Inspiration

Six holiday cottages on the Norfolk coast in easy reach of London

Sawday's Expert

5 min read

Life in the big city is many things, ever changing, fast-paced, full of excitement – but calming, restorative, peaceful? Often not as much, and you might just hunger after a life at a slower pace. An amble along the coast rather than a power walk, the hush of a sailboat rather than the crush of a sample sale, and a deck chair snooze rather than a last train seat rush.

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Norfolk

Norfolk is as unique as it is relaxing, and you’ll find award-winning restaurants, hikes over stunning hillscapes, canopy-covered paths by rivers and wildlife abundant nature reserves dotted throughout. Take a peek at our collection of places to find your inner quiet, in the stunning, vast open expanse of Norfolk.

Suaeda Cottage

An easy, and relatively straight drive from London, you will feel your shoulders loosen the moment you walk through the door of Suaeda Cottage. Peaceful and private, Suaeda Cottage is a minute’s walk from the harbour, with trips to Scolt Head Island and Gun Hill an easy ferry ride. Spend your downtime in the walled garden, smelling sea air, and closing your eyes to the sound of gulls, swifts and geese pirouetting overhead. Inside, the 1960s armchairs, log burner and Venetian glass lights make a perfect reading nook. If you’re up for a quick amble to grab a spot to eat, or in the mood for a sundowner, take the short walk through your cobbled yard, past the Tamarisk tree and over the road to the pub.

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Shangri-La

Named for the fictional earthly paradise, Shangri-La truly is a heavenly antidote to city living – taking ‘by the sea’ to new levels. At under 100 metres to the sand, it’s right on the coastline, with the sound of lapping waves washing over you as you relax out on the deck. Almost a straight shot from London, you can easily set off in the morning, and be picking between a gin and tonic or an Aperol spritz long before the sun’s past the yardarm. The welcome hamper is stuffed with treats, the airy modern interiors beg aimless downtime simply luxuriating in the minimalistic masterpieces of design found throughout. Though you’ll inevitably be tempted to take on all that’s on offer nearby.

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The Green Pavilion

An award-winning eco-home just 11-minutes from the coast, The Green Pavilion is hidden amongst the lofty trees and wild grasses of Lower Gresham. There’s plenty of calm to be found in every inch of the open-plan space here, enjoying the sunshine that pours in through the glass walls. In winter you’ll enjoy watching the morning dew collect, freeze and sparkle across the lawn, as you make a fire in the log burner and curling up to finish your book. In summer, you can take the 11-minute drive to the coast to walk either (or all) of Sheringham, Cromer or Overstrand Beach.

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The Grain Barn

If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s within easy reach of London, but feels a million miles away, take a peek at The Old Barn at Winterton-on-Sea. Set in the last stretch of green before the sea, this former barn has been converted into a stunning eco-build. You’ll find all the comforts of home, plus a few extras, like a welcome hamper of local products, fresh flowers from the garden and eggs from the resident chickens. The owners have even thoughtfully provided a selection of games and books to keep you entertained on rainy days. And when the sun is shining, there is plenty of outdoor space to enjoy, including a barbecue, lawn and shared games barn. With so much to offer, The Old Barn is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

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Shrimp

As the name suggests, this isn’t a palatial place full of echoing halls and grand dining rooms. But what Shrimp lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm. The former fisherman’s cottage is now a beautiful little spot created and curated by its landscape architect owner, Paula. She recommends the little deli in the next street over and North Sea Coffee for adding some caffeine to your morning wakeup call of gull cries and fresh air. Sheringham beach is Blue Flag, so swimming is only a risk to you through the chilliness of the waters, but it doesn’t seem to bother the seals, who you can visit at nearby Blakeney Point. On top of that, there’s fossil hunting, bird watching in the wetlands and some human wildlife on offer at the local Northern Soul nights. Enjoy it all then come home to curl up in your cosy cottage, get the wood burner going, and relax.

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The Willow’s Cottage

The cottage is within easy reach of London, but it’s far enough away to forget all about it. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind, with acres of reed beds and woodland on the nature reserve nearby. You can pick a book from the shelf, settle by the wood-burning stove, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you’re feeling energetic, there are plenty of activities within easy reach, including cycling, walking, and exploring the coastline. And if you’re looking for somewhere to eat, there are plenty of good pub food and bistros in the area. No 1 Cromer’s fish and chips are particularly renowned! So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing break or an active holiday, the cottage is the perfect place to stay.

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Jem Brownlee

Sawday's Expert

Often found purposefully lost in the wilderness, Jem is our junior copywriter. Hailing from a tiny village just south of Bristol, he uses his experience editing books, writing articles and running bars and restaurants to write whatever he can get his hands on. He’s happiest complaining about, but secretly loving, being sent anywhere and everywhere in search of something new. If it comes with rolling hills, creatures great and small to befriend – you might just find him there.

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