The best cottages for a Norfolk walking holiday

Norfolk is home to a wide variety of inspiring landscapes all waiting to be explored – from coastal habitats hosting birdlife, to picturesque countryside where you’ll find pretty windmills and the ancient Broads waterways. And there’s no shortage of Norfolk walks that will lead you through it!

The Norfolk Coast Path, Peddars Way and Boudica Way are three of the most popular trails in the county – and you can find details on them all below – there’s a whole range of other trails to uncover whether you’re hoping for sea views, to go birdwatching, or visit historic sites. 

We’ve picked out our favourite cottages near Norfolk walks below. Read on to find the perfect place to stay during your waking holiday or click the button to find more holiday cottages.

Skip to walking route:

• Norfolk Coast Path
• Peddars Way
• Weaver’s Way
• Wherryman’s Way
• Blakeney Circular
• Sheringham Circular
• Marriott’s Way
• Salthouse Circular
• Gorleston Circular

The Heacham House, Heacham

Best for: Norfolk Coast Path

Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs

This beautiful sea-view holiday let on the North Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a perfect getaway for beach days and seaside strolls. Heacham’s golden sand beach is just a few metres from the front door and so is the Norfolk Coast Path. 

The Heacham House

Norfolk Coast Path from Hunstanton to Heacham

The Norfolk Coast Path stretches for miles and miles, beginning at Hunstanton in the west and ending at Sea Palling in the east. While staying in Heacham you could try the first leg of the journey; walk from Heacham to Hunstanton and back again so you can leave the car behind. It’s an easy stretch as it follows a promenade and along the way you’ll pass under Hunstanton’s famous red and white striped cliffs.

Heacham cottages

Cockleshells, Castle Acre

Best for: Peddars Way

Sleeps 6 + 1 dog

A quaint, stone cottage with character and heritage in every room, Cockleshells is just the place for calming holidays in the country. Farmhouse-style furniture and furnishings complete the look of this Grade II-listed property and you can join Peddars Way easily as it passes right through the heart of Castle Acre.

Peddars Way from Little Cressingham to Castle Acre

The Peddars Way is an ancient path whose first half runs through central Norfolk with picturesque countryside to hike through, and the second half follows the coast. This section of the Peddars Way from Little Cressingham to Castle Acre will lead you through some truly rural sections of the Norfolk countryside, with a mix of muddy, grassy farm terrain and tarmacked paths to follow.

Castle Acre cottages

Apple Tree Cottage, Saxlingham Nethergate

Best for: Boudicca Way

Use this elegant holiday let, filled to the brim with historic features and clever design, as your base while you explore the nearby Norfolk Broads and the city of Norwich. It’s a perfect rural getaway where you can enjoy a holiday surrounded by quiet village life. Best of all, the Boudicca Way passes by about 50 metres from this cottage.

Boudicca Way from Norwich to Shotesham

This Norwich to Shotesham section of the Boudicca Way Norfolk walk will take you along country lanes, on footpaths through fields, and takes a detour off the main National Trail to Venta Icenorum, the ruins of an old Roman town. As this trail offers you the chance to start or finish in Norwich, you can make the most of the fantastic restaurants and other amenities in the city centre.

Holidaze House, Cromer

Best for: Weaver’s Way

Escape to this modern, sophisticated retreat in the seaside town of Cromer for a relaxing holiday full of sea swimming, beachfront dining and rural walking. Set in the grounds of the Cromer Country Club, you can enjoy the spa facilities or tee off at the golf club next door between treks along the Weaver’s Way Norfolk walking trail.

Weaver’s Way – Cromer to Felbrigg Circular Walk

This circular walking route in North Norfolk follows part of the Weaver’s Way before diverting off and circling back so you can enjoy different scenery on your return to Cromer. Felbrigg is a stunning estate with acres of beech, oak and sweet chestnut woodland, a walled garden and more delights you could explore during your Norfolk walk.

Green Farm Barns - The Old Dairy, Surlingham

Best for: Wherryman’s Way

A light, bright, beautiful country escape set in Surlingham, with the River Yare winding around the outskirts of the village, this is a peaceful destination for a break. Cosy up in the fabulous, open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner, where skylights allow natural light to flood into the heart of this holiday home.

