Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is the Danish art of happiness. Known as the happiest people on earth the Danes have managed to create an atmosphere of warmth, cosiness, and contentment despite the dark, cold winter, utilising the practices of hygge.
Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is the Danish art of happiness. Known as the happiest people on earth the Danes have managed to create an atmosphere of warmth, cosiness, and contentment despite the dark, cold winter, utilising the practices of hygge. Norfolk has a similar climate in the winter to that of Denmark or Holland and as such we embrace the practices of hygge throughout the winter months. Take a break and visit west Norfolk for some cosiness, joy, and contentment.
With so much countryside and coastline west Norfolk is a region of getting back to nature, peace, calm, and tranquillity. Throughout the winter months you’ll get to experience the joys of crisp mornings with a warm cup of tea in hand as the birds chirp and the world slowly awakens from it’s cosy slumber in the countryside. Up on the coast start the day off with an early morning swim in the sea followed by a locally sourced artisan breakfast with fresh bread, pastries, and more. Curl up with a book in one of our many cosy pubs by the fire and enjoy a local pint.
We’ve put together an itinerary for a hygge week in west Norfolk to give you an idea of how you might be able to enjoy the region throughout the winter months. We would recommend making this two weeks so you can really slow down and enjoy everything that west Norfolk has to offer.
On your first day in west Norfolk check in to your accommodation and unwind. Take a walk around the local area and explore your surroundings. Then head to one of the local cosy pubs for your evening meal and a pint or two with the locals.
We suggest booking locally at either Belle Vue or The Farmhouse at Fincham
After a leisurely breakfast either at your accommodation or at one of the local cafe’s why not visit Welney Wetland Centre.
Many thousands of ducks come in from the Arctic and are joined by the magical sight of up to 9,000 wild Bewick’s and whooper swans alighting on the lakes, just in time to take advantage of the centre’s floodlit feeds. Being in the heart of the Fens, Welney is in prime location for barn owls. During the winter months they’re joined by short-eared owls, which only adds to the wildlife spectacle.
The Wigeon cafe offers the chance to enjoy home-cooked food whilst looking out on fantastic Fenland views. Our bright, big-windowed café comes with a gorgeous panorama over the stunning wetlands of the Fens. There’s space for everyone – friends, families, groups – to enjoy freshly-cooked food and Fairtrade hot drinks to tickle all tastebuds. Grab a cold snack, sit-down with a hot meal and enjoy views to dine-for. Open from 10am daily.
End the day at one of the local pubs or eateries with delicious, locally sourced food. Try The Hare Arms in Stow Bardolph for a deliciously hygge dinner with woodburning stoves.
With origins in the Dark Ages, its name means ‘a settlement on a hill’ and has a very practical location, offering views over the Fens (visible from St.Edmunds Church) with the opportunity to see the approach of potential enemies. Downham Market became a market town in Saxon times and it is one of Norfolk’s oldest market towns.
In recent years Downham has seen a rise in local, independent cafes, restaurants, and bakeries. Mabel bakes fresh bread and pastries every day, the owners lived in Denmark for 20 years and have very much brought the hygge way to Downham Market. The Pantry and The Seat are both delightful sit-in cafes serving delicious coffees and breakfasts. If you’re staying at the Belle Vue then Downham is a short, pleasant walk across the fields from the B&B.
Visit Discover Downham where you can find out all about the local history, along with maps of trails and walks. Take the Gingerbread Trail and see the various locations that make Downham the Gingerbread town of the Fens. Pick up a book from
Head down to the bottom of Downham, over the railway line and you’ll come to the River Ouse, take a walk along the rivers and explore the area before heading back into town for an evening at one of the local restaurants. Don’t forget to book ahead as they can get busy.
King’s Lynn is the cultural centre of west Norfolk with a rich Hanseatic and maritime history. King’s Lynn was at one time one of the wealthiest towns in England and is full of magical hidden gems. Pop in for the day on your way up to the coast. Park at Boal Quay car park and walk in along the quayside. Visit Stories of Lynn to view our very own treasury with some fabulous secrets in store, along with the old gaol cells. Just across the square the Minster holds various historical items along with a statue of Margery Kemp and two of the largest memorial brasses in England. Visit The Wenns for lunch or head over to Cobbles Tearooms or The Rathskellar both in the oldest Hanse House in England. For something a little bit different try The Tipsy Teapot. Take a wander through the Walks and enjoy the park in autumn/winter. If you’re in King’s Lynn on a Thursday book a ghost tour to learn all about the mystical side of King’s Lynn, or take a strange stroll. Either stay in King’s Lynn for the night or head up to the coast.
Spend the day in Hunstanton a Victorian seaside with all of the best British seaside town attractions on offer. Pop in to Berni Beans, The Spontaneous Cuppa, The Terrace, Cafe Legge, or Georgie’s for a cup of something warming or for a delicious meal where you’ll feel right at home and welcomed like family. Pick up your classic fish and chips from Fishers or Henry’s and enjoy the winter seaside. In the summer visit Rainbow Park Fairground for a traditional British fun fair. As evening draws in find a spot on the beach or the cliffs and watch the sun dip below the waves as another day comes to an end.
The west Norfolk coast is one of peace and tranquillity with beautiful nature reserves and stunning coastlines. Brancaster, Burnham Overy Staithe, and Holkham were named 3 of the top 4 best beaches in the East of England. They’re perfect for a wander on a crisp morning or an ice cold winter dip followed by a delicious, local, hot breakfast. Take some time to unwind and enjoy the cold north sea air, curl up with book, enjoy award-winning food, and just enjoy being on the west Norfolk coast. There’s lots of places to explore on foot, RSPB Titchwell, pubs and cafes galore. Barefoot Retreats in Burnham Market, Briarfields in Brancaster, Le Strange Arms in Old Hunstanton, and slightly further inland Nest Farmhouse are all lovely, hygge places to stay.
End your trip with a relaxing unwind at Deepdale Camping and Rooms. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside and sea. Throughout the year Deepdale host a range of fabulous events and in March they host the one and only Hygge Festival. In September they also run the Folk Festival which draws in visitors and artists from around the world.
