Discover the perfect getaway at Mill Farm Eco Barns, our award-winning eco-friendly accommodation on the stunning Norfolk coast. Ideal for midweek or weekend escapes, our barns cater to families and dogs, offering a peaceful retreat just a 10-minute walk from the sandy, dog-friendly beaches of Winterton-on-Sea.
After 10 years of hosting, we think we can help you build the best itinerary for a perfect holiday on the Norfolk Coast including unspoilt sandy beaches, boat trips on the Broads and amazing restaurants.
Our eco barns, which can accommodate 2, 4, or 8 guests, have limited availability over the summer, so book early to secure your stay.
Discover the Norfolk Broads:
East Norfolk is famed for where the magical Norfolk Broads meets the sea, boasting miles of sandy beaches and marshland bursting with nature. The serene peaceful, Norfolk Broads only a few miles from our barns are a picturesque network of navigable canals, rivers and lakes, with lots of boating opportunities, birdwatching, and relaxing walks. Our top tips for getting on the water and experiencing the Broads are via Ross’ Wildlife Tours or by hiring a day boat from Martham Boat Company – you can even order a picnic!
Martham boats seat from 2 – 12 people and are pretty much all electric, which means they’re quiet and peaceful. Perfect for the entire family, including your furry friends – they take dogs! Book for 4 hours or all day, with prices ranging from £75 to £150 depending on the size of the boat and the time you choose. The larger boats even have loos and kettles on board (and heating, if needed)
Horsey Seals
Horsey Seals are a famous sight along the coast near Horsey. Hundreds of rare grey seals breed at Horsey Beach, which is within walking distance. From November to January, you can see baby seals and the seal colony between Winterton-on-Sea and Horsey. These adorable white pups stay on the beach for about three weeks, tended by their mothers. Last year, over 3,000 pups were born. Grey seals are endangered, so please maintain a 2-meter distance and stay off the beach during breeding months to protect the vulnerable pups. Grey seals are also commonly seen swimming along the coast year-round.
Relaxation at Sauna Box:
Along the coast in Sea Palling, Unwind in style at the Sauna Box on Sea Palling Beach, offering panoramic views of the golden sand of the Norfolk coast and the traditional Finnish sauna experience. Crafted from a converted horse box, this eco-friendly sauna is a must-visit destination for sustainable++ travel enthusiasts costing £16 per person for the hour communal sauna sessions or £85 for the whole sauna per hour! I am afraid you have to be over 18 to participate.
The Best Norfolk Dog Walks
East Norfolk boasts some of the best and most varied dog walks in the country, featuring both gorgeous sandy beaches (dog-friendly all year around) and the peaceful Norfolk Broads. Visitors to our barns receive a walking guide upon arrival, detailing five dog walks of varying lengths, all of which start right from the barns. They also include pit stops at some dog-friendly pubs. In addition I recommend
- How Hill and St Bennet’s Abbey
- Sea Palling circular walk
- Waxham to Sea Palling but I’d walk back along the coast. Stop off at the Dunes Cafe
- The Horsey Circular Walk is an amazing walk and you can take in the Seals on the coast as well as the broad and stop at the Nelson’s Head.
- Bacton Woods is another good option, particularly if the weather is warm.
East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens:
Whether a nature enthusiast or garden lover, don’t miss the beautiful and diverse East Ruston gardens. Just 15 miles from Mill Farm Eco Barns it’s a renowned local garden. Established in 1973 and converted from a vicarage, every visit there is something new to discover, with an array of rare plant species, water gardens, and Mediterranean features inspired from all over the world. Spanning over 32 acres, it’s perfect to explore and is also accompanied by tea rooms and a garden shop! These award-winning gardens are open from Wednesday to Sunday with an admission of £13 for adults and £2 for kids however no dogs!
Best Places to Eat on the Norfolk Coast
Complete your Norfolk getaway with a variety of great food no matter your style! Our top tip is a culinary fine dining adventure at The Ingham Swan, a restaurant in the nearby village of Ingham. Indulge in locally sourced cuisine in a charming setting, complementing your eco-friendly stay at Mill Farm Eco Barns. Alternatively, The Dog and Family-friendly, Fleggbugh Kings Arms is a great choice for an award-winning restaurant, garden rooms and pub with quality food! Additionally, our favourite pub, the Nelson Head in Horsey, is the ultimate pit stop. Whether you’ve just completed a fantastic circular walk from Horsey Mere to the beach and back, or a quicker stroll to see the seals, this pub has it all. Enjoy great beer, delicious food, a cosy roaring fire, and bring your furry friends along – dogs are welcome! Or, a more local option a mere 5 minutes from our barns is The Fisherman’s Return pub and restaurant! Dog and family-friendly the cheesy chips are very popular with my family!
Family Fun at BeWilderwood:
If you’re bringing the kids along, don’t miss our Favourite activity BeWilderwood Norfolk only 20 minutes from Mill Farm Eco Barns! The family-friendly enchanting adventure park offers a world of magic woodland, zipwires, treehouses, woodland play areas, boats, mini-plays food and walks suitable for the whole family to enjoy. It’s completely free for children under 92cm, for elder children it is £20.50 and adults 22.50! When my two girls were younger it was their favourite place to go unlocking a world of adventure and creativity!
Hippodrome for some circus madness:
If you love the craze and awe of the circus, The Hippodrome Circus in the neighbouring town of Great Yarmouth is a no-brainer! The Hippodrome is the UK’s only surviving total circus building! Opening in 1903 it’s an iconic historical and cultural landmark in Great Yarmouth and holds captivating World-class performances, aquatic acts stunts, tricks, surprises and of course a cafe! Featuring performers from all over the world. It’s very family-friendly yet perfect for all ages, it also offers the experience of exploring Great Yarmouth and its popular seaside attractions, like the new Marina Leisure Centre with 2 pools an aqua play area with slides, and a climbing wall.
Norfolk’s Best-Kept Secret: Mill Farm Eco Barns
Check our availability and see our reviews to learn why guests love staying with us. All our guests receive an online guide full of amazing tips to ensure the best possible break. We look forward to hosting you!
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