Explore the charm of East Anglia in winter with our complete guide for the colder months of 2024. Discover the finest gardens of Essex to explore on a crisp morning, immerse yourself in history on the Norfolk coast or at Norwich Castle, connect with nature by seeking out wildlife in Suffolk, and experience hidden spots of Cambridge. All of these activities are within reach of one of our cosy pubs.   E S S E X      C A M B R I D G E     N O R F O L K     S U F F O L K E S S E

Whether you're agonising over what to get your Dad or looking for a stocking filler for the work Secret Santa, our gift guide is home to an array of ideas that aren't spotted on the high street shelves. STOCKING FILLERS Created and brewed by The Eight Bells Head Chef, David, in collaboration with Barsham Brewery , Eastern Gold brings together two businesses where provenance is an essential ingredient. Our 10th anniversary brew is sold on tap in our pubs, but also ask behind

Written by Katie of @thesundayfeeling - gifted pr stay There’s nothing quite like being tucked up by a roaring fire in a cosy country pub to start the festive season. The Weeping Willow , located in the heart of the Suffolk countryside in Barrow, is the perfect spot to do just that. I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit last weekend with my husband and two children to experience the wonderful Festive Stay package. THE WEEPING WILLOW PUB It’s always a joy stepping

From Christmas light shows to Father Christmas himself, gift fairs to winter workshops, there's so much to see and do in our region this season. It is easy to imagine yourself in the pub cosying up by the fireside with a mulled wine in hand after spending a day enjoying festive fun in East Anglia. Read on to discover a some of our favourite events and experiences happening in and around our pubs this Christmas. SUFFOLK Kick off the Christmas countdown in our Winter Garden Tip

Cold water swimming is not only an exhilarating and enjoyable activity but also offers a range of remarkable health advantages. You might be wondering how subjecting yourself to icy waters could be beneficial, but trust us; the benefits are numerous! Plus, we've sought out the best spots for chilly dips near our pubs. UNVEILING THE HEALTH BENEFITS Many avid swimmers have embraced cold water swimming during the colder months for its potential health perks. If you're hesitatin

Guest blog post by Riannah @riannaheve Nestled amongst the serene setting of the Suffolk countryside, The Weeping Willow offers a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The lodges promise a haven where guests can rejuvenate and reconnect with nature. ARRIVAL Upon arrival, we were greeted by a very friendly team who brought an immediate sense of comfort. The Weeping Willow recently built 7 beautiful lodges behind the restaurant and bar area, which

Throw on a second layer, lace up your boots and set off on an East Anglian adventure; We're introducing our top picks of bits and bobs to get up to as the leaves turn golden and the days get colder. So, get ready for some family-fun in celebration of Halloween or, just for adults, our personal favourite, Oktoberfest! They’ll certainly be giggles, but maybe a few scares too this Autumn. SUFFOLK Whether you're stopping off at the coast or exploring some of the historic market t

From Romantic painter John Constable, known for his landscapes around Dedham, to sculptor Maggi Hambling, East Anglia has always been rich with inspiration for the creative industries. There's annual literature festivals, such as Felixstowe Book Festival , and celebrations of music at the Aldeburgh Festival , but with plenty of museums, galleries and stately homes on our doorstep, there's always a new exhibition for art lovers to rejoice in. CAMBRIDGESHIRE This summer Cambri

A guide to making the most of summer Sundays in our region. From strolls around Farmers markets, to visits to vineyards and the best places to pick your own fruit. FARM SHOPS & FRUIT PICKING Sharrington Stawberries .in Holt, Norfolk, is a popular spot for picking your own berries. Sharrington Farm is independent and family run growing top quality asparagus, berries and soft fruits. You'll often find their strawberries on our menus. Willow Tree Farm Shop close to Long Melfo

Guest blog post by Anna @suffolksisters IN AND AROUND In April I headed over to the Westleton Crown, a delightful pub in the idyllic village of Westleton, Suffolk. Think an immaculately kept tree-lined village green and pond, quaint church, bookshop, tearoom and duck crossing signs! Enroute to my stay, I stopped off in the nearby historic town of Framlingham to visit family, and of course the famous Framlingham castle. I couldn’t believe how buzzing this town has become; the

Your ultimate guide for things to do in our region within easy reach of our Chestnut pubs with rooms! From festivals and carnivals, to family fun and summertime walks, art exhibitions and unique experiences. SUFFOLK The Suffolk landscape offers many different walking terrains from beach, to woodland, to heath. Try our Nine Stile Strid e around Long Melford for lush water meadows and woodland or our coastal Round Route walk that includes a pit stop at both The Westleton Crown

Whether you're looking for a spot to build a sandcastle or would prefer to sunbathe with a book in hand, these six Suffolk beaches - and their respective villages and towns - are a must-see in or off season. ALDEBURGH AND THORPENESS The colourful, quintessential fishing town of Aldeburgh is home to independent shops, miles of shingle beach and Maggi Hambling's 'Scallop' - a giant tribute to one of Aldeburgh's most famous residents, Benjamin Britten. Another blue plaque to loo

With the exciting opening of our lodges at The Weeping Willow this month, we wanted to highlight some of the experiences, days out and family fun to be had around West Suffolk within easy reach of the pub. EXHILIRATING EXPERIENCES Go Ape Thetford: If you're up for an adventure, head to Go Ape Thetford , located near Bury St Edmunds. Go Ape offers exhilarating treetop adventures, including zip lines, rope courses, and Tarzan swings. It's a great activity for both children a

Written by Katie of @thesundayfeeling - gifted pr stay We’re fortunate to live just over an hour away from the beautiful North Norfolk coast. The golden sandy stretches of beach, picturesque towns and villages and wildlife-abundant, gently rolling countryside is what makes the county so appealing. Despite this, we don’t visit as much as we would love to, so when we were invited to experience the new Hidden Holt walking map and stay in one of the family rooms at The Feathers

We know that your pup is part of the family, so as the days get brighter, we want to share some of our tips for a weekend of wagging tails, walkies and wet noses. From things to see and do, to what to pack for a day out with your four-legged friend, this short guide covers it all. DOG FRIENDLY EVENTS DOGA, TURING LOCKE Get your yoga mat out for a relaxed morning of movement by Turing Locke with your four-legged friend. It is well known that our pooches can sense how we're fee

Six beaches that we recommend you visit in or off-season! Whether you're looking for somewhere to build sandcastles or sunbathe, or to walk along a coastal path and see the local wildlife, there's a shoreline with your name on it. BLAKENEY Known for boat trips to Blakeney Point to see the seal colonies, Blakeney is also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The quaint village and coastline is more suited to 'grown ups' who enjoy bird-watching and hiking along the Norfolk Co

There are over fifty golf courses in East Anglia! We have made it easier to choose where you next tee off by whittling your options down to six courses we would recommend in our neck of the woods. From fanatics to new-comers, these clubs range from playing host to major tournaments to nine-holers, so there's something for everyone. GOG MAGOG OLD COURSE Cambridge This course isn't especially long, but has often been voted the best course in the Cambridge area. Par or birdie ch

Welcome to our Winter Guide for things to do in our region during the colder months of 2022. You'll find tips for the best walking routes along the Suffolk coast, our favourite Cambridgeshire spots to see snowdrops, our recommendations for getting up close to the seasons wildlife in Norfolk and family fun to be had in Essex - all within easy reach of one of our pubs. THE GREAT OUTDOORS New year, new gym membership? Enjoy a healthier lifestyle by exploring our region on foot,