The smell of freshly baked bread and pastries is one of the best in the world and you just can't beat a good bakery.

Here are seven of Norfolk's favourite bakeries, according to locals.

1. Dudley's

Where: 21 Tucker Street, Cromer, NR27 9HA

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Dudley's Bakery in CromerDudley's Bakery in Cromer (Image: Newsquest)

From pies and pastries to bread and sweet treats, this quaint little traditional bakery in north Norfolk is exactly what you think of when you want a buttery treat.

The spot is great for taking items home or grabbing a bite to eat for lunch on the beach.

2. Crusty Corner Bakery

Where: 38 Bell Road, Norwich, NR3 4RA

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury:

Crusty Corner Bakery in NR3 has been in business for more than 40 years and makes thousands of bread rolls and hundreds of loaves each week for its customers across Norwich.

Owner Karen Abbott believes the secret to its long-running success is down to the love and care the team put into every product - which has kept customers loyal for decades.

3. The Hingham Bakery

Where: 21 Market Place, Hingham, NR9 4AF

This family-owned business which has been open since 1885 is famed with locals.

Treats include cheese twists, pizzas, quiche, fruit tarts, tray bakes and cakes - and it all looks irresistible.

It also offers large platters of finger-licking goods.

4. Market Cross Delicatessen 

Where: 34 Market Place, North Walsham, NR28 9BT

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Market Cross Delicatessen in North WalshamMarket Cross Delicatessen in North Walsham (Image: Google Maps)

The Market Cross delicatessen is a hit with locals for its sausage rolls, brownies and occasional chocolate tortes.

Sat in the heart of the town, it is a traditional bakery with all the classics you could need.

5. Loaf

Where: 6 Middleton Street, Wymondham, NR18 0AD

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Wholemeal rye, white and svelt flour loaves at Loaf MircrobakeryWholemeal rye, white and svelt flour loaves at Loaf Mircrobakery (Image: Denise Bradley)

Microbakery Loaf has been a big hit offering all vegan products, from fresh sourdough and coffee to other treats to take away.

Run by couple Clare and Oliver Brown, the idea for the business came in the first lockdown when Mrs Brown baked for her friends to cheer them up and they insisted on paying.

The couple also have a second location in the Norwich Lanes.

6. Two Magpies

Where: Norwich, Wells, Holt, Blakeney, Beccles

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Two Magpies Bakery owner Steve Magnall inside the new Wells caféTwo Magpies Bakery owner Steve Magnall inside the new Wells café (Image: Newsquest)

On offer is a range of bread loaves, sausage rolls, cakes, tray bakes, filled brioche rolls, croissants and much more. 

The local chain celebrated its 10th birthday this year.

Two Magpies Bakery was founded by Rebecca Bishop in Southwold in 2013, with Steve Magnall joining the business in 2018, and now has nine stores across Norfolk and Suffolk, with the most recent opening in Wells.

7. Bread Source

Where: Aylsham and Norwich

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury:

The popular bakery was founded in 2012 by Steve Winter who was British Baker’s Baker of the Year in 2020. 

The bakery was named in British Baker's list of best artisan bakeries in Britain in 2023 as the fourth best in the country.

The artisan bakery hand-bakes bread, pastries, and confectionery and has expanded rapidly across Norwich.

It can be found in Upper St Giles, the Refectory Café at Norwich Cathedral, Bridewell Alley, Norwich Market, Magdalen Street, and Marriott Close. 

There is also a branch in Aylsham.