Pretty UK village with idyllic green, duck ponds and cosy pub loved by royals

The charming village is visited by royals (Image: CambridgeshireLive)

Norfolk has many picturesque villages to explore with exceptional meals to be had, independent shops to support and maybe even a royal sighting in store.

One such village is Great Massingham, an idyllic rural retreat that is known for its country pub frequented by royaty.

But its true charm lies in its quintessential countryside allure.

At the heart of the village, a verdant green graced by two duck ponds serves as a sun-drenched haven, ideal for picnics or simply soaking up the surroundings.

The resident ducks offer delightful entertainment as they amble towards the ponds.

Great Massingham Stores

The village shop is a hub for the community (Image: CambridgeshireLive)

Encircling the green, a church and several homes—some constructed from traditional Norfolk stone—enjoy uninterrupted views of the lush landscape.

Nestled on the edge of the green, you’ll discover The Dabbling Duck pub, aptly named after the village’s feathered inhabitants.

The pub prides itself on “using fresh local ingredients to produce outstanding dishes” and offers a variety of daily specials for people to savour, reports .

The pub also offers tapas and pizza on Fridays and Saturdays in the barn area and outside.

If you fancy a Sunday visit, you can sample the pub’s roast with options of beef, pork, or a vegetarian alternative.

For those planning a Norfolk staycation, the Dabbling Duck even provides several holiday lets

Don’t miss… [REVEAL]

The Dabbling Duck in Great Massingham

The pub has been a favourite for royality (Image: CambridgeshireLive)

The establishment has welcomed a few notable guests, including the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Besides Royal visits, the pub has also played host to Sir Alan Sugar and weather presenter Lucy Verasamy.

The village boasts other amenities such as an award-winning shop, a post office, a tearoom, and a primary school, which received a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted in September 2024.

Nestled behind the post office is The Cartshed tearoom, offering a variety of brunch and lunch options, as well as afternoon tea for £11.95 per person, complete with scones, cakes, sandwiches, and your choice of tea.

The local shop, known as Massingham Stores, was crowned UK Independent Store of the Year at The Retail Industry Awards 2021.

Here, you’ll find all the essentials you’d expect from a local convenience store, making it an ideal spot to pick up some snacks for your road trip.

The charm of this picturesque village makes it easy to envision a life here, ambling across the verdant landscape and stopping by the local pub for a pint.

However, such idyllic living comes with a hefty price tag, significantly above the UK’s average.

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