Where to Stay in Norfolk at Christmas

Where to Stay in Norfolk at Christmas

by Katie Thompson

Looking for a tranquil break this Christmas? Be enticed by Norfolk’s wide landscapes, where beautiful Broads, windswept beaches and thriving countryside come into their own in the winter months. Did you know Cromer has been named the UK’s top holiday destination for 2027? (This is your chance to get ahead of the curve!) 

And it’s only a short drive to Norwich, ideal for a day trip of festive activities to get you in the spirit. (Find out more about Christmas in Norwich here and don’t forget to check out our Parking FAQs!) 

So, whether you’re looking for cosy hotels and picturesque coastal getaways or prefer a self-catering cottage that’s a home away from home, now’s the time to immerse yourself in Norfolk’s raw beauty. 

This is where to stay in Norfolk at Christmas!

Image: Holkham

Christmas Shopping Breaks in Norwich

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Cosy Coastal Stays 

The Victoria
Holkham 

There’s nothing like a restorative coastal visit during the Christmas period, especially with a stay at Holkham’s The Victoria.  

This cosy 4-star retreat is home to 20 individually decorated luxury bedrooms. Think light-filled rooms, soft pastel colour palettes and characterful wooden beams. And that’s without mentioning The Victoria’s four bespoke and secluded shepherd huts. Take glamping to the next level, with rustic interiors, soaking in wide-open vistas. 

After exploring the beach and grounds, you can indulge in delicious food in their restaurant, where fresh, local and seasonal produce takes centre stage. Enjoy your meal in front of the crackling open fire. And even better, your furry friends can join you to experience it all! 

While You’re Here: You won’t need to travel anywhere with Holkham Estate on your doorstep! On one side, there are acres of parkland, home to the Hall (and Holkham by Candlelight) and a majestic deer herd (late October to early December is rutting season!). On the other, a thriving nature reserve and breathtaking windswept beach perfect for invigorating winter walks. 

Rooms from £200 per night for 2 people in November, includes breakfast. Book via Holkham’s website.  

//Interconnecting rooms available for families.
//Dog Friendly Rooms: 10, plus 4 shepherd huts.
//Accessible Room: 1 

The Grove
Cromer 

Embrace the festive season with a coastal getaway in the traditional seaside town of Cromer. On its eastern fringes, close to the lighthouse and just a mile from the train station, is The Grove. (There’s a short pathway through woodland to Cromer’s rugged coastline for sea views at all times of day.) 

This quintessential, ivy-clad, family-run country house hotel has been a mainstay here for 90 years. Inside the characterful Georgian building, you’ll be greeted by historic charm and honest hospitality. Rooms are contemporary and inviting, with elegant features like roll-top baths, brick fireplaces and wooden beams, alongside bright windows, plush furnishings and thoughful finishes. Nestled in the grounds are also six homely self-catering cottages. 

While the pull of the sea is great, guests can also enjoy complimentary use of the private indoor swimming pool. Elsewhere, The Grove’s 2AA Rosette restaurant crafts seasonal dishes with local produce, freshly caught seafood and ingredients straight from their own kitchen garden. 

While You’re Here: Stroll through Cromer to the iconic seafront and promenade, where local landmark Cromer Pier reaches out into the North Sea. After a hot chocolate with all the trimmings observing the day’s crabbers, wander east to see if you can spot the fading Banksy before heading into town for fluffy fish and chips with a view.  

Rooms from £113 per night for 2 people in November, includes breakfast. Book via The Grove’s website.  

//Family Rooms: 4.
//Dog Friendly Rooms: 5, plus 5 cottages.
//Accessible Room: 1, plus 1 cottage. 

Picturesque Countryside Getaways 

Barnham Broom Hotel
West of Norwich 

If you want to combine your festive getaway with a round or two of golf, look no further than Barnham Broom. It’s just a short drive from Norwich, ideal for exploring our sprawling countryside and bustling city. (And for partners, friends or family, you can take advantage of their expert leisure facilities!)  

This resort is nestled into 300 acres of Norfolk countryside, surrounded by open fields, lush lawns and well-kept greens. Add a dusting of snow and you’ve got the perfect picturesque escape!   

Enjoy the comfort of their spacious suites and sumptuous king size beds, and embrace the festive spirit, feasting on festive afternoon tea and warming up by fireplaces dotted with stockings. 

While You’re Here: Head to the nearby Goat Shed to browse their extensive deli brimming with local produce- including their very own (and delicious) goat’s cheese! As it’s Christmas, visit the Christmas Shed for chalet-like stalls filled with local gifts, from food and drink to trinkets to presents for the little ones and your furry friends. 

Rooms from £131 per night for 2 people in November, includes breakfast. Book via Barnham Broom’s website.  

//Christmas Break: from £545 per person for 3 nights. 

Worstead Estate
Broads National Park

Worstead Estate offers an escape in the tranquillity of rural Norfolk yet is only 25 minutes from both Norwich and Horsey, where grey seal pups abound come wintertime. On the edges of the Broads National Park, Worstead Estate’s five self-catering cottages are warm, welcoming and invite you to make yourself at home.  

Ideal for a getaway with friends, family or just the two of you (and the dog!), spread out with open-plan living, games rooms and large dining tables. Each cottage has its own individuality and character- think cosy snugs and attractive features like wood burners, wooden beams and even thatched rooves- they feel like a festive scene from a Christmas card! Bedrooms are spacious, with calming interiors and sumptuous beds. There are even private hot tubs- how about it under Norfolk’s starry skies? 

While You’re Here: Worstead Estate boasts 2000 acres of beautiful land. Wrap up warm and stretch your legs on its many trails- each cottage provides a map of places to explore, including to the surrounding local villages, home to cosy, traditional pubs and monumental medieval churches.

Cottages from £171 per night in November, minimum 2 nights. Book via Worstead Estate’s website.  

//Dog Friendly: 5 cottages.
//Accessible: 1 cottage. 

Look out for late availability offers when you book! 

Fritton Lake
South-East Norfolk

Set within 1000 acres of rewilded land on the Norfolk-Suffolk border, Fritton Lake is a truly peaceful countryside escape. Surrounded by woodland, heathland and marshes, the two-mile lake is placid on those still winter days, a reflection of the wide skies above. (Take advantage of the floating lakeside sauna- one of many complimentary facilities.) 

Here, it’s all about connecting with nature- with off-grid cabins, farmhouse cottages and rooms in the 16th-century clubhouse.  

The cabins’ floor-to-ceiling windows and minimalist interiors invite you into the calming landscape, while each farm cottage offers a more traditional feel of the country estate, with thoughtfully chosen furnishings (think gingham curtains, velvet cushions and crisp cotton sheets).  

And at the heart of the Fritton community is the Clubhouse, once a manor house whose luxury rooms combine heritage with contemporary finishing. Expect exposed brickwork and beams with large bathrooms and quirky prints that invite you to look out of the window into the green landscape beyond. 

While You’re Here: It’s just a short drive to Great Yarmouth- park at North Beach (free from November – Easter) and stroll along this golden mile, spotting sea glass and maybe even a bobbing seal or two! Further into Norfolk, Christmas is a great time to visit Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens. It’s quieter than the rest of the year and you can still see these majestic animals up close. We love the views from Thrigby’s Lime Tree Lookout! 

Rooms from £128 for 2 people in November, minimum 2 nights, room only. Book via Fritton Lake’s website.  

//Christmas Escape: 5 nights for the price of 4 (arrive 18 December – 4 January 2027)
//Three-Night Festive Stay: from £950 per person.
//Twixmas Escape: 3 nights for the price of 2 (arrive 27 & 28 December).