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If you’re anything like me, you mourn the demise of summer. Those beautiful long, warm evenings, lazy days in the garden or at the beach, and not having to pull a coat from the cupboard every time you go out… It all ebbs away as we head into autumn. But since moving to the East Coast, I don’t dread the change of seasons anymore. It’s a beautiful place to be all year round, but the autumn walks in Norfolk have to be among the best the country has to offer.
Kicking around the scrunchy fallen leaves as the greens of the summer give way to all the beautiful autumnal colours – there is nothing better for the soul than a walk in Norfolk’s nature in October. And being the vast but sparsely populated region that it is, Norfolk is packed with options for stunning walks. We’ve picked five of the very best to share with you – is your favourite autumn walk among the ones we’ve chosen, or is your new autumn adventure yet to be discovered?
Many people associate Walsingham Abbey with its springtime spectacle – carpets of snowdrops. But it’s equally, if not more beautiful in the autumn as well – as the colours come to life in the trees around the ruins of the Abbey, and crunchy leaves cover the ground, there are few better autumn walks in Norfolk than here.
There’s plenty to explore – a beautiful medieval bridge over a quintessential countryside stream, the curious Dell gate, woodland and parkland as well as the crypt of the abbey itself. It makes for a great afternoon walk – stop off for a hot drink in one of Walsingham’s quaint cafes. It’s a truly unique Norfolk experience.
Cost: £5.50 for adults, £2.50 for children
Open: Changes seasonally, as of October 2021, Mondays & Wednesdays, 11am-3.30pm; Tuesdays & Thursdays-Sundays 11am-4pm
Parking: Across the road at the Mill Car Park, £2 for two hours
Toilets: Currently closed onsite due to Covid but public toilets nearby
Cafe: None, but plenty nearby
For more information: Walsingham Abbey
For a long time, I overlooked Holt Country Park in favour of Sheringham Country Park. Don’t make the same mistake! While Sheringham is as wonderful a walk as any, Holt gets a mention here just so you don’t pass it by too. If you’re looking for an afternoon’s adventure, Holt Country Park is fantastic all year round, but particularly special in the autumn.
It’s a very well managed park with lots to do for little legs – they have a play area and a picnic area, and different length circular walks around the woods of between just half a mile and two miles. If that’s not enough, you can break out of the park and onto the neighbouring heathland to go a bit further afield.
As is typical of Norfolk woodland, many of the trees are coniferous so the autumnal display is potentially a bit muted when you look up to the treetops – but the seasonal beauty of Holt Country Park is in the ferns on the ground.
Cost: free
Parking: £2. Take change if you can – other options involve paying by app, but you may not have the signal to download what you need.
Open: 24hrs
Toilets: Yes
Cafe: Yes
For more info: Holt Country Park
Ssshhh… don’t tell anyone about this one – I don’t want it to get too busy. Ringland is a tiny village nestled in the Wensum Valley. There’s a lovely circular walk that’s well signposted from the village green, that’s about three miles all in but there are options to shorten it. As you walk alongside the River Wensum, keep your eyes peeled – kingfishers operate here!
The route follows an ancient pathway, and the autumnal colours of the rolling landscape (no, Norfolk isn’t entirely flat) make you realise why Norfolk inspired so many artists to pick up their brushes and paint what they saw.
Cost: Free, it’s just the good old fashioned countryside
Parking: Free, at Ringland Church
Open: All the time, it’s just the good old fashioned countryside, like I said!
Cafe: There’s a pub nearby called The Swan – you could nip in for a post-walk drink or meal.
Toilets: No, it’s just the… okay, that’s not helpful.
For more information: Ringland
Once home to the BBC’s Springwatch, Pensthorpe Natural Park is truly a hidden gem. Personally – I am a huge fan, despite it being one of the more commercial of the autumn walks. To spend an afternoon there is to truly refresh and recharge the soul. Renowned for its birdlife, it’s a true sanctuary – the repurposed chalk quarry is a haven for water birds and the bird hides across the site provide peaceful stop-offs for walkers, or the perfect hideaway for dedicated birdwatchers.
The site combines both beautifully curated gardens as well as expertly managed wild woodlands and meadows. There’s even an aviary of flamingos and cranes – because of course there is. The kids’ playground is second to none, but feeding the ducks and geese is by far the best entertainment.
The autumnal colours in the grasses of the gardens and the trees of the woodlands are just… no, no words. You’ll have to see it for yourself.
Cost: Here’s the downside – at £12.95 for adults and £11.95 for kids, it’s a pricey walk. But you can happily spend hours there, so it’s worth it.
Parking: Free
Open: Changes seasonally – during October the park closes at 4.30, changing to 4pm throughout the winter from November
Cafe: Yes, a lovely one in the courtyard and other stop-offs for coffees in the park
Toilets: Yes
For more information: See the map of Pensthorpe Natural Park here
Whitlingham Country Park surrounds the Great Broad of the same name – a man-made lake created as recently as the 1990s. Within easy reach of Norwich but easily accessible to anyone having a holiday on the east coast, Whitlingham is a lovely place for an autumnal walk.
Although the lake itself is new, the place is steeped in East Anglian history. Amongst the falling leaves, you may well spot the ruins of Trowse Newton Hall – King Edward III visited the area by boat in 1335, and stayed here in the house.
You’ll forget the proximity to the city with a walk around the lake, or you can head into the woodlands on the other side of the road too.
Cost: Free
Parking: From £1.60 – no cash, only contactless or online payments. You can also find roadside parking if you plan to walk in the woodlands instead of at the park.
Open:24hrs
Cafe: Yes
Toilets: Yes
For more information: Whitlingham Country Park
In an area like this, it is virtually impossible to pick just five recommended walks in Norfolk. It’s a fantastic place for ramblers and hikers, but also an absolute treat for holidayers, especially those with dogs or children that need to burn off some energy. Autumn is one of the best times of year to wrap up warm and go for an explore – and a great excuse for an indulgent hot chocolate afterwards.
Here are a few more places for walks that definitely deserve a mention.
If you’ve been on any of these walks, let us know what you think – share your pictures and thoughts with us on East Coast Hideaway’s Facebook page.