Mill Farm Eco Barns

Luxury Accommodation on the Norfolk Coast

Eating out

Family celebrations at Mill Farm Eco Barns, Winterton on sea, Norfolk

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Plan Your Family Celebration at Our Eco Barns in Norfolk

Are you planning a family celebration during your stay at Mill Farm Eco Barns or looking for a special place to stay and celebrate a significant date? As providers of beautiful and eco-friendly barn holidays in Norfolk, we not only offer a stunning setting for your get-together but also help plan your stay with useful tips and local recommendations.

Christmas and New Year Family Celebrations at Mill Farm, Norfolk

At Christmas and New Year, we transform the barns, including a tree in the Threshing and Grain Barn, so you don’t need to worry about decorations. We also make our own Christmas wreaths. Our goal is to make your time with us relaxing and enjoyable, surrounded by the beauty of Norfolk.

The Best Local Food around Mill Farm Eco Barn, Norfolk

Edfords Farm and Butchery is an organic smallholding about 4 miles from the Barn. They produce both meat and veggies which can be ordered and picked up or they will deliver to us on a Thursday. I am happy to take delivery for you if you wish. This new venture produces excellent quality meat and veggies on the farm and would be a great option for a Christmas Turkey or BBQ box. You just need to order in advance.

Allen Butchers, in Hemsby, is a real gem. They do fabulous local venison and outdoor reared pork from Suffolk and BBQ packs. For Christmas, order your free range Turkey here, along with ”Pigs in Blankets and Chipolatas’. 01493 733555

Dabs n crabs, Fishmongers is situated in Hirsty’s farm shop in Ormesby. They have loads of fresh fish, and you can even go out for a day’s sea fishing with the owner. They encourage you to collect the fish in Tupperware to avoid plastic pollution too.  The farm shop itself sells some nice local produce.

The Tacons,  in Rollesby, is my go-to place for fresh local veg. They also sell cakes, dairy products and Norfolk charcuterie. They are open pretty much all day, every day 9 until 6pm. Fresh fish is available on Wednesday.

The Flower Gallery, Martham. A lovely, helpful florist. They will deliver to Mill Farm Eco Barns for you in advance of your arrival, just let us know, and we can sort this out for you.

Blakes Bakes, Artisan baker, Andrew, makes your arrival cake. You can always contact him directly if you’d like to order any more cakes during your stay – or to take them home. His cakes are reliably good, and he’ll go out of his way to make the cake you want.  07748 664739

Want to eat in but not cook? 

If you want to organise caterers for your stay for an extra special evening or Christmas menu, then look no further than Norfolk Edge. They do a range of packages from cooking on site to delicious meals you can reheat in the Barns.

Special meals out around Mill Farm Eco Barns.

For meals out, the Ingham Swan is now open the perfect restaurant for a group of adults wanting a sophisticated food experience – I am planning to go there for my birthday next year (it’s the kind of place I go to once a year as a real treat. You can get a taxi there and back but book both a table and a cab in advance. Return before 11 for a cheaper fare.

Slightly nearer to the eco barns with a growing reputation is the Fleggburgh Kings Arms. It’s a great fine dining experience, with a good kids menu and is also dog friendly in part of its restaurant.

Return before 11 for a cheaper fare. If you are here over the weekend and want to have Sunday lunch out, I’d go for the Boathouse in Ormesby. It does a quality carvery, has good veggie options, and there is a children’s playground.

How about a special picnic or hamper for your stay in our holiday barn?

Local mother and daughter team have set up a business creating the perfect picnic hamper to take out and about to celebrate a special day outdoors in the beautiful Norfolk countryside. Call Caroline on 07377735151 or visit  Little Dot’s holiday treats. 

Recording your special family celebration 

We have teamed up with local photographer Rebecca Woods to offer photo packages at the eco barns or on the beach. It’s obviously best to book these before you come. And do let Rebecca know you are staying with us. The folks below stayed with us and took us up on this recommendation.

Have a pamper whilst on holiday at Mill Farm Eco Barns

I have just teamed up with ‘My blissful retreat’, a visiting spa company offering luxurious treatments in the comfort of your holiday home. Our customers have a 10% discount on any treatments. You can book this before your holiday or after you arrive.

