Escape to a cosy pub in Norfolk this winter, the perfect place to find sanctuary after a long walk on a cold afternoon. We have picked 17 of the best cosy pubs in Norfolk.

The Recruiting Sergeant, Horstead

Situated in the village of Horstead, near Coltishall, this cosy, yet contemporary pub is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Sunday roast whilst sat by an open fire. With a heated patio available there is still the option to sit outside and drink one of the many real ales and wines on offer, even during the colder months of the year.

Advanced booking is recommended as it is very popular.

The Green Dragon, Wymondham

This picture perfect pub sits in the heart of Wymondham. It is one of the oldest pubs in the county with a rich history dating back to the 14th century. Originally built in 1317, the Green Dragon has been serving good food and local ales and tempting people in out of the cold, for centuries.

Afterwards, there's plenty to see in Wymondham with its red roofed buildings, the Abbey and the restored railway station, all set against the green fields of the Tiffey Valley.

The Ship Inn, Weybourne

Picturesque Weybourne is the home of delightful village pub The Ship Inn. It is dog friendly making it an ideal location for a post walk tipple and maybe a bite to eat. There are plenty of sea food dishes available and the close proximity to the beach means that much of it has been caught locally.

The bar area, with its toasty wood burner, makes for a lovely place to sit and taste a few of the 120+ gins that are on offer.

Nelson Head, Horsey

The pretty north Norfolk village of Horsey is a secret spot that wildlife lovers frequent from November to January when a colony of grey seals give birth to their pups. After a spot of seal watching, duck into the Nelson Head, a country pub that exudes rustic charm.

The menu offers a great selection of freshly cooked, hearty meals featuring dressed Cromer crab and warming steak pies. Dogs are welcome to join their owners by the roaring open fire, located near the bar.

The Wellington, Feltwell

Housed inside a 17th century building in the village of Feltwell, South West Norfolk, this charming pub is popular with locals and visitors alike. The interior is modern, yet cosy with plenty of period features such as exposed beams and an inglenook fireplace.

There is a huge variety of beers available with over 20 different local breweries on rotation, some of which brew beers exclusively for The Wellington.

The Carpenters Arms, Wighton nr Wells-next-the-Sea

At the Carpenter's Arms, the menu offers classic pub food such as steaks, pies and burgers as well as hand stretched, stone baked pizzas all of which can be savoured with a few drinks sat by the crackling fire.

Drinks options include a selection of local gins including Norfolk Gin which is handcrafted in Norwich and infused with citrus, herbal and floral scents.

The Bell, Brisley nr Fakenham

Enjoy some stunning views of the Norfolk countryside at this 17th century pub set in the beautiful village of Brisley. Michelin trained head chef Hervé Stouvenel creates classic English dishes with global influences.

During the winter months The Bell's 'snug room' is the ideal place to relax. With a library of books to choose from and an open fire you can settle down on the sofa with a glass of wine and embrace the cosiness.

The Chequers Inn, Binham

Visitors and their dogs are sure to receive a warm welcome at this friendly tavern located in the small coastal village of Binham. Just a few minutes drive from the north Norfolk coast, The Chequers Inn is the ideal place for a break between sightseeing excursions.

There are lots of events taking place at The Chequers throughout the year including art exhibitions and live music evenings - to be enjoyed with a glass of your favourite drink in hand.

The Boars, Wymondham

Located just a four minute walk from Spooner Row train station, this beautiful village pub can provide great food, fine wines and craft beers. It prides itself on its use of local produce; meat from the local butcher; fruit sourced just a mile away; and ice cream from the farm around the corner.

There is a walled courtyard with patio heaters and a secret garden with a raised terrace area meaning you can still be cosy outdoors!

The Willow House, Watton

Located in the market town of Watton, the 16th century listed building is full of bucolic character.

Supporting local breweries with its stock of beer and ale, The Willow House has the big names including Adnams and smaller companies. With real ales on rotation and a hefty food menu, it's not hard to while away a cold afternoon.

The Red Lion, Caston

Clad in flint and topped with a red roof, The Red Lion in the village of Caston practically pulls you inside after a countryside ramble.

With comforting options including tempting Sunday roasts on the food menu, post-walk refuelling doesn't get much cosier than this. After your meal, pull up a chair by the wood burner with a drink from the bar.

The Walpole Arms, Itteringham

The award winning Walpole Arms in Itteringham is housed in a gorgeous 18th century red brick building. Inside is an amalgam of historical, quintessentially British features including wood burning fire, wonky, exposed beams and dark wooden furniture.

The menu is full of tempting lunch and dinner options that incorporate plenty of locally sourced ingredients.

The Vernon Arms, Southrepps

Traditional pub The Vernon Arms in Southrepps is popular with locals and visitors to the village looking for some authentic Norfolk charm; winter walkers, chilly children and drooling dogs alike will receive a warm welcome.

There is a good choice of wines and malt whiskies available to complement the extensive food menu that's sure to keep fatigued visitors satiated.

The Banningham Crown

For those who enjoy a good walk, The Banningham Crown provides the perfect location for a long country walk followed by a plentiful meal. Located close to both the Weavers Way and Bure Valley there are several walks ranging from five to eight miles within the area.

Food is sourced locally wherever possible; perhaps the venison hot pot made using Norfolk venison and root vegetables will take your fancy.

The Three Horseshoes, Warham

Beautiful old pub The Three Horseshoes, in the picturesque north Norfolk village of Warham, was built way back in 1725 and is loved for its atmosphere, selection of ales and food made with locally sourced ingredients.

The home made pies are a particular favourite with options such as chicken, tarragon and bacon, steak and ale and Mrs Temple's triple cheese pie on the menu. Despite its refurbishment many of the original features have been preserved including the traditional serving hatch and the Norfolk clay tiled floors.

The Marsham Arms Coaching Inn, Hevingham

Located seven miles from Norwich in the village of Hevingham, The Marsham Arms is a pretty, 19th century country pub with a focus on well made pub classics with a fine dining twist.

Don't miss the slow rasted pork belly with crackling, creamed potato, black pudding crumb, Aspalls cider and sage sauce and creamed cabbage and check out the dessert menu if there’s room afterwards.

The King's Arms, Shouldham

The King’s Arms has won lots of accolades over the years from the likes of CAMRA for its well kept ales and great cosy atmosphere. If you're looking to try real Norfolk ales served straight from the cask, this charming pub will provide a pleasant escape from the cold weather.

The King's Arms also usually hosts monthly events such as acoustic music sessions. Check online for any future events.