7 of the best places to go for a winter walk in Norfolk

Eaton Park in Norwich. (Image: Archant)

1. Eaton Park, Norwich 

Wrap up warm and head for a winter walk around this historic park, with a bandstand, pavilion and café in the middle. 

On December 11, 18, 27 and January 2 from 11am until 4pm you can also ride the Tunnel of Lights on the Eaton Park Miniature Railway, which costs £1.50 for over 16s and £1 for under 16s. 

The Roman walls at Venta Icenorum in Caistor St Edmund. (Image: Archant)

2. Roman Town, Caistor St Edmund 

Take a step back in time at this walk on the outskirts of Norwich, with dogs allowed on leads. 

The Caistor Roman Town, also known as Venta Icenorum, was the largest Roman town in East Anglia, with the banks and walls visible today built in the 3rd century AD.

Learn about the site's history by looking at the information boards and there is a car park there.  

The fallow deer at Holkham Hall. (Image: Archant)

3. Holkham Estate, Holkham

The Holkham Estate is a magical place to visit during the festive period, with a whole host of events planned including Christmas tree shopping, a festive food and gift market and candlelight tours, with the full list of events online.

At more than 3,000 acres in size, Holkham Park is perfect for a winter walk with sweeping landscapes, including a mile-long lake, and an abundance of wildlife, with parking £5 by cash or card. 

See seals and their pups from the clifftop at Horsey Gap. (Image: James Bass © 2015)

4. Horsey Gap, Horsey

Horsey Gap is known for its spectacular grey sea colony and breeding season is from  October to the end of January - so winter is the perfect time to visit. 

The sandy beach is roped off to protect the pups, who are truly adorable as they find their way in the world, but you can walk along the clifftop to take photos. 

There is a car park with a pay and display machine (cash or card) and dogs must be kept on leads. 

The charity Friends of Horsey Seals has a dedicated team of volunteers and they often have collection buckets at Horsey Gap. 

A family sets off along the Luminate light trail through the woods at Sandringham. (Image: Newsquest)

5. Sandringham Estate, Sandringham 

While the house and gardens are closed until April 2023, there are 600 acres to explore in the Royal Parkland, with two waymarked trails and pay and display parking. 

There are a few tickets remaining for the after-dark illuminated trail Luminate, which is a mile-long festive experience running until December 18. 

A local photographer has captured The Garden of Light at Blickling Hall this Christmas. All drone laws were adhered to. (Image: Brad Damms)

6. Blickling Estate, Blickling

Blickling Park, run by the National Trust, looks truly stunning in the winter sun with woodland, parkland and farmland to explore, including a beautiful circular walk around the lake. 

There are four car parks across the Blickling Estate which cost £5 (coins only) for non-National Trust members and if you visit from now until December 18 you can book tickets for the Garden of Lights Christmas event with fantastic illuminations. 

Thurne Mill in Thurne. (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2014)

7. Thurne Walk, Thurne

Enjoy a 3.3-mile circular walk starting at Thurne Staithe with countryside and river views, which follows the Weavers Way and incorporates South Oby Dyke.

Various routes are available online and you can combine the walk with a visit to The Lion at Thurne pub for a pint and pizza.