The Bucks Arms

Someone from this business manages this listing.

876 reviews

#1 of 1 Restaurant in Blickling££ - £££, Bar, British, Pub

+44 1263 732133+ Add website

Hours

Sun

8:00 - 22:30

Mon

8:00 - 23:00

Tue

8:00 - 23:00

Wed

8:00 - 23:00

Thu

8:00 - 23:00

Fri

8:00 - 23:00

Sat

8:00 - 23:00

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.0

876 reviews

#1 of 1 Restaurant in Blickling

Travellers' Choice 2024

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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PRICE RANGE

£5.00 – £38.00

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

meals, features

Location and contact

Blickling Road Buckinghamshire Arms Aylsham, Blickling NR11 6NF England

+44 1263 732133

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Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?

Yes

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About

Traditional English Country Inn next door to Blickling Hall (National Trust). Serving delicious home-cooked meals lunchtime and evening plus snacks such as coffee and cake or sandwiches. Picturesque setting with outdoor seating in summer. Guest bedrooms available.

PRICE RANGE

£5.00 – £38.00

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

FEATURES

Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Dog Friendly

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4.0

876 reviews

Excellent

496

Very good

214

Average

Poor

Terrible

Gary

Norfolk1 contribution

What a Meal

Jan 2020 • none

We booked a table for six, two vegetarian for this lunchtime. The Pub itself was very busy but the friendliness of the staff was exceptional. The food? Everyone had a different meal and everyone was pleasantly surprised by the quality and the quantity of the food, Personally I had the Fish Pie, full of succulent fish, an amble portion and very well seasoned, helping to bring out the flavour of the fish. The Price? I thought was very reasonable, £20 a head including a large soft drink, with half the party too full for a dessert while the other three ate and enjoyed their afters as well. Would I reccomend it? Certainly, see the 5 stars I gave it above. To the staff, thanks for the service and the smiles

Written 19 January 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Thepottersnorwich

Norwich358 contributions

Birthday dinner

Jan 2020 • family

Birthday dinner Went with a group of 15 for a 21st birthday dinner. First impressions lovely old building nice location next to blickling hall (shame the hall wasn’t lit up though) Small bar area but good selection of drinks served correctly (many thanks) We had a separate room for the 15 although the table was set a bit awkward but not really a problem. Bit of a wait for the order considering there was not many other people in the restaurant but not really excessive Food came all orders correct and hot Quality was good no complaints Food 9/10 Ambience 8/10 Staff 9/10 Price 7.5/10 Overall good food extensive menu and good service Many thanks and we will return

Written 11 January 2020

Raffles29

2 contributions

You have to stay here, nowhere else.

Oct 2020 • none

Our visit to Blickling was to see Blickling Hall, a National Trust House and for convenience we booked the Bucks Arms for two nights as it was so close by. Due to Covid, our expectations weren't as high as they might have been, but, upon arrival we were greeted with such friendliness and enthusiasm by Tom who showed us to our room, and what a room, it was very big, full of history with four poster and two armchairs also with double aspect lead light windows providing the most tremendous view of Blickling Hall. Breakfast was superb, very well cooked and their full English was significantly more 'full' than has been had elsewhere, such that on morning two we had to drop down to their Half English. Because breakfast was so good we decided to have our evening meals there and didn't disappoint, night two was their Thai themed evening, clearly a Thai chef as again the food was delicious and so authentic.. All the staff were a delight, Charly was busy serving both Breakfast in the morning and the Thai meal in the evening yet was still full of enthusiasm and attentiveness that just cemented the delight of our whole visit. We can only apologise to the remaining staff, whose names we don't have, yet all shone and should be congratulated, our trip to Blickling Hall, just across the road, was worthwhile, however, The Bucks Arms was the highlight of our visit to this lovely part of Norfolk.. Make sure you book when you visit this area.

Written 19 October 2020

EFCCHRIS

March14 contributions

Fantastic

Jan 2020 • couples

Overnight stay on the 23/01 - Staff at the pub are very friendly and provide an excellent level of customer service. We had an evening meal in the lounge bar which was nice and quiet. The food is reasonably priced, freshly prepared, very generous portion sizes and tasted great. Our room was very comfortable and even had a four poster bed. Breakfast was served in the lounge bar and again this was fantastic. After checking out we went for a walk around the Blickling Estate and were given great advice on routes from staff.