Day trips from the barns.

As well as a trip to the beach and to see the seals at Horsey, I’d always recommend hiring a boat to visit the Broads National Park from our neighbouring village at Martham. Try one of the electric boats from Martham Ferry Boat Company. Or, if you are feeling even more adventurous, you can go on a kayak tour with from Hickling Broad.

Tailor Your Family Celebration Stay in Norfolk, Winterton on sea

If you need further advice, feel free to contact us. Our four-bedroom Threshing Barn is super family-friendly, and with a downstairs wet room and living space all on one level, it means that all the family can join in the celebrations. Grandparents can rent the Hay Barn next door for some peace and quiet. Or, for a smaller family celebration, you can rent our 2-bedroom Grain Barn with wonderful views from the upstairs living area. All three barns can be rented individually or together. Check our availability here.

Please note: Our commitment to eco-friendliness and sustainability is at the heart of all our offerings, providing a unique blend of luxury and environmental responsibility. Discover fantastic Norfolk countryside retreats, rural holiday homes, peaceful retreats, and countryside accommodations in Norfolk with Mill Farm Eco Barns.

Foodie Favourites: Where to Eat Out in Norfolk

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Where to Eat Out in Norfolk: Foodie Favourites Revealed

Norfolk’s food scene is vibrant and eclectic. With its long stretches of coastline and rich agricultural heritage, the landscape is ideal for sourcing and producing some of the best local delicacies in the country.

The region is celebrated for its seafood; with mussels, crabs, fish, and lobsters in abundance here, so if you’re looking for where to eat out in Norfolk, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Culinary Delights : Where to Eat Out in Norfolk

In the farmlands, you will find a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as cheesemakers and dairies. The marsh-grazed livestock gives the local meat a lovely natural flavour, making for the most delicious cuisine.

Norfolk is a true foodie’s dream, with excellent eateries to suit all tastes – from traditional fish and chips and beach cafés to cosy pubs and award-winning restaurants. Whether you’re looking to eat out with your family, friends, or other half, there’s something for everyone here in Norfolk!

Close to Home

Walk just 10 minutes from the barn to The Fisherman’s Returns for a convenient meal out. This 300-year-old pub is situated in Winterton-on-Sea, welcoming both children and dogs. They serve traditional pub grub, freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Fish features prominently on their specials board, delivered daily from Lowestoft. The bar boasts a small collection of real ales, ciders, wines, and spirits. The portions are huge so I’d recommend sharing.

Winterton’s new café Seal View is also a cute little cafe, with some internal seating if you fancy a refreshment whilst visiting Winterton’s beautiful beach. It’s a perfect place to enjoy the delights of the Norfolk Coast and do as it’s name suggests and watch some seals.

The Nelson Head provides the perfect pit stop after visiting the seal colony at Horsey. This idyllic country pub offers real ale and a great selection of home-cooked meals, cooked to order using the freshest local ingredients. This child and dog-friendly pub extends a warm welcome to guests, with their roaring open fire and large beer garden appealing to visitors all year round.

The Boathouse at Ormesby is a spectacular country pub in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. Set in 11 acres of vast parkland, The Boathouse provides fine country dining in their newly refurbished pub and restaurant. Featuring exposed brickwork, oak beams, a large vaulted ceiling and two open fireplaces, you will be pleased by their stunning contemporary dining space and delicious food. This is a good option for Sunday carvery. It also has a kids play area. Dog friendly.

For a special occasions, I’d always recomment the award-winning Ingham Swan for a truly unique dining experience near the Norfolk Coast. This delightful and historic inn serves local and seasonal produce, focusing on crafting delicate but explosive flavour combinations. They aim to bring dishes together that embrace every season. Enjoy relaxed fine dining in an intimate setting within their stunning heritage building – ideal for celebrating special occasions. Booking essentsial, not dog frienldly.

If you’re after something a bit more lowkey, head to Planet Spice for some authentic Indian cuisine. The chef’s speciality dishes and traditional favourites are made to order using only the highest quality ingredients. Their herbs and spices are completely natural and freshly ground to create the most magnificent flavours and aromas. Dine in at their restaurant and admire the bold décor, or pick up a takeaway to enjoy back at the barn.

