## December – February: Festive Magic, Cosy Pubs & Seal Season

Winter is intimate, romantic, and atmospheric. Grey skies and quiet beaches feel dramatic; winter seal season (November–January) is peak for pups; Christmas events transform stately homes; cosy pubs and fireplaces make every meal special.

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### Coast & Nature – Winter

#### **Winter Seal Trips at Blakeney Point (Peak Season)**
*Perfect for: Romantic breaks, Family adventures, Wildlife lovers*

**November–January is peak grey seal pup season**—the highlight of the seal-trip calendar. Wrapping up warm and returning to the cottage for a fire by the evening is quintessentially romantic.

- **What to expect:** Winter departures (fewer but still daily); grey seal pups on the beaches (late Nov–Dec); dramatic winter seas; quieter atmosphere
- **Pup season:** Hundreds of pups visible November–January (grey seals breed differently than common seals)
- **Weather:** Cold, windy, potentially wet—bring full waterproofs and layers
- **Romantic appeal:** Winter seal trip + cottage fireplace evening = quintessential North Norfolk romance
- **Website:** https://www.beansboattrips.co.uk
- **Winter timetable:** https://www.beansboattrips.co.uk/triptimes

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#### **Brisk Winter Beach Walks**
*Perfect for: Active couples, Invigorating days out, Clearheaded walks*

Winter beaches are empty, dramatic, and energising. Crisp air, grey skies, and soft winter light create a moody, atmospheric experience.

- **Top winter walks:**
  - **Holkham Beach walk in winter:** Vast emptiness, dramatic light, occasional winter birds (redwings, fieldfares)
  - **Wells to Holkham via pinewoods:** Protected woodland walk on days when coastal walk feels too exposed
  - **Cromer Lighthouse walk in winter:** Dramatic clifftop views; crisp air
  - **Cley to Salthouse walk:** Winter marshes; birdwatching for winter residents

- **Thermal layers & waterproofs essential**
- **Golden light:** Even grey days have magical soft light in winter

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#### **Blickling Hall by Candlelight (Late November–December)**
*Perfect for: Romantic getaways, Special occasion celebrations, Festive breaks*

**New for winter 2025:** Holkham Hall offers self-led and guided tours through candlelit state rooms (28 Nov–30 Dec 2025). Family day available with possible special guest appearances.

- **Atmosphere:** Historic mansion lit by candlelight; sparkling state rooms; festive decorations
- **Options:** Self-led tours (explore at your own pace) or guided tours (expert commentary)
- **Family option:** Relaxed self-led tour with possible character appearances
- **Booking:** Essential (limited capacity)
- **Website:** https://www.holkham.co.uk

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#### **Blickling's Garden of Lights (December)**
*Perfect for: Family festive days, Special occasion outings*

**17 December 2025 (5–8 PM):** Blickling's biggest fundraising event. Gardens illuminated in multi-coloured lights.

- **Atmosphere:** Family-friendly festive event; walkable gardens; magical lights
- **Website:** https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate
- **Tickets:** Book online via National Trust

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### Festive & Rainy-Day Activities

#### **Thursford Steam Museum & Winter Wonderland**
*Perfect for: Family festive days, Children, Festive celebrations*

One of Norfolk's major attractions, especially mid-November–December. Steam engines, vintage fairground, winter market stalls, festive atmosphere.

- **What to expect:** Working steam engines, vintage vehicles, festive decorations, market stalls, café
- **Winter highlight:** Christmas market, festive lighting, family activities
- **Dates:** Opens for Winter Wonderland late November
- **Website:** https://www.thursford.com
- **Distance from Riverbank:** ~35 minutes drive

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#### **SEA LIFE Hunstanton (Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary)**
*Perfect for: Rainy days, Family indoors, All ages*

Indoor aquarium with walk-through underwater tunnel, interactive pools, and seal sanctuary with rescued seals.

- **What to expect:** Sharks, rays, fish, turtles, seahorses, interactive touch pools
- **Seal sanctuary:** Learn about seal rescue and rehabilitation
- **Year-round activity:** Perfect wet-weather option
- **Facilities:** Café, shop, accessible facilities
- **Website:** https://www.visitsealife.com/hunstanton
- **Distance from Riverbank:** ~30 minutes drive

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#### **Cromer Museum**
*Perfect for: Rainy days, History lovers, Fossil enthusiasts*

Housed in original Victorian fishermen's cottages, with extensive fossil collection, maritime history, and photography exhibitions.

- **What to expect:** Cosy Victorian cottage interior; fossils (including cast of Mosasaur skull and West Runton mammoth bones); maritime heritage displays; photography by Olive Edis
- **Atmosphere:** Intimate, fascinating, perfect for a quiet afternoon
- **Opening:** Daily 31 March–2 November 2025 (closed winter months; check for festive openings)
- **Website:** https://www.cromersmuseum.co.uk
- **Distance from Riverbank:** ~25 minutes drive

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#### **Wells Maltings (Cinema & Arts Centre)**
*Perfect for: Rainy days, Evening entertainment, Family cinema*

Independent cinema with café and arts programming.

- **What to expect:** Independent films, family screenings, arts events, café with drinks and snacks
- **Website:** https://www.wellsmaltings.org.uk
- **Distance from Riverbank:** ~20 minutes drive

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### Food & Drink – Winter

#### **The Suffield Arms, Gunton**
*Perfect for: Winter date nights, Festive celebrations, Cosy cocktails*

Mediterranean-inspired pub with excellent cocktails and warming cuisine. Perfect for a winter evening pre-dinner drink.

- **Winter atmosphere:** Cosy bar; ideal for festive gatherings
- **Website:** https://www.thesuffieldarms.co.uk

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#### **Natural Surroundings Café, Glandford**
*Perfect for: Hot chocolate breaks, Peaceful afternoons, Quiet getaways*

Café in a garden setting. Winter visits mean hot tea and cake in nature—peaceful and restorative.

- **Winter comfort:** Hot drinks, cakes, garden views (even in winter)
- **Website:** https://www.naturalsurroundings.info

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#### **The Dun Cow, Salthouse**
*Perfect for: Warming winter meals, Cosy pub dinners, Special occasions*

Pub with fireplace and marsh views. Perfect for a warming winter dinner looking out over the salt marshes.

- **Winter menu:** Warming Spanish-influenced cuisine, roasted meats, desserts
- **Website:** https://www.duncowsalthouse.co.uk

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#### **Cosy Pubs with Fireplaces**
- The Kings Head, Letheringsett
- The Gunton Arms, Thorpe Market
- The George & Dragon, Cley (friendly; cosy interior; Welsh Rarebit and posh fish-finger sandwiches)
- The Hunworth Bell, Hunworth (if open—check current status)

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#### **The Grove, Cromer**
*Perfect for: Special occasion festive dining, Afternoon tea, Romantic dinners*

2 AA Rosette Georgian restaurant. Perfect for festive celebrations or romantic winter breaks.

- **Winter festive menu:** Expect seasonal game, winter vegetables, rich desserts
- **Afternoon tea:** Alternative to full dinner on quieter days

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### Winter Special Occasions Ideas

**Romantic winter break:** Winter seal trip from Beans Boats + cosy dinner at The Gunton Arms + brisk beach walk + cottage fireplace evening  
**Family festive week:** Thurford Steam Museum Winter Wonderland + SEA LIFE Hunstanton + Blickling's Garden of Lights + Christmas market visits  
**Special occasion celebration:** Holkham Hall by Candlelight + dinner at The Grove + winter coastal walk + afternoon tea in Holt

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