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7 hours ago7 min read

WINTER GUIDE



Discover East Anglia's hidden country houses, chocolate-box villages and unusual exhibitions; from Norfolk's pottery studios and Essex's concert hall, to Suffolk's coastal walks and Cambridge's Polar Museum, there's an array of discoveries to be made, all in close proximity to our pubs with rooms and Big Houses.


Read on for our complete guide of things to do in the colder months of 2025 and exciting January offers to be had.

 

 

SUFFOLK

 


RUN DON'T WALK

Set in over 1000 acres of parkland, Ickworth Estate is an iconic National Trust property with picturesque rotunda and Italianate garden, near The Weeping Willow, Barrow. Either go on a self-guided tour of the park, or take part in the Positive Steps Fitness and Wellbeing sessions on one of their regular Nordic walks. For more information and to get involved, email info@positivestepspt.co.uk.


Open daily from 8am, Nowton Park is on the outskirts of Bury St Edmunds. This dog-friendly spot is ideal for a long walk, but it also hosts a popular parkrun every Saturday morning at 9am. At the end of winter, be sure to head down the lime avenue as the daffodils begin to appear.




GET ACTIVE

Start your week off right with a spot of yoga on the Suffolk coast. Katherine Brookhouse has classes in Dunwich and Westleton throughout the week, from Monday Morning Flow to Sunday Yoga and Sauna sessions. During the colder months, her classes are indoors, but you may still like to pop by The Ship or The Westleton Crown for a warming breakfast and catch up afterwards.


Thinking of something a little less strenuous? Gather the family for a game of crazy golf. There are plenty of options in Suffolk; from a neon and retro atmosphere at Sneaky Links in Bury St Edmunds, to dinosaurs and 'lost world' at Congo Rapids adventure golf in Woodbridge.






STAGE AND SCREEN

The Apex are kick-starting 2025 with some brilliant touring shows coming to their stage. Peter Andre will be performing in The Best of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons on Saturday 18th January, and on Sunday 2nd March there will be An Evening with Si King of the Hairy Bikers.


Old romantic or not, Valentine's Day sees the release of two highly anticipated sequels - Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy and Captain America: Brave New World - so put it in your diary and check back in to book tickets (not released yet) at your nearest venue. Suffolk has a host of big and small cinemas, including Everyman and Cineworld iMax.




ROAD TRIPPIN'

Just off the A12, Yoxford is an historic village near the Heritage Coast. If you're passing through on your way to The Crown or home from The Westleton Crown, make a pit-stop and explore its wares. The antique centre on the edge of the village is full of unusual objects and furniture, there's pottery classes at Yoxford Makers, and Rowe & Williams Gallery host an array of exhibitions throughout the year of local and national artists.

 

 

ESSEX

 

WRAP UP WARM

It may be chilly, but that's no excuse to stay indoors. Throw on a second layer and lace up your walking boots for an adventure in the countryside. The Crown, Stoke-by-Nayland, sits in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Dedham Vale, which has great walking routes on its doorstep. Take a look at our recent 48 hours at The Crown blog post to find out what's in and around the area to explore before lunch!


Higham Point to Point returns on Sunday 9th February with racing fun for all the family. From trade-stands and fairground attractions to the numerous horse racing events - including the charity 'Side Saddle Dash' - there's plenty to see.





PULL UP A SEAT

Whether you're a listener of jazz, folk, big band or baroque, Saffron Hall is putting on a host of music this winter. BBC Big Band is visiting the 740-seat hall on Saturday 8th February and the local symphonic orchestra is putting on a Film Music Gala the following weekend. Just be sure to enjoy dinner at The Eight Bells beforehand.


"If you like fast-paced, edgy one-liners then get ready to be happy." Jimmy Carr is back on tour and will be heading to Charter Hall, Colchester, on January 25th for a spot of stand-up with a side of dark comedy.






TAKE A TOUR

Follow the official guide of Saffron Walden for a self-guided tour of all the best-bits in this quintessential market town. If it's raining, learn more about the history of the town or local archeology in the Saffron Walden Museum, or dive into independent boutiques and artisan makers, such as Hill St. Chocolate. On bright chilly days, head to the castle ruins or Bridge End Gardens.


Open Monday - Sunday, The National Centre for Gainsborough is on the Suffolk/Essex border in the town of Sudbury and celebrates Thomas Gainsborough's life and works. Until April, they will also be exhibiting Portraits from the Royal Academy alongside A Century of Fashion Photography.


 

NORFOLK



FOR THE LOVE OF POTTERY

One for the whole family, pottery painting is a great sport (it gets competitive, ok!) when the sun's not shining. Pull up a chair and choose your favourite piece of crockery to get creative on. They also make great gifts! You can choose from a trip to Sticky Earth Café in Cromer or Doodle Pots in Holt.