The King’s Arms in Fleggburgh is a beautiful country pub, set within the spectacular Broads National Park. They use their own garden herbs, as well as locally farmed produce and fresh seafood within their two AA rosette award-winning restaurant. With the menu changing daily to reflect the seasons, you are guaranteed a memorable dining experience in comfortable surroundings.

If you are in Yarmouth and looking for a searching for a cosy café, look no further than The Quayside Plaza. Situated on Great Yarmouth’s historic quay, you can enjoy freshly cooked Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine in the most stunning setting. They also serve a wide variety of homemade cakes and desserts – perfect for those of you with a sweet tooth!

Also in Great Yarmouth the super beach hut with it’s excellent views is worth a look. From here you can check out Yamrmouth’s recently restored Venetsian Waterways and boating lake

 

Further Afield

The Gunton Arms is a good drive away from the barns but is well worth the journey if you enjoy fine dining. This ancient coaching inn is set in the grounds of a deer park – you can feast on excellent food whilst watching the deer and admiring the amazing art on display. The Gunton Arms is renowned for its exquisite food, offering venison from the deer park, local Blickling beef and spectacular seafood. Visit the Gunton Arms for lunch on your way to Cromer maybe. Booking essentsial. Dog frienldly.

The Norfolk Mead Hotel is ideal for a spot of afternoon tea. This boutique Georgian country house is situated within 8 acres of private grounds in the Norfolk Broads. Using only the freshest local ingredients, their innovative and exciting menu changes daily; and has even awarded them a 2-star AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence.

The renowned Recruiting Sergeant serves up the most delicious classic British pub grub. Their adventurous menu features a wide variety of dishes, made using only the finest quality ingredients. You will find fresh fish and seafood in abundance here, as well as hearty Sunday roasts. The bar is well stocked with real ales, lagers, and specially selected wines.

Delicious Dinners at Mill Farm Eco Barn

Dine in with Norfolk’s Edge. Created by ex-chef of The Ingham Swan, Winterton Edge offers fabulous fine dining creations and bespoke private dining menus!

Alternatively, why not stay in and enjoy a home-cooked meal from the comfort of your own barn? With a large open plan living space and an exceptionally well-equipped kitchen, our barns are designed for group gatherings. If you’re stuck for inspiration, we even provide an array of recipe books for you to use.

You will find a fantastic selection of tasty local produce right on our doorstep. Head to Dabs N’ Crabs for some fresh fish, Chapman’s Butchers for delicious meats and The Tacons Farm Shop for all your produce needs. You can even pick fresh fruit and vegetables from our guest allotment!

Click here to book your break at Mill Farm Eco Barn today!

Some of the Best Local Food in Norfolk

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As I’ve got older, I have realised that food is a really important part of being on holiday. Of course, you want some great places to eat out but cooking and eating quality local food really make holidays memorable. It’s also a great way to make sure your pounds get into the local economy, an opportunity to experience something new and meet the locals.

Norfolk is famous for its Cromer Crab, Asparagus, Samphire and, of course, Colman’s mustard which has its home in Norwich. Since moving here in 2013, I have tried to seek out some great local food that I would definitely put on the menu if I were staying in one of our self-catering barns.

Raspberries. the best local food in Norfolk
SneakyElbow / Pixabay

We have an allotment on site for guests, which Grandad Terry regularly tends. Guests are invited to pick whatever is in season. It won’t be enough to sustain you during your stay, though, unless you come in July, in which case you can feast every day on courgettes, potatoes and raspberries. Once we get some more chickens and we can figure out how to keep Mr Fox at bay, we should be able to pop some of our own gorgeous eggs in your basket too. For now, the girls on the farm down the road are supplying us!

