It is the season for staying warm and cosy, indulging in treats and relaxing with friends and family - and what better place for doing that than a cosy rural pub?

1. The Three Horseshoes

Where: 69 The Sreet, Warham, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1NL

This characterful flint pub is traditional and classic, with a simple menu of pub staples made with local produce and ales from Woodfordes and Adnams.

The pub says "pies, puddings and all pub classics are our passion".

Eastern Daily Press: The Three Horseshoes at WarhamThe Three Horseshoes at Warham (Image: Newsquest)

2. Rose and Crown

Where: Old Church Road, Snettisham, PE31 7LX

The Rose and Crown is a quintessential country pub, with an open fire, low ceilings and old beams, as well as good food and a friendly welcoming atmosphere.

The pub's menu changes regularly with the seasons, using local produce.

It was named Norfolk Dining Pub of the Year in 2020 and a UK Top Ten Pub in 2021 by The Good Pub Guide.

Eastern Daily Press: Rose and Crown at SnettishamRose and Crown at Snettisham (Image: Newsquest)

3. Lifeboat Inn Thornham

Where: Ship Lane, Thornham, Hunstanton, PE36 6LT

Situated on the coast, overlooking the fields and expanses of saltmarshes is the Lifeboat Inn.

Enjoy its traditional food by the open fire in the timber building which feels like stepping back in time.

The pub's menus changes with the seasons depending on the availability of local produce.

Eastern Daily Press: The Lifeboat Inn in Thornham The Lifeboat Inn in Thornham (Image: Newsquest)

4. The Wiveton Bell

Where: Blakeney Road, Holt, NR25 7TL

Just off the village green and a mile from the saltmarshes at Blakeney, The Wiveton Bell offers a cosy welcome to visitors in this beautiful corner of Norfolk.

Cosy-up in the bar with its original 14th-century beams and wood-burning stove.

Its locally sourced dishes have scooped two AA Rosettes and a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Eastern Daily Press: The Wiveton Bell, Blakeney Road, WivetonThe Wiveton Bell, Blakeney Road, Wiveton (Image: Newsquest)

5. Gunton Arms

Where: Cromer Road, Thorpe Market NR11 8YTZ

Situated on the thousand-acre deer park, the Gunton Arms is a truly traditional country pub, set with wooden beams and an open fire.

The pub walls are filled with art, reflecting the owner's passion.

Pieces include works by Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Lucian Freud as well as sculptures around the park.

Eastern Daily Press: The Gunton ArmsThe Gunton Arms (Image: Newsquest)

6. The Dun Cow 

Where: Purdy Street, Salthouse, NR25 7XA

The pub boasts log-burning fires, exposed brickwork and wooden beams, comfortable chairs and a great range of real ales and gins to warm you while you enjoy the saltmarsh vistas.

The menu includes some great local seafood options from the coastal doorstep.

7. The Brisley Bell

Where: The Green, Brisley, NR20 5DW

The Brisley Bell is host to book-lined walls, cosy dining rooms and bars, roaring inglenooks, warming menus and a hearty menu.

A broad selection of ales, beers, wines and spirits are on offer to break your winter wark up beautifully. 

Eastern Daily Press: The Brisley BellThe Brisley Bell (Image: Denise Bradley)