Tom Aikens: Winter Walks with Amazing Food Along the Way

Join Michelin starred chef and restaurateur Tom on a tour of his favourite winter retreats - perfect for blowing away the new year cobwebs

NOSS MAYO, DEVON

This a stunning village in south-west Devon that’s about six miles south-east of Plymouth – the ideal place for a fabulous winter retreat. Across the water is the larger village of Newton Ferrers, and you can get between the two villages via a local ferry. You can walk across when the tide is out and it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to. It’s on an estuary and we used to always come here as kids, sail in my father’s boat out to sea and catch mackerel. You’ll also find many picture perfect seaside pubs that serve good, no-frills food with local beers and a cosy, charming atmosphere. There are many to choose from, but The Ship Inn, The Dolphin Inn and The Swan are a few of my favourites.

SALCOMBE NORTH SANDS, DEVON

A beautiful stretch of coast that I would often visit for family holidays. It’s a perfect beach that’s great for exploring, swimming and sailing. Part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Salcombe North Sands is the perfect place to blow away the winter cobwebs. You can also enjoy the area’s fresh local seafood straight from the water – best barbecued there and then. It’s utterly delicious!

BLAKENEY, NORFOLK

I grew up in Norfolk and my family and I would go to Blakeney most weekends. If you want to forget about everyday stresses and strains, this is the place to come, winter or summer. Blakeney Point is a three mile sand and shingle spit that is perfect for watching seals in their natural habitat. The Kings Arms is a 250 year old Georgian inn and B&B just yards from Blakeney Quay that is a great place to stay, and at the Blakeney Chip In you can devour some of the most delicious fish and chips in town. When the tide was out we would pick the samphire from the muddy flats that went out to sea, took our harvest home, washed it and cooked it in butter – it was beautiful.

ORFORD, SUFFOLK

Another coastal village that has a lot of charm, some great walks along the beach and a fascinating Anglo Saxon castle. Explore this historic building from the basement, through the lower and upper halls to the roof where there are beautiful panoramic sea views of Orford Ness are revealed. Then on to some great local eateries to visit, and the Pump Street Bakery is top of my list. The award-winning bakery specialises sourdough breads and delicious rhubarb doughnuts. They also serve great simple food and snacks centred around the bread and local produce in their café.

ALLADALE WILDERNESS RESERVE, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

I’m a big fan of lovely Scotland. Not far from Inverness lies Alladale Wilderness Reserve which is a 23,000 acre gem in the Scottish Highlands. The resident team works hard to keep this part of the country truly wild by replanting lush forests and reintroducing original Highland plant and animal species. Alladale’s rugged terrain, dramatic glens, colourful hills, glistening rivers and herds of majestic red deer will take your breath away. It’s a magical winter retreat.