deputy Features Editor Rosie Gizauskas lived the good life with friends Anne and Laura.
THE PAD: Tucked away in the pretty hamlet of Ringstead, The Gin Trap Inn is a 17th-century coach inn that’s a mecca for (you guessed it!) gin!
The cosy pub has 13 super-stylish cottages and guest rooms, and dogs are welcome in the majority.
We stayed in the two-bedroom Cadaman Cottage, which has one bold pink, Moroccan-style bedroom and another chic navy-blue one, each with huge comfy beds and vaulted ceilings.
There’s a balcony and private outside decking area, perfect for a cup of tea – or a gin from the pub – with views across a field of horses.
In the morning, the inn’s full English breakfast, included in the room price, is just what the doctor ordered. Bringing the kids?
There’s an amazing play area to keep them happy.
EXPLORE: Take the scenic route past windmills and quaint cottages to the village of Old Hunstanton for a pint at The Lodge pub, before walking on to nearby Hunstanton Beach, a pretty stretch of shingle coastline ().
Where better to visit in the year of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee than Sandringham?
HRH’s country pad – reportedly her favourite residence – is just nine miles from The Gin Trap Inn.
REFUEL: Foodies are absolutely spoiled at The Gin Trap, known for its flavour-packed seasonal fare.
Or for a fun, casual lunch, swing by The Crab Hut at Brancaster Staithe.
BOOK IT: Cadaman Cottage costs from £290 per night, including breakfast ().
Abbey Farm, Alby
A glamping dome made for a trip to remember for Picture Editor Janet Davenport and husband Andrew.
Blakeney Hotel, Blakeney
Acting Lifestyle Editor Emma Ledger, her boyfriend Alex and two-year-old Annie had a sweet time.
The perfect spot to feast on it all awaits you by the water’s edge.
Just 10 minutes’ drive away is charming town Wells-Next-The-Sea, where salt marshes turn into the golden sands of Holkham beach, with a line of candy-coloured beach huts on stilts.
Stop by the Beach Cafe for a cuppa or a cone, depending on the weather (), before taking a free deer-spotting stroll in the beautiful grounds of Holkham Hall ().
REFUEL: Breakfast offers something for everyone, with a buffet of cereals, pastries, home-made muesli and fresh fruits, plus hot options including kedgeree and a full English, with veggie alternatives.
Dinner is lavish but not stuffy, costing £38 for a three-course feast with coffee.
The stand-out starter was local mussels in Thai massaman sauce, while main courses include halibut with ham hock and crab chowder and Persian spiced Norfolk lamb with fondant potato.