Julie Smith
04 May 2023
With miles of beautiful beaches backed by peaceful nature reserves, historic windmills dotted around glistening waterways and sumptuous stately homes surrounded by gently rolling countryside, Norfolk is a dream destination for a romantic getaway.
So whether you fancy travelling by steam train through the countryside, hiring a boat and exploring the Broads National Park or taking a sunlit stroll along a sandy beach, here are some of the best couple’s cottages for a romantic break in Norfolk.
Eric’s Cottage
This pretty little property is located in the peaceful village of Whissonsett in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. Eric’s Cottage is located all on one level making it ideal for anyone with mobility issues and there are lots of nearby places to visit including Sandringham, Houghton Hall and Holkham.
- Pay a visit to the nearby market town of Fakenham to stock up on supplies for your getaway or get fresh produce from a number of local farm shops.
- A patio area at the front of the property is perfect for sitting and watching the world go by and comes with a BBQ that’s just right for the summer.
- It’s just a short drive to the Norfolk coast where you’ll find beautiful beaches and peaceful nature reserves.
Why we love it: This bright and cheerful cottage has an idyllic location opposite a 900-year-old church in a quintessentially English chocolate box village.
The Lodge at Heath Cottage
The star of the show at this countryside retreat is a romantic wood-fired hot tub for two which is surrounded by fairy lights to give it a magical feel during darker evenings together. The open-plan living space opens straight out onto the gorgeous garden which includes a patio where you can relax and enjoy the view.
- There’s a wood burner to keep you nice and cosy during colder winter nights.
- You can take a scenic 2-mile stroll to nearby Foxley Wood which is a haven for local wildlife including a variety of species of colourful butterflies.
- The open-plan interiors are compact but have everything you need for a glorious weekend in the Norfolk countryside.
Why we love it: It’s up to you whether you simply relax in the hot tub on your peaceful romantic getaway or explore the surrounding countryside on two wheels with secure bike storage available at this Norfolk holiday cottage.
St Felix
With a lovely spot in the pretty village of Walsingham, this cosy cottage is just right for a romantic break to Norfolk. You can take a relaxing stroll along the banks of the River Stiffkey, wander around the grounds of the ancient Walsingham Abbey which feature fields of bluebells and a packhorse bridge or take a scenic journey on the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway which will whisk you through the Norfolk countryside.
- Stock up on supplies at the Walsingham Farm Shop for either a scenic countryside picnic or to whip up a romantic meal for two in St Felix’s well-equipped kitchen.
- Traditional cottage features include dark wooden ceiling beams and a classic wood burner for cosy evenings together.
- You’ll find cafes, independent shops and handsome historic buildings on the doorstep of this lovely country cottage.
Why we love it: You are surrounded by Norfolk countryside with a nearby stream to wander to yet the coast is just a short drive away - it’s a romantic getaway with the best of both worlds.
Alice Cottage - Norfolk
With an enclosed garden for four-legged friends, Alice Cottage is perfect for a romantic getaway to Norfolk where dogs can come along too. It’s a traditional dog-friendly Norfolk cottage with a country kitchen and lots of period charm, including an original brick fireplace and pamment floor tiles.
- A mature garden is filled with pretty plants and flowers so makes an ideal place to sit outside and enjoy a morning cuppa - especially as the River Bure runs alongside the bottom of this peaceful spot.
- It’s just a short walk to the dog-friendly village pub in North Creake where you can relax with a range of refreshments.
- Alice Cottage is close to Burnham Market, where you’ll find 17th-century buildings, gorgeous shops and tearooms all centred around a pretty village green. The tidal marshes and nature reserves of Burnham Overy Staithe are also just a short drive or scenic walk away.
Why we love it: Alice Cottage is tucked away in a tranquil Norfolk village with the sprawling and dog-friendly Holkham Hall estate close by. You’ll find scenic walks, nature reserves and beautiful beaches for a wonderfully romantic day out.
