Planning a trip to the Norfolk coast but not sure which pub to stop at?

From treasured local spots to gastropubs tucked away from the busy tourist-trodden beach towns, here are seven of the best coastal pubs as chosen by our readers.

Eastern Daily Press: Seafood platter to share at The White Horse, Brancaster StaitheSeafood platter to share at The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe (Image: DONNA-LOUISE BISHOP)

1. The White Horse

The White Horse at Brancaster Staithe is award-winning and has been included in a list of the top 100 most romantic restaurants in the UK

Hannah Harris chose it "for the marshes in the summer."

They are reopening their marshbar which started in 2020 as a response to lockdown restrictions. 

Seafood lovers can enjoy panoramic views of the marshland coastline while tucking into the catch of the day.

Eastern Daily Press: The Lifeboat Inn, Thornham

2. Lifeboat Inn

Situated in Thornham, the gastropub serves seafood platters.

Thornham is a small coastal village and the pub is located on a quiet lane away from the busy Norfolk seaside towns.

Anyone taking a walk along the Norfolk Coast Path can take a pit stop at this pub and there is a coast hopper for non-drivers.

Eastern Daily Press: The Red Lion in Cromer

3. The Red Lion 

Adam Bishop recommended the Cromer local for its "fantastic selection of beers, ciders and its great view."

The pub was awarded its first AA rosette last year in February, with the owners saying it was a "totally unexpected" accolade. 

The Red Lion also has 14 en-suite rooms and has been upgraded from a four to a five-star inn by the AA. 

Eastern Daily Press: The Gin Trap Inn in Ringstead, near Hunstanton, is a 17th century coaching inn with 13 bedrooms.

4. The Gin Trap Inn

Although not strictly on the coast, this pub is tucked inland just off the coast of Hunstanton.

Amanda Burr said: "It has a hilarious bar manager, a nice front-of-house staff, and gorgeous food."

The pub itself has an interesting history, welcoming all guests since 1668. The 17th-century coach house serves "the very best British produce" and "wherever possible sources local ingredients from the land or the shore or the sea."

Eastern Daily Press: The Lacon Arms in Hemsby.Picture: James Bass

5. The Lacon Arms

Found in Hemsby, this pub was chosen by Lisa Boxell as it is "really dog-friendly" and has "a great play park for children."

Mandy French said: "The food is great there and the staff are always cheerful and offering a friendly welcome, I love it there."

Last year, The Lacon Arms was voted the most dog-friendly pub in the country after a Kennel Club campaign. 

Eastern Daily Press: The pub garden at Dun Cow in Salthouse.The pub garden at Dun Cow in Salthouse. (Image: Archant 2022)

6. The Dun Cow 

This pub can be found in the tiny village of Salthouse on the north Norfolk coast.

Philip Schofield said: "The Dun Cow in Salthouse is the best coastal pub - Obviously!"

The pub garden looks out onto views of the marshes, a Wildlife Trust bird reserve and beyond to the sea.

It was named one of the best restaurants and pubs in the UK for its view by the Guardian last year. 

READ: Norfolk pub named one of the UK's best eateries with a view

Eastern Daily Press:

7. California Tavern

This pub in Great Yarmouth was chosen by Claire Marie Ball because of it being a "dog-friendly" pub. She also claimed it has "the best carvery" in Norfolk.

A Tripadvisor review said: "We had a carvery which was very nice, hot and we were given plenty of meat, which you don't normally get with a carvery.

"There was a relaxing atmosphere and the beers are great too, it's well worth a visit."