Love actually, is all around; 5 of the most romantic things to do in North Norfolk this February and a few of our favourite restaurants.
Valentines in North Norfolk, a time to enjoy the simple life with your loved ones in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Stunning sandy beaches for windswept walks, hidden salt marshes, and wonderful wildlife reserves.
Holkham Beach
Undoubtably one of the most beautiful and iconic sandy beaches in the UK serving as a popular location for film sets, visitors, and a firm favourite amongst locals. Notably, it featured in the final scenes of the 1998 movie “Shakespeare in Love.” Directed by John Madden. In the film, the beach stands in for the coastline of Virginia. Whatever the time of year Holkham Beach is not to be missed – in the colder months enjoy a long romantic windswept walk across the dunes and into the pine woods with a flask of hot chocolate. Head back to Holkham Estate for a tour of the 25,000 acres of stunning grounds, deer park and gardens. End the day with an indulgent early supper at The Victoria. Opt to sit in the spacious Orangery with stunning views across Holkham’s National Nature Reserve and sample some of the very best local ingredients on the seasonal menu.
Chocolate Courses
Hidden in Helhoughton, a quaint rural Norfolk village is Hunters Academy of Food. A family run cookery school headed up by Gary Hunter whose CV includes two decades in central London working amongst the likes of Jamie Oliver and Andrew Wong. Whether you’re a professional or a chocolate making novice, Hunters chocolate course aims to inspire you as well as a practical course, covering the chocolate making process, origins, methods of tempering, moulding, filing, pairing, colouring and spraying. Visit Hunters website for their calendar of 2024 events – from dinner party menus, macarons and patisserie, pizza making, artisan bread baking to chocolate classes.
Coastal Exploration
Sail through the stunning salt marshes of Wells and Warham, head to Scolt Island for sunrise, or wild swim through the creeks of North Norfolk with the ever-stylish Coastal Exploration. Boat trips with Coastal Exploration are aboard beautifully restored traditional wooden fishing boats. Adventures can be tailored to your needs, for the experienced sailor to the newbie sailor, or the simply looking to relax sailor. Most packages include a delicious locally sourced and prepared meal. Visit Coastal Exploration for packages and prices.
Seal Trips
Home to England’s largest grey seal colony, North Norfolk is famous for its ferry trips from Morston Quay where you can head out to Blakeney Point and see the grey seals, with around 4,000 born each year, in their natural habitat. Grab your wellies, thermals, raincoats, bobble hats and camera and head to the quay. Booking is a must and ensure you arrive early for your trip. Please note trips will be weather dependent and may be cancelled on the day. For more information and trip times visit the individual operators’ websites below:
Spa Time
Nothing says and relax like a proper pamper session, chill out in the secluded spa garden enjoying a glass of fizz before a couple’s full body massage at the Hoste Arms spa in Burnham Market. Back massages, facials, scrubs and all the usual indulgent treatments can be enjoyed along with a Champagne afternoon tea or a light lunch. Alternatively book into Congham Hall Spa near Kings Lynn for an afternoon by the indoor pool, replenish your body with a customised treatment. We’re talking rejuvenating facials, muscle melt massages; reflexology and body wraps to name a few. Alternatively contact our concierge to arrange an in-house treatment at your very own Barefoot Retreat.
Romantic Restaurants
Whether you’re looking for a dreamy dinner or a lovely dovey lunch, North Norfolk has some of the very best eateries in the country. We recommend the multi award winning Socius – most recently named the AA’s Restaurant of the year for 2022/23 at the AA Hospitality Awards. Titchwell Manor with its 3 AA Rosettes and the locally celebrated White Horse at Brancaster. Not forgetting the Michelin star Morston Hall. Check out our food journals for more dining inspiration including the best brunch spots, delicious delis, afternoon tea venues, popular pubs and the freshest fish & chips.
If you’re planning a February visit to North Norfolk, stay in one of our luxury self-catering cottages nestled along the coastline from Old Hunstanton to Holt. Alternatively enjoy a boutique stay at The Railway Hotel in Burnham Market.
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