Despite not always receiving national praise, this quaint Norfolk village is one of the county's best-kept secrets.

Bawburgh, which is just five miles from Norwich, has one of Norfolk's top pubs, beautiful walks and a rich history.

Here are four reasons why you should consider a visit to Bawburgh.

1. Award-winning pub

Eastern Daily Press: Anton Wimmer's family has been at the helm of The Kings Head for 40 yearsAnton Wimmer's family has been at the helm of The Kings Head for 40 years (Image: Kings Head/Newsquest)Bawburgh is home to the King's Head which was named pub of the year at the Norfolk Food & Drink Awards 2023.

The 17th-century pub has been run by the Wimmer family for 40 years and has held two AA rosettes for culinary excellence since 2014.

The main menu features items such as pork tenderloin with caramelised apple pureé and gin-cured salmon served with wasabi emulsion.

Breakfasts and Sunday roasts are also on offer and the pub includes six B&B rooms and two self-catering apartments.

2. Countryside walks

Eastern Daily Press: Bawburgh has some beautiful walks to explore Bawburgh has some beautiful walks to explore (Image: Denise Bradley)

The village has several beautiful walks as it lies in the picturesque Yare Valley.

The soft rolling hills are home to a stack of public footpaths and there are a variety of walks for ramblers to take on.

The river itself cuts through the green creating the perfect place to explore the Norfolk countryside.

3. Rich history

Eastern Daily Press: St Mary & St Walstan church in BawburghSt Mary & St Walstan church in Bawburgh (Image: Newsquest)Bawburgh was first recorded as Bauenburc and a mill in the village was mentioned in the Domesday Book.

The village was home to St Walstan, the patron saint of farm labourers in the 10th and 11th centuries. 

St Walstan's well is still visible in the village where it was once the centre of a cult of pilgrimages.

In more modern times, a six-level-deep bunker was built in Bawburgh in the 1950s as a Regional Government Headquarters in the event of a nuclear attack on London.

It was closed in 1992 and is now privately owned.

4.  Two-course golf club

Eastern Daily Press: Bawburgh Golf Club was founded in 1979 Bawburgh Golf Club was founded in 1979 (Image: Sonya Duncan)You can also explore the area while playing a round of golf at the Bawburgh Golf Club which was founded in 1979 by Alan Barnard.

The club features an 18-hole course and a nine-hole course which weave around the valley. 

It also has a restaurant and venue, Glen Lodge, that overlooks the course offering afternoon tea and Sunday roasts.