Written 29 January 2020

Jumby15

New York City778 contributions

Great food

Jan 2020 • friends

Drove a long way to eat here and wasn’t disappointed one bit. Staff are super friendly, Food was exquisite and beer crisp as was the white wine we had with the halibut. From starters to mains the menu was in abundance and great value for the calibre if food that was served. Would highly recommend

Written 28 January 2020

Portia50

Norwich74 contributions

Great location

Jan 2020 • none

On a first visit to Blickling Hall, I was amazed to find just how close the pub was. It really couldn't be better placed, & after a very enjoyable visit to the Hall, it was so nice to decamp here for lunch. We had hoped on a cold January day to have found a roaring log fire & were slightly disappointed that this was not the case. Being a weekday in January & lateish, we had no difficulty in getting a table but I imagine in the summer, particularly at weekends, it must be extremely busy. Having been told how good the food is here, we weren't exactly knocked by it but as vegetarians, our choice is always more limited - I must say the scampi & chips LOOKED wonderful!! Service was good but I wasn't impressed by the waiter bringing our drinks on a tray swimming in liquid, A quick wipe around with a cloth was all that was needed. This is a lovely old building in a great location but fell just short of me being able to give an excellent rating. Some room for improvement I think.

Written 19 January 2020

AHn

25 contributions

Highly disappointing…

Dec 2021 • family

I live locally and usually eat at Bucks Arms. During this particular meal, the female staff were very accommodating and pleasant but one of the plates the food was served on was highly unsuitable. One of my children noticed their plate and showed it to me unfortunately when they had eaten most of their food. I discussed my concern with the waiter particularly as the enamel was coming off the plate onto my fingers and I was worried in case it went in my child’s food. The waiter took it away to discuss with the chef. He came back explaining the plate was absolutely fine but put it in the bin, which obviously suggested quite the opposite. There was no apology or discount. I had spent £70 on three dinners and three soft drinks - it isn’t a cheap place to come for a meal and disappointing when you pay that amount of money to have your food served on such a plate with enamel coming off. I wrote to the manager on the same day I visited (back in December) and they still have not replied. I thought I would return with a large group of family and friends for a birthday treat to give it another try. Unfortunately again I was disappointed. I had a duck curry this time (I have tried it at least four times before and it was tasty in the past). It was so incredibly hot you could not even taste the duck and I had tears streaming down my face as a result of too many spices. Again, not a cheap option at £22. It is highly disappointing as I have recommended Bucks Arms to family, friends and colleagues but not so sure I will return there after being disappointed twice. I have never written a review like this which is such a shame but I would at the very least expect someone to have replied to a complaint after two months and wanted others to be aware.

Written 6 February 2022

Hilary Y

13 contributions

Wonderful Hotel

Jan 2020 • none

Situated in a beautiful spot, this hotel is a little gem. There is plenty of parking, lots of quirky features in the rooms and best of all, fabulous staff who were friendly, attentive and very welcoming. Room rates are very reasonable and the room we had was comfortable, spacious and well-designed. Breakfast was the best I have ever had. The omelette was incredible - packed full of fresh and tasty ingredients, the right consistency and generously portioned. As was the 'half' breakfast. We had a lovely stay here and would thoroughly recommend this hotel.

Written 20 January 2020

Ruby067

Winchester258 contributions

Excellent in all respects!

Aug 2020 • family

We booked a table for dinner during our recent holiday visit to Norfolk. We were pleased to see that adequate precautions were in place re the coronavirus pandemic with tables spaced well apart, single use paper menus, staff keeping a suitable distance from guests etc. And what good humoured staff they were! Definitely adding to our enjoyment of the meal. Main courses were very generous portions, and also very tasty and well cooked( my bacon chop was excellent - cooked right through, but not at all dry). Desserts easily served two! A very enjoyable meal in good surroundings and atmosphere.

Written 6 September 2020

Haley G

3 contributions

Fantastic Birthday Meal

Oct 2020 • family

Booked this for my wife and family to celebrate her Birthday. Bit worried as kids ages range from 10 to 15 so not sure it would be welcoming; it was wonderful. Staff were brilliant, so attentive, engaging and topped me up when I spilt my drink. Children’s menu was simple so I asked if my youngest could have a small dinner from the main menu which they did without hesitation. Food was also wonderful. Not a cheap experience but worth every penny.