From amateur crafting to an audience with the queen herself. Enjoy an evening chatting all things pottery with Emma Bridgewater at Bakers & Larners on Thursday 20th February. The evening draws to a close at approximately 9.45pm, so if you're not local, why not book a mid-winter stay at The Feathers, down the road.





WINTER WALKS

With miles of beaches on our doorsteps, there's nothing much better than a brisk winter walk on a blue-skied day. For sand, head to Wells-next-the-Sea and its iconic pastel beach huts, and stop by for some coastal favourites at The Globe afterwards. If a steeper walk takes your fancy, trek along the Norfolk Coast Path by Weybourne's shingle beach, just a stone's throw from The Maltings.


If you're yet to read our 48 Hours at The Lifeboat Inn blog post, be sure not to miss Sandringham Estate for a walk in-land. As well as being a country retreat for Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the 400 acre estate holds events throughout the year including their Exclusive Access Tours.


Looking out for snowdrops? Blickling Estate plays host to carpets of the little white flower in late January, so head out with your camera at golden hour for a picture-perfect walk.




MISCELLANEOUS

Drive out along the winding coastal road between Brancaster and Sheringham to take in the attractive coastal landscape. Pick up a coffee from Stiffkey Stores, follow the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway and head to see some of Norfolk's most famous residents: Grey seals and Common seals. You can visit them with Beans Boats Seal Trips until the end of March.


The Pantaloons' popular Murder Mystery Suppers have come to a close in our pubs with rooms, but after a huge success they will be uncovering the mysterious murderer in The Grain Store at The Maltings. Join them for a three course dinner and a bit of amateur sleuthing on Friday 31st January. Or make a night of it with the Murder Mystery Supper and Stay package.



 

CAMBRIDGESHIRE



GO OUTDOORS

Wrap up warm and bring a bottle of fizz for an afternoon of betting and socialising at Thurlow, Horseheath. This yearly point-to-point kick-starts with a maiden race at 11.35am and then continues well into the afternoon on Sunday 26th January. We would recommend topping it off with some supper at The Carpenters Arms on your way home.


 If you're less of a spectator and more of a competitor, there's still time to secure your place with a charity partner for Cambridge Half Marathon on Sunday 9th March. Some of our team will be running in aid of The Giving Tree, supporting communities around our pubs with rooms and Big Houses. The route takes you past iconic sites, such as Midsummer Common, the Backs and St John's College.

 


ART & DESIGN

Never failing to make it to our regional guides are the museums around Cambridge. From soaking up great works by legendary artists at The Fitzwilliam Museum, to discovering new and emerging artists at Kettle's Yard gallery, there's so much culture to take in when exploring the city on foot.


One of our favourite, and relatively unknown museums, is the Scott Polar Research Institute. Their goal is to engage people in the history of the polar missions - like Sir Ernest Shackleton's - and highlight the significance of the polar regions and environmental impact on the wider communities.


Taking place from February 10th - 19th, Cambridge Arts Festival is returning to shine a spotlight on the talent within the community. There will be free visual arts and performances around the city, and pop-up exhibitions to discover.

 

STATELY HOMES

With over 500 varieties of these winter blooms, Anglesey Abbey is one of the best places in the country to head on a snowdrop walk. Snowdrops usually blossom between January and February, so we would recommend heading out to their Winter Garden to see it in its prime. You may even like to go on one of their scheduled Snowdrops: The Specialist Collection tour which runs daily from Monday 27th January.


In south Cambridgeshire lies Wimpole Estate, once owned by Rudyard Kipling's daughter. The estate comprises of the house, gardens, parkland and home farm. Why not explore on two wheels and discover the 4.5mile cycle trail? Or do their family-friendly archeology walk that takes roughly an hour to complete.


 

Across Chestnut this January



JANUARY OFFER

Tuck into two-courses for £18 or three-courses for £22. Available from 6th January to 31st January, Monday to Friday, at lunch and dinner. This offer is available at all pubs with rooms and The Maltings, so gather family and friends to keep the festivities going.


Take a look at our seasonal menus and reserve a table here.


DOUBLE POINTS

From 1st January for one month only, About Time members will receive double points on all purchases; food, drink and stays. Not an About Time loyalty member yet? Click here to find out more, download the app and sign up.


DOGS STAY FOR FREE

A new loyalty member perk arrives for the month of January! Bring your dog with you for a night or two away and they'll stay for free. Just let a team member know you'll be bringing your faithful hound along for the trip.


Check bedroom availability and book a stay here.


THREE FOR TWO WINTER BREAK

Stay with us this winter with three nights for the price of two. Enjoy a third off your stay when you book for more than two nights on our Bed & Breakfast rate, this January, February and March.

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This offer is available at all Chestnut pubs with rooms. It is a Bed and Breakfast rate that requires payment at the point of booking. To find out more and book a stay, click here.


 


 

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