It can be tempting to stay inside during the colder months, curled up in front of a fire with a good book.

But this season brings a whole new beauty to Norfolk and it would be a shame not to enjoy it.

Here is a round-up of seven of the prettiest places to visit in Norfolk this winter.

1. Whitlingham

A fisherman setting up on the River Yare at WhitlinghamA fisherman setting up on the River Yare at Whitlingham (Image: Newsquest) Whitlingham Country Park on the outskirts of Norwich is known as the "gateway to the Broads".

It sits on the River Yare and also features the Great Broad.

There are several walking routes and activities to try around the area and its views are remarkable year-round. 

2. Reedham

The historic village of Reedham is beautiful in the winterThe historic village of Reedham is beautiful in the winter months (Image: James Bass) Follow the River Yare south-east and you will find the village of Reedham.

It is home to large watery marshlands and boasts a rich history.

The Romans were guided by the old lighthouse and some Roman bricks can still be spotted within the church walls.

It is worth wandering out to Polkey’s Mill which was responsible for draining the nearby marshes for farming.

3. Thetford Forest

The winter sun fighting its way through the trees in Thetford ForestThe winter sun fighting its way through the trees in Thetford Forest (Image: Sonya Duncan) The 18,730 hectare woodland on the Norfolk and Suffolk border is home to an abundance of plants and wildlife.

There are plenty of walking routes to enjoy and some of the most picturesque areas include Lynford Arboretum and Harling Wood.

Visitors between January and March should keep an eye out for the blooming snowdrops covering the floor.

4. Holt

Holt is well-known for its Christmas lightsHolt is well-known for its Christmas lights (Image: BRAD DAMMS)

The north Norfolk town of Holt is well known as one of the county's prettiest locations at Christmas.

Its high street is always adorned in countless Christmas lights and plenty of festive activities are on offer.

5. The Wash, Snettisham

The Wash is home to an abundance of wildlifeThe Wash is home to an abundance of wildlife (Image: Matthew Usher)

As well as having beautiful views, The Wash hosts several remarkable wildlife spectacles throughout the year.

Each winter, up to 40,000 pink-footed geese from Iceland and Greenland come to The Wash.

Pink-footed geese at SnettishamPink-footed geese at Snettisham (Image: Matthew Usher)

They take to the skies in a U formation at first light to head inland to find food for the day and many people gather to watch.

Check the RSPB website for dates and times to avoid disappointment.

6. WWT Welney

Thousands of swans head to the picturesque WWT Welney each yearThousands of swans head to the picturesque WWT Welney each year (Image: John Hocknell) Welney is another stunning spot for nature lovers.

Around 8,000 swans head to the location on the Norfolk and Cambridgeshire border each winter.

They usually live in Arctic Russia or Iceland. 

7. Walsingham Abbey

Snowdrops pop up at Walsingham Abbey in early springWalsingham Abbey is a great spot to see beautiful snowdrops (Image: Matthew Usher) The remains of a medieval church sit on the grounds of Walsingham Abbey.

The church is historically significant and Walsingham is still a very holy place, with its history of religious pilgrimage dating back to the 11th century.

The land surrounding the ruins looks enchanting as a sea of snowdrops pop up in the early months of each year.