The north Norfolk coast path is one hell of a walk, stretching 84 miles from Hunstanton in the west to Hopton-on-Sea in the east, taking in sweeping views of the North Sea, birdwatching points, fine crab sandwiches and excellent pubs along the way. One is The Ship at Brancaster, positioned about a quarter of the way along the coastline in a charming village known for aristocratic clergymen, fishing boats and Navy seamen, not to mention a Victorian golf course surrounded by marshland.
The pub — along with its sister venue Sculthorpe Mill — dates back to 1790 and is owned by Siobhan and Catriona Peyton today. You might recognise the surname, famous as it is in the food world. The duo has built a place that is comfortable, historic but modern enough to draw the London crowd: blue stalls are lined up around the bar, with dim lights illuminating a gently nautical theme.
A changing roster of local beers are best enjoyed with Cromer crab arancini, a crayfish club sandwich, Brancaster oysters and a classic pub beef burger, before making good use of one of the cosy rooms upstairs.
Main Road, Brancaster, King's Lynn PE31 8AP, theshipbrancaster.uk
