My Norfolk...With Monica Vinader
SHOPS
Gurneys Fish, Burnham Market
Head to this fishmonger for the freshest catches, as well as homemade pâté and soups. A small delicatessen, Humble Pie, lies above it, so be sure to stock up on treats if you’re entertaining. Pick up a loaf of their freshly made bread, too, along with some local cheeses, homemade quiches and summery salads. A slice of their famous chocolate cake is also a must-try, as are the jam-filled donuts.
Nomad And The Bowerbird, Wells-Next-The-Sea
Wells-next-the-sea is brimming with quirky, unique shops. Nomad And The Bowerbird sells funky clothes for teens, along with beautifully designed homeware. Stocking everything from pretty ceramics to fragrant candles, and summer sandals to slogan sweatshirts, there’s something for everyone.
Bayfield Hall Antiques, Holt
Located in a converted stable yard at Bayfield Hall, this is where you'll find some one-off gems. Home to a range of antique dealers and specialists, selling everything from colourful glassware to Persian rugs, it’s where you’ll track down a one-off piece for your home, a gift for a loved one, or just some broader inspiration.
ANNA, Burnham Market
ANNA is known for its beautiful selection of clothes and accessories. Along with some lesser known designers, it also stocks big names like Anya Hindmarch, Isabel Marant Étoile and Rixo. Accessories wise, expect pretty, colourful braided bracelets from Mishky and beach friendly totes by The Jacksons.
PUBS
The Jolly Sailor, Brancaster
This is a go-to spot for a weekend treat. Completely kid-friendly, it serves up some great home cooked classics like whitebait and juicy burgers – but it's the stone-baked pizzas which are the real showstoppers. The owners also own Brancaster Brewery, so expect to find some exceptional real ales on the menu, too.
The Victoria Inn, Holkham
Just a few steps away from the golden sand of Holkham beach, The Victoria Inn is a lovely spot to relax after a long walk. Alongside bar snacks and a smart lunch menu, this pub also serves dinner dishes featuring ingredients from local farmers. Book a table or enjoy a pint in the garden after a day at the beach.
The Gunton Arms, Near Cromer
The amazing setting lends this spot to a summer BBQ. Situated in a thousand-acre deer park, expect to see a few four legged friends while tucking into your meal. It’s also home to owner and art dealer Ivor Bracka’s personal collection, with works by Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Lucian Freud featured on the walls.
The Hero, Burnham Overy Staithe
This warm pub is just five minutes from Burnham Market. In the winter, cosy up in the bar next to the wood burning fireplace, while the large garden is buzzing in the summer. Expect a seasonal menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients, with the fish and chips being one of the most popular dishes.
HOTELS
The Victoria, Holkham
Part of The Victoria Inn pub, this hotel is so close to the beach you can smell the sea from your room. There are 20 cosy bedrooms all within walking distance of Holkham park, which offers a plethora of woodland walks and deer spotting opportunities. Dogs are also welcome, too.
Titchwell Manor, Brancaster
Titchwell Manor is a beautiful country home just around the corner from the neighbouring Titchwell Bird Reserve. There are 26 stylish bedrooms, most of which lead to a patio or small garden space. It’s also a great nesting hole for those wanting to explore the local area, thanks to its proximity to Burnham Market, Hunstanton Beach and the market town of Holt.
The Gunton Arms, Near Cromer
The Gunton Arms is also home to some gorgeous rooms all decorated by renowned interior designer Robert Kime. Each one looks out over Gunton Park, which you can stroll around before heading to the restaurant for dinner.
RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS
Socius, Burnham Market
This restaurant is run by a wonderful husband and wife team, and serves up modern tapas dishes designed to share. Highlights include the burrata and the in-house cured smoked salmon. It also has a great cocktail menu, with offerings ranging from a classic Aperol spritz to an apple, elderflower and mint martini.
The Lookout Café, Holkham
This cosy little café can be found on Lady Anne's Drive, at the entrance of Holkham beach. Warm up after a windy beach walk with a menu of locally roasted coffee, tea and homemade cakes. If you can secure a spot outside, it also overlooks the nature reserve, making it ideal for birdwatchers.
Morston Hall, Morston
Morston Hall is home to a Michelin starred restaurant headed up by Galton Blackiston – the perfect place for a real treat. The seven course tasting menu features a range of seasonal produce and locally-sourced ingredients, with canapés served in the lounge or garden beforehand. It sits right on the coast, so you can take a walk on the beach before or after your meal.
The Tuscan Farm Shop, Burnham Market
You’ll find this deli perched on the edge of Burnham Market’s green, but expect to be transported to an Italian vineyard once inside. It serves up some tasty antipasti platters along with soups, Italian wines and indulgent homemade desserts. Head there for a coffee and pastry, or book a table for an Italian feast-style lunch.
The Beach Café, Wells-Next-The-Sea
The aptly named Beach Café in pretty Wells-next-the-sea can be found right on the sand, with a large outdoor seating area. Everything on the menu is locally sourced, from the sausage rolls to the Victoria sponge. Relax here after a walk on the wild and windy beach.
SITES
There are so many beaches on the Norfolk coast, but two worth a visit include Brancaster and Holkham, where they filmed Shakespeare In Love. Holkham is romantic, rural and wild, with unspoilt stretches of sand leading to the water, while the National Trust-owned, family-friendly Brancaster is great for sandcastle making and picnics. For some wild swimming, head to Stiffkey Freshes, near Morton.
For families, a must-see sight is Blakeney Point, which is home to England’s largest grey seal colony. Many of the local ferries and boats run seal-spotting day trips, with most of them available to book online. Once you’ve secured a slot, make sure to wrap up warm, as even in summer the spray from the boats can be chilly.
For some culture, visit Holkham Hall and Houghton Hall, both of which are open to the public. The houses and grounds are spectacular, and well worth a visit even if you’re not staying in the area. Holkham is part of a 25,000 acre estate, surrounded by vast parkland and a plethora of wildlife, while Houghton is known for its pretty walled gardens and outdoor sculptures.
Norfolk is also home to some eerie yet stunning ruins, such as Binham Priory, which was once a monastery, and Castle Acre Priory, a ruined Cluniac priory in the village of Castle Acre. There’s also an array of churches to visit. Norfolk has the greatest concentration of Medieval churches in the world, with one of the most famous being Norwich’s Norman Cathedral.
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