UK's stunning 4.5-mile walking trail that starts and ends with a gorgeous 17th century pub

The UK is home to many stunning places that are perfect for a weekend walk. The country has a long coastline, ancient forests and many wonderful pubs. But there is one walk in particular that's attracting Brits because it's not only pretty but can start and end with a magnificent 17th-century pub.

Set in the Norfolk countryside, the 4.5-mile Blickling Estate walk takes visitors through historic parkland, peaceful woods and wide open meadows. It also begins next to The Buckinghamshire Arms, a traditional pub once used by horse-drawn coach travellers in the 1600s. The route loops around the entire estate and includes a mix of well-marked grassy paths, stiles, country lanes and forest tracks.

According to the National Trust, the walk takes around two hours to complete and is rated moderate in difficulty.

Along the way, walkers will discover a number of fascinating sites. Early on, the trail passes the Church of St Andrew, originally built between the 13th and 15th centuries, and an 18th-century ice house hidden in the woods.

Further into the route, walkers cross a meadow that once fed a medieval moat and spot the remains of a wartime pump house.

The old brickyard, built in 1862 and capable of producing 160,000 bricks a year, also lies just off the path.

Another highlight is the Tower, now a holiday cottage, which was built as a grandstand for steeplechase racing in the 18th century.

The nearby Hercules Wood is named after a statue that once stood in the long-gone Temple of Hercules.

The route then passes through Great Wood, an ancient forest filled with oak, beech and chestnut trees.

From late April to early May, bluebells cover the forest floor, creating a colourful natural display.

The Mausoleum, built in 1794, is another must-see. It was designed in the shape of a stone pyramid and contains the remains of the 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire, John Hobart, and his two wives.

It's estimated that around 190,000 blocks of Portland Stone were used to construct it.

The final stretch of the walk offers views across the River Bure and leads through a small woodland area known as the Beeches, before looping back to the starting point.

Dogs are welcome on the walk but should be kept on leads around livestock. The path isn't suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs due to stiles and uneven terrain.

Parking is available at the main Blickling Estate car park, and toilets can be found nearby.

The Stables and Muddy Boots cafés are open for food and drink, and the Buckinghamshire Arms pub offers a cosy spot for a meal or drink before or after the walk.

Blickling Hall itself, once home to the Boleyn family, is also open to visitors and well worth exploring.

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