7 places in Norfolk named among best in the UK in 2023

Here are seven places in Norfolk that were named among the best in the UK in 2023.

1. The White Horse

The White Horse won an OpenTable award (Image: Rob Williamson)

The White Horse in Brancaster was named in a list of the country's 'best of the best' places to eat by OpenTable.

The seafood joint was named among spots run by world-renowned chefs including Michel Roux JR and Gordon Ramsey.

Customers can enjoy panoramic views of the marshland coastline while tucking into catch of the day.

2. The Gunton Arms

The Gunton Arms was recognised in various national awards (Image: Denise Bradley)

The Gunton Arms near Cromer has scooped multiple national awards this year.

It was named in Estrella Damn's top 50 gastropubs, Condé Nast's favourite county pub and also got a mention in The Good Food Guide.

The business is owned by art dealer Ivor Braka who restored the estate and has filled it with artwork from Damian Hirst and Lucien Freud.

3. Holkham

Holkham has scooped several awards this year (Image: Newsquest)The beach at Holkham has scooped several awards this year including being named one of the best beaches for winter dog walks and one of the AA's best beaches. 

The Times described Holkham as having "mesmeric appeal" when naming it the best beach in the east of England.

In July, Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds was spotted filming part of an upcoming Marvel blockbuster at Holkham. 

The 47-year-old actor was visited by his wife Blake Lively while shooting Deadpool 3 at the beach.

4. The Harper

The Harper has won a host of awards (Image: The Harper)

The Harper in Langham near Holt was rated as one of the best beach breaks by Which? as well as winning the coveted César Award from the Good Hotel Guide. 

The publication said: "You don’t have to blow a fortune to stay at this relaxed yet refined hotel in converted barns, the former home of Langham Glass, and featuring many charming nods to its heritage." 

A former glass-making workshop, The Harper opened in 2021 as a boutique hotel and spa and is owned by Sam Cutmore-Scott.

5. Aylsham

Aylsham was named among the best places to live in the UK Aylsham was included in the Sunday Times' annual list of the best places to live in the east of England.

The market town was praised as "the perfect advert for small-town living" with the coast, the Norfolk Broads and Norwich all in reach.

The publication also noted the town centre with the butcher, baker and food festival showing its commitment to sustainability and living well. 

It was also voted the best place to live in Norfolk in a public vote run by Muddy Stilettos.

6. Hunstanton

Hunstanton has scooped a number of accolades this year (Image: Newsquest)The cliffs of Old Hunstanton were named one of the most Instagrammable places in the UK by Sky Mobile.

Old Hunstanton's beach also received praise from the Daily Mail and was included in a list of the country's top 50 beaches. 

Conde Nast Traveller also praised Hunstanton for its "quaint little teashops, a candy-striped helter-skelter and pony rides along the promenade".

7. Wells Crab House

Scott Dougal with a seafood platter outside Wells Crab House, which he runs with his wife Kelly (Image: Archant 2022)Wells Crab House made waves this year after being named the best place to eat in the entire country. 

Over the last seven years the business has won many awards and its latest accolades in 2023 were the overall Best Seafood Establishment and Restaurant of the Year at The Food Awards England 2023.

It was the second year in a row that Wells Crab House has won the regional category for seafood establishment, but this year was the added bonus of overall England winner.