The Old Mill Mattishall
This converted windmill is one of the most characterful places to stay in Norfolk so it’s hard to think of a better setting for an idyllic romantic break. The cosy and romantic cottage is surrounded by farmland with village shops and a pub just a short walk away.
- The original corn mill dates back to 1857 and features a wonderful circular bedroom and chunky exposed beams.
- Its location in the centre of Norfolk means you can easily explore the Broads National Park or spend the day in Norwich during your getaway.
- The garden at The Old Mill includes patio furniture and a BBQ with friendly Shetland ponies in the neighbouring field to keep you company during your getaway.
Why we love it: Norfolk is known for its iconic windmills, so where better to stay on a romantic break in this lovely county than in one of them? Especially as The Old Mill Mattishall is surrounded by quiet country lanes if you fancy exploring the area on two wheels.
Brundall Boathouse
You can sit and watch the boats go by on a getaway to this romantic cottage in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. Brundall Boathouse is located on the banks of the River Yare with decking and outdoor furniture so you can relax and unwind to the sound of gently flower water while you enjoy an early evening drink or a spot of al fresco dining.
- You’ll find an assortment of pubs, cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the property if you fancy eating out during your getaway.
- The light and bright living room at Brundall Boathouse looks out over the water with French doors opening straight onto the cottage’s outdoor terrace.
- This part of the Norfolk Broads is home to the Mid-Yare Nature Reserve which features a range of different flora and fauna and the Strumpshaw Fen where you can spot kingfishers, bitterns, marsh harriers and barn owls.
Why we love it: You can hire day boats from the nearby Brundall Bay Marina to travel along the winding waters of the Broads National Park or catch a train from nearby Brundall Station to either Norfolk or Great Yarmouth with an assortment of stops along the way.
The Lily Pad
This secluded cabin is nestled at the side of a lake on the edge of Thetford Forest so you can get far away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and spend some quality time together. The star of the show at The Lily Pad is a private sunken hot tub where you can look out over the lake with a glass of bubbly in hand for the ultimate romantic evening.
- There are lots of romantic walks to try from The Lily Pad including a stroll around the large lake, following the path of the nearby River Thet or woodland rambles at Thetford Forest.
- A thatched gazebo looks out over the river and is just the right size to cuddle in together as you try to spot an array of local wildlife.
- The open-plan cabin opens straight out to the decking area with the sunken hot tub. The dark skies and lack of light pollution here are ideal for stargazing during autumn and winter evenings.
Why we love it: The Lily Pad is perfect for lovers of the great outdoors as there is an assortment of woodland trails and cycle rides to follow through the forest. There’s also on-site fishing and a large private estate to explore.
May Cottage
This romantic beach retreat has a luxurious five-star finish with bright and airy rooms, stylish furnishings and a gorgeous garden to relax in. A free-standing bath at the property is just right for a sumptuous soak, especially as robes and slippers are provided by the owners.
- The sandy beach at Bacton is just a short stroll from May Cottage and you can walk from here to Mundesley in one direction and Happisburgh in the other.
- The pretty rear garden at May Cottage features a fish pond and a decked area with outdoor furniture which is perfect for romantic breaks during spring and summer.
- Nearby Mundesley is a Blue Flag beach where you can try out a range of water sports such as surfing and stand-up paddleboarding.
Why we love it: May Cottage is a sumptuous five-star holiday home in one of the most peaceful spots on the Norfolk coast with a beautiful unspoiled beach and scenic cliff top walks to enjoy.
Plan your romantic getaway to Norfolk
If you have been inspired to visit Norfolk with your other half, this is just a small selection of the romantic cottages available where you can rest your head after days of exploring. Whether you’re looking for a cosy holiday home with a wood burner, a romantic retreat near the water or a dog-friendly property that will welcome four-legged friends, browse our full range of romantic cottages to find your perfect base.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.