Off site, first on my local food list of the best local food in Norfolk would be The Tacons. It’s a little farm shop run by friends in the nearby village of Rollesby. They sell most seasonal veg, as well as local milk, Norton’s Dairy soft cheese; eggs; honey; quality charcuterie; cakes and fruit. If you are coming for Christmas, this would be a great place to stock up on some fresh Christmas vegetables. Come in April and May, and they grow the most delicious Norfolk Asparagus – they even have an open day in May to celebrate all things asparagus. The Tacons is open all the time and doesn’t seem ever to get busy or sell out. They also run pick-your-own in the summer months for fruit like strawberries, which is always lovely for the kids.

Asparagus and eggs
DagnyWalter / Pixabay

Slightly further afield is Truly Local in Stalham. This shop is a real success story for Norfolk food and local produce. They only stock food that is from a 35-mile radius of the store and still manage to keep going, even though there is a Tesco pretty much on its doorstep. It’s bigger than the Tacons and sells a wider range of produce, but less veg.  Bread, preserves, beer and meat can be found here, as well as local crafts – ideal gifts and souvenirs.

For meat, I’d recommend Chapman’s butchers. I always order one of their reasonably priced ‘Norfolk black free range turkeys’ for Christmas. This family butcher is in the neighbouring village in Martham and sells a nice range of local meats, including venison and free-range Blythburgh pork from Suffolk. Their sausages are pretty good too. Some of their meat is now on sale in Winterton’s Post Office. Welcome to the countryside.

Sea Fishing
Neil Sea Fishing

For fresh fish and shellfish, we head a few miles south to Dabs n Crabs in Scratby.  Here you can also arrange sea fishing trips on the Sea Quest, which depart from Great Yarmouth harbour. Neil went on a trip earlier this year for a friend’s birthday and caught a large Thornback ray.

For local beer, you can try local Norfolk Brewery, Woodfords. They deliver via mail order, or you can arrange a brewery tour and stock up in the shop. Or, for a day out Wroxham Barns is a good option for beer, condiments and local fudge. Its cafe and ‘junior farm’ are also worth a visit. For lovely local apple juice, you can try the East Norfolk Trading Company, which is available locally. They also press our apples every year.

If you are staying with us, Blakes Bakes, an Artisan baker, Andrew, makes your arrival cake. You can always contact him directly if you’d like to order any more cakes during your stay – or to take them home. 07748664739

You could also try the wonderful Norfolk Gin, available at our local post office.

The great news is that the local food scene here is definitely on the up, and it’s always lovely when our guests tell us about places we don’t know about. On the list to discover is the roadside fudge seller or a chap that sells fish from one of the little cottages, also in the same little fishing village, Sea Palling. I am a keen baker (and often put fresh bread in our welcome basket), so I am keen to check out Norwich’s secret baker under the coloured market too.

Safe gluten free eating options near Winterton-On-Sea

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Recently we have had a number of guests with coeliac disease or guests who need to avoid gluten.

So, I have asked a local coeliac friend where they’d recommend eating locally. So thanks, Lorna, for your generous and useful advice.

Oh, and don’t forget to tell me when you book so that I can organise some lovely gluten-free treats on arrival, like these lovely gluten-free lemon meringue cupcakes!

“As a very reactive coeliac, I don’t eat out at many different places, but I’ll list what I know, hope it helps:

  • Quayside Plaza in Yarmouth are good, but make sure you talk to the chef or the manager first.
  • The Dog Inn at Ludham do ‘pub grub’ most of which is gluten free, I have eaten there safely many times.
  • There’s the Gluten Free Cafe in Norwich, nice food and a completely safe place to eat.
  • The Bicycle Shop in Norwich is my personal favourite place to eat ever. Fabulous Tapas menu and wonderful atmosphere, if you haven’t eaten there, I highly recommend it.
  • You can also get gluten free fish and chips in Gorleston! Pj’s.

I also approached the Dunes cafe on the beach at Winterton (10 mins walk from the barns). They said, “we don’t have gluten free bread or rolls but are happy to fill sandwiches if you bring your own bread. We normally have at least  3  homemade gluten free specials on our lunch menu and homemade gluten free cakes.”

Their Facebook reviews seem to back that up happily. There is also a kiosk outside Happisburgh beach car park fed – perfect for a decent snack after a lovely walk!

Travel Tip created by Emma in association with Vacation Soup