North Norfolk
Places to eat in North Norfolk
The Hunworth Bell (Hunworth)
Known locally as The Hunny Bell, this is our local pub and is just a minute's walk from Spinks Nest. It’s a great spot for a relaxed drink but also serves good food in the cosy pub and out in the garden around the back. It is currently open Wed-Sun.
The Kings Head (Letheringsett)
Just down the road from Holt, this is a nice pub that champions local ingredients. Inside they serve a menu with elevated pub grub classics such as pan-seared sea bream and a decadent house cheese burger. There’s a smaller menu available in the garden in the summer.
The Suffield Arms (Suffield)
Get a taste of the Mediterranean at this revamped old country pub. There’s cured meats and tasty tapas here as well as good cocktails.
The Gunton Arms (Gunton)
Known for its excellent food and even more excellent art collection. Book a table in the restaurant for the full experience or just have a more casual lunch in the traditional pub bar.
The Dun Cow (Salthouse)
This cheerful pub has some of the best views over the salt marshes from its spacious front garden. Plus inside, there’s a cosy fire for chillier days. The food here has a Spanish leaning, with a menu featuring sherry and oysters and burnt Basque cheesecake.
The George and Dragon (Cley)
A wonderful friendly pub with delicious food. Inside, it’s airy and light and there’s also covered tables out in the garden just across the road from the pub for all weather alfresco dining. Foodwise, there’s Welsh Rarebit and posh fishfinger sandwiches for lunch and some additional more substantial plates including a handmade pie of the day for dinner.
The White Horse (Brancaster)
This sprawling pub has lots of different restaurants with different menus but the standout has to be the amazing marsh seafood bar which has stunning views over the salt marsh.
Socius (Burnham Market)
A great place for a nice meal out. This restaurant celebrates seasonal produce and the menu is all yummy contemporary small plates. It won AA best 'Restaurant of the Year in England' and got 'Restaurant of the Year' in the Michelin Guide with 2 AA Rosettes.
No. Twenty9 (Burnham Market)
For something a bit different, this sweet restaurant cooks most of its dishes over fire, both in and outdoors, but they also do a stunning lobster pie for a real treat.
Lots of good eating in North Norfolk, given the extensive farming and fishing activities here!
Nature to-dos in North Norfolk
This amazing coastal spot is home to the largest colony of seals in the UK. You can take a nice walk here but the best way to see the seals is by boat tour and there are several companies that offer seal tours out to Blakeney Head. Find out more information on the National Trust Blakeney Natural Reserve Page. A few companies offer seal trips from Morston Quay: Beans Boat Trips and Seal Trips. Worth a visit all year round but especially November to January when the pups are being born on the beaches.
Go for a walk
There are so many beautiful walks surround the cottage for all abilities. You can find information on local walks also on the National Trust Walking in Norfolk Page and www.norfolk.gov.uk, plus there are also some local maps and books in the cottage for you to have a look at.
Visit Natural Surroundings
This nature reserve, plant nursery, wildflower garden and cafe is a delightful spot for a day out and beautiful all year around. Take a peaceful wander through the different sections from the orchard and kitchen garden to the riverside woodland. And be sure to stop for cake in the garden cafe after.
Go to the beach
North Norfolk has a lot of lovely coastal spots but none more dramatic than Holkham Beach. To get to the water you have to walk through a stunning pine forest before you emerge onto a huge sandy beach expanse. It’s usually a very long and lovely walk down to the dunes and the sea. There’s a little cafe by the car park for sandwiches and coffee.
There are many fantastic natural experiences in North Norfolk - largely revolving around the coastline with its marshes, beaches, and dunes!
Shopping in North Norfolk
Norfolk Natural Living
You can find everything from stylish sustainable homewares and gardening accessories to luxurious bath oils and natural perfumes at this trio of independent stores.
Made in Cley
For more pottery, this gallery, shop and workshop sells beautiful bowls, plates, vases and other ceramic pieces, all made on site.
Cley Smokehouse
Also in Cley is Cley Smokehouse for smoked fish and meats, fish cakes, fish patés and other fishy fun.
Make Holt
See what the Norfolk makers have been up to at this homeware shop that celebrates local craft. There’s ceramics, prints, textiles, soaps and more.
Visit a farm shop
To stock up on groceries and local produce, we love Back To The Garden just outside Letheringsett. They sell organic meat, vegetables and fruit and provisions and have a deli
counter.
Go Antique Shopping
There are lots of great local antique shops – a lot of the stuff in Spinks Nest comes from them! Check out Holt Antiques and Interiors (open every day) for an expertly-curated selection for home and garden and Bayfield Hall (open Wed-Sun) for lovely rugs and decorative pieces.
Star Plain Stores
Meanwhile in Holt, there’s little deli Star Plain Stores which has a great selection of wine, cheese and nice goodies, as well as a little wine bar next door.
Stiffkey Stores
Part homeware store, part café, part kids shop, part post-office and part grocery shop – this little village shop has it all. Look out for the excellent Brick pizzas in the freezer at the back for a quick and yummy dinner.
There are loads of small and interesting shops in North Norfolk - many in Holt, just a five minute drive away from Spinks Nest!
Getting out and about in North Norfolk
Wells-Next-The-Sea
Wells is a more accessible beach that involves less of a walk but still has the pine forest element and a sandy beach. This is a better beach for swimming and has a row of very cute beach huts that are always worth a snap.
Cromer
Take a day trip to Cromer. This quaint seaside town is just a short drive away and is well worth a visit. There’s a nice beach, pier and some cute little streets for strolling. Plus it’s famous for its crab, so don’t leave without getting a crab sandwich.
Have tea at Wiveton Hall
Just outside Cley, there’s a lovely cafe on the grounds of this historic old hall (owned
by ‘Normal for Norfolk’ star Desmond MacCarthy). They serve from breakfast through to evening pizza (in the summer) but it’s also just a scenic spot to have tea and cake in the garden overlooking the salt marshes. It also has plenty of space for little ones to run around.
See a Stately Home
North Norfolk is steeped in history and is home to Blickling Hall, Holkham Hall and Fellbrigg Hall, amongst other historical buildings. They all have stunning grounds and are beautiful houses to visit. Find out more information at visitnorthnorfolk.com.