Written 26 October 2020

Paul W

2 contributions

An essential part of the experience of visiting Norfolk and in particular the Blickling Hall Estate and

May 2021 • family

I have been a customer of this hostelry for over 40 years but i am certainly not a "regular" as I live 20 miles away! The Bucks has always been an experience. It is a historic and maybe quirky building that has been deliberately (thank goodness) kept largely unchanged. During the season and particularly in good weather it is very busy yet you can almost guarantee that the beer wiil be perfectly kept and there will be a good choice of wines. Food wise it has always been restaurant choice and quality rather than pub grub but over the years this has improved to what it is today which is really good cuisine. Service recently I have always found to be good and with a smile and a will to look after you. My most recent visits have included a 90 year old lady who suffers from dementia. Staff have gone out of their way to help us. It has been busy and we may have had to wait a little more than usual on occasion but in these difficult times it was certainly worth waiting for. I was amazed the other day when the weather was not at its best that the outside area was still full of customers. The covered area outside has been tastefully done in keeping with the area and clearly people were enjoying themselves and making the most of their visit despite the government restrictions. On my last visit I had the Tom Yum soup which was absolutely delicious and as good or better than anything I tasted similar in Thailand! I can not wait for the restrictions to end and the Thai Meal nights to start up again! Thank you to the Bucks team

Written 18 June 2021

daveg53_11

Colchester19 contributions

Great meals and stay.

Oct 2020 • none

We stayed one night to visit Blickling Hall a National Trust property. The Bucks Arms is in the grounds and is a lovely property in its self. We felt very safe in these “C-19” days and every thing from booking in to the rooms and food we found faultless. The room was very comfortable and spacious with a four poster bed, the amazing view from our window was of Blickling Hall. We had dinner in the evening from an extensive menu which we will remember for a long time 😋 we shared starters three between four, generous portions and I had duck with a Thai red curry . . . so delicious ! Breakfast (included with the room) did not disappoint either which was one of the best choices we’ve seen. The last thing I have to mention are the lovely, friendly and efficient staff . . . we hope to be back one day for a longer stay. Thank you!

Written 17 October 2020

Christopher H

16 contributions

DATE NIGHT

Sept 2020 • none

Table for 2. Nice friendly welcome. Changed my beer this time to a "hoppy" one which was excellent. I choose Plaice on the bone and the brilliant chef "Nook" couldn't have prepared the meal any better as I asked for it pan fried which wasn't an option on the menu! Wife had Steak which was first class and we cannot say more than we can score is good about the Bucks. Tess who runs it, whilst worked off her feet is nice and Tom behind the bar is great with his beers, spirits and wines. Of course, we'll be back soon as we are locals. I reported last month I had the best lobster I had ever had (so fresh and meaty and perfectly prepared) and that includes the local fish restaurants around the Norfolk coast where fishermen are local to the catch.

Written 17 September 2020

Lesley W

Greater London36 contributions

Food OK but service needs improving

Jan 2022 • none

We had lunch here - we had the Scampi and the veg burger - the food was OK but came in such huge portions we felt daunted and couldn't eat it all. We rashly attempted puddings as they sounded so good, but again they were much too big. The staff were very friendly but hopelessly inefficient. They forgot to tell us our table was ready despite being asked to do so, they were very slow to take our orders, and we had to give one drinks order 3 times before it arrived.

Written 28 January 2022

TJMChippingCampden

Chipping Campden953 contributions

The best recommendation we can give is to say we've already rebooked

Feb 2023 • none

Our time at the Bucks Arms (from 12th to 16th Feb) ticked so many boxes for us, because from our family gathering Sunday lunch to our departing breakfast on Thursday the hospitality was faultless. A homely (non-corporate) style with comfortable accommodation , personable and efficient staff, phenomenally good food in copious quantity and in a location and setting which meant that we all (and that obviously includes our dog George) so enjoyed being guests. We would say to those people who might complain about having too much good food, just don't bother to go to the Bucks Arms. If you enjoy good food and lots of it cooked by people who know what they are doing then it's the place for you.. The location is perfect for enjoying walks in the Blickling Estate and Park and for visiting one of the jewels in the National Trusts' crown. It is very dog friendly and our friendly dog met lots of friends. The Bucks Arms has a charm and a natural character that has been sucked out of many more corporate establishments. It's a people pub and restaurant situated in the Norfolk countryside that is run and staffed by nice people for nice people. If you want more pretention and pretentious people in a more urban environment then simply go somewhere else. The Bucks Arms is run by the Colchester Inns Group which also has The Black Boys Hotel Alysham, The Recruiting Sergeant in Horstead and the Rising Sun in Coltishall in the “portfolio”. My point is that the Bucks Arms is run with the advantages of being part of a successful business enterprise but which does not suffer the unattractive characteristics of an over-commercialised bland hotel chain. Frankly, it’s a great place to be and we've already booked another stay.