BLUE SKY THINKING

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.

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We sent three of our editors to Nelson's County to enjoy the delights of East AngliaCredit: Alamy

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!

There's so much to see and do in beautiful NorfolkCredit: Alamy
If you fancy a trip out for dinner head to The White Horse in nearby Brancaster for rock oysters, £10 for threeCredit: The White Horse
Deputy Features Editor Rosie Gizauskas lived the good life with friends Anne and Laura at The Gin Trap Inn, RingsteadCredit: Rosie Gizauskas

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.

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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. 

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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 ().

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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.

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