Wherryman’s Way – Surlingham Circular Trail

Wherryman’s Way stretches from the city of Norwich all the way to Great Yarmouth on the coast, with plenty of scenic Norfolk Broads scenery to take in along the way. You could walk into the city or try this Surlingham Circular Trail, 1 mile from this cottage, that follows part of Wherryman’s Way before looping back into the village.

Vine Cottage, Blakeney

Best for: Blakeney Circular

A cottage retreat full of wonderful styling and clever features, Vine Cottage is a great place for a walking holiday with a group of family and friends. The fantastic kitchen/diner space with an AGA cooker and bi-folding doors is the perfect social space at any time of year, and it is just a couple of hundred metres from the scenic Norfolk walk, the Blakeney Circular.

Blakeney Circular

The wildlife-rich Blakeney Marshes are an iconic Norfolk landscape and offer unique scenery as you follow this circular Norfolk walking trail. The River Glaven runs by part of the route, pretty Wiveton Bridge is another lovely feature of the walk, and this walkers’ path skirts both Blakeney and Cley-next-the-Sea, both offering great eating establishments for when you’re ready to refuel.

Wee Retreat, Sheringham

Best for: Sheringham Circular

Set on the edge of the grassy banks behind the beach, this wonderful property is in an unbeatable position for beach and walking holidays. Watch beachgoers and see the waves crash on the shore from the comfort of your lounge, or pop down to the beach for a paddle.

Sheringham Circular

Take in coastline, parkland and woodland on this magical circular Norfolk walk that passes through a range of scenic habitats. On returning to the start of your walk, you can explore Sheringham itself and find a friendly pub or café to grab a well-earned meal.

Wren Cottage, Aylsham

Best for: Marriott’s Way

A cosy, warm and welcoming country escape with original character features throughout, Wren Cottage is just the place to snuggle up and unwind after tackling part of the stunning Marriott’s Way Norfolk walking trail. Why not fire up the BBQ out in the planted garden for al fresco meals or get together in the stylish dining room for dinner and games during your stay here?

Marriott’s Way

You can walk as far as you like along the Marriott’s Way from Aylsham, however, if you fancy a challenge, why not take on the full walking route that takes you all the way to Norwich? It’s a full day’s walk if you’re a keen hiker and you’ll need transport to get you back to your start point, but it’s a fantastic way to test your endurance and soak in stunning Norfolk countryside while you’re at it. It’s also a great cycling route, and much easier to tackle on two wheels!

Seaheath, Salthouse

Best for: Salthouse Circular

Hidden away in the peaceful village of Salthouse, this lovely holiday home offers an open-plan interior and gorgeous surroundings – it’s the perfect place for socialising with family and friends between walking adventures. When you’re ready to set off on a stroll, the Salthouse Circular passes right by this delightful cottage.

Salthouse Circular

Beginning in the village, this circular Norfolk walk takes you through the heart of the fantastic salt marshes that line this section of the North Norfolk coast. It’s a fantastic area for birdwatching with migrating birds that include spoonbills, snow bunting and the marsh harrier. The route will also take you up onto Salthouse Heath from which you can admire stunning coastal views.

Red Mill, Haddiscoe Island

Best for: Gorleston Circular

You couldn’t find a holiday let that represents iconic Norfolk heritage quite like this windmill property that’s been beautifully renovated to create a comfortable holiday home. Painted stone walls, old beams and slate window ledges all add to the charm of this cottage, and you can even see some of the old workings in the roof above the third-floor bedroom.

Gorleston Circular

The Gorleston Circular primarily takes you along the promenade which means it’s an easy, flat, concrete path to follow. Soak in views of the Outer Harbour and the Scroby Wind Farm out at sea and enjoy a coffee and cake at one of the seafront eateries located here.

Map of starting points for these Norfolk walks

Plan your Norfolk walking holiday 

After long days discovering all that this spellbinding region has to offer, you’ll need a cosy base where you can rest weary legs. Browse through our holiday homes across Norfolk and begin planning your next walking break.