With the weather getting colder and the days getting shorter, there are few better feelings than curling up in a cosy pub.

Thankfully Norfolk is home to plenty of pubs with open fires, hot homecooked food, mulled wine and good company.

Here are nine of the cosiest pubs in the county as chosen by you.

1. The King's Head

Where: Holt Road, Letheringsett, NR25 7AR 

Diss Mercury: This award winning pub serves plenty of hearty food and drinksThis award winning pub serves plenty of hearty food and drinks (Image: The King's Head)

The King's Head sits just a stone's throw from the centre of Holt.

It is surrounded by a luscious parkland area, which visitors can either explore after a meal or before a well-deserved drink.

The pub, which won the National Pub & Bar Awards in 2023 and 2021, merges original features and modern-day comfort.

With warm lighting, comfy furniture, a log burner and an open fireplace, it is the perfect spot to get cosy on a cool evening.

2. The Gamekeeper

Where: The Green, Old Buckenham, Attleborough, NR17 1RE

Diss Mercury: The Gamekeeper offers plenty of fine wine and alesThe Gamekeeper offers plenty of fine wine and ales (Image: The Gamekeeper)

The Gamekeeper sits on England's largest village green and prides itself on serving traditional food and drinks.

It offers a range of ales and fine wines to enjoy tucked up on the sofa in front of the fire.

The Great Hall dining area feels especially comfortable with its exposed brick, rustic floorboards and low lighting.

3. The Rose and Crown

Where: Nethergate St, Harpley, King's Lynn, PE31 6TW

Diss Mercury: The Rose and Crown is a lovely family-run pub in HarpleyThe Rose and Crown is a lovely family-run pub in Harpley (Image: The Rose and Crown)

The Rose and Crown offers a homely atmosphere with ornaments, decorations, and stylishly mismatched furniture filling each room.

This family-run establishment particularly prides itself most on friendliness and affordability so you can relax knowing you're in safe hands.

The Rose and Crown also has an open fire and scattered candles which create a comforting wintry ambience.

4. The Nelson Head

Where: The Street Horsey, Newport, NR29 4AD

Diss Mercury: The fire at the Nelson Head will be roaring this winterThe fire at the Nelson Head will be roaring this winter (Image: The Nelson Head)

This pub warmly welcomes the whole family - including children and dogs - to come and enjoy its open fire.

It can be found in Horsey, just a 10-minute drive up the coast from Hemsby, making it the perfect location to stop in after a coastal walk.

Stepping into the Nelson Head feels like stepping back in time to a true traditional country pub, with historical memorabilia and local artefacts lining the walls.

5. The Brisley Bell

Where: The Green, Dereham, NR20 5DW 

The Brisley Bell sits on two acres of land and there are plenty of walking routes nearby, so it is perfect to visit after a stroll.

Guests can feel cosy at The Brisley Bell all year round - with plenty of corners to tuck away in, it feels almost like visiting a friend.

While visiting, why not sample the delicious food menu, which offers experimental dishes blending English and French cuisines. 

6. The Lifeboat Inn

Where: Ship Lane, Thornham, PE36 6LT 

Diss Mercury: The Lifeboat Inn is a coastal hideaway in ThornhamThe Lifeboat Inn is a coastal hideaway in Thornham (Image: Agellus Ltd)

This sixteenth-century pub sits in Thornham, near the wooded grounds of Thornham Manor.

It holds its history at its very core, maintaining traditional features like its bar and open fireplace to transport guests to the past.

The inn describes itself as a "coastal hideaway" where "wellies, walking-boots and the well-heeled sit comfortably side by side", which is a testament to its friendly atmosphere and welcoming nature.

7. The Red Lion

Where: East Church Street, Kenninghall, Eccles Road, NR16 2EP

The Red Lion is particularly popular with punters in the winter for its roaring log fire and exciting festive spirit.

The pub is full of exposed beams, rustic floor tiling and a mixture of brick and wood walls which create a very traditional feel.

It often hosts events including live music so there will be plenty to get involved with in the evening.

8. Recruiting Sergeant

Where: Norwich Road, Horstead, Norwich, NR12 7EE 

This award-winning pub and restaurant sits in a Norfolk Broads village, close to a handful of beautiful walking paths.

Aside from its location, it is well-known for its large portion sizes, hearty fresh food, delicious cocktails and alternating ales.

It is a perfect spot to spend the winter months as it fully throws itself into the festive atmosphere each year with decorations and atmospheric music being played.

9. The Spread Eagle

Where: Eagle Road, Erpingham, NR11 7QA

The Spread Eagle's two cosy fires, welcoming atmosphere and street food pop-up nights are loved by patrons throughout the winter months.

The pub can be dated back to 1760 but is owned today by two lovely landladies, Dawn and Denise. 

They have created an environment that suits everyone - it has a quieter area filled with sofas for a more laid-back evening and a more lively section surrounding the bar for those in a chattier mood.