The curvature of the North Norfolk coastline gives excellent panoramic views over the North Sea and the Wash, enabling visitors to look out to sea to the west, north and east. The variation of coastal landscapes - ranging from traditional windswept sand and pebble beaches, through some of the finest examples of salt marsh and lagoons, and on to cliffs of varying hues - from fine white to darkest red - means that the county has much to offer a wide variety of visitors, from the most committed naturalist and birdwatcher, to the general holidaymaker who is simply in pursuit of leisurely days out.
Things to do on the North Norfolk Coast Walkers, cyclists, nature-lovers and those in search of the ultimate family holiday will all find things to do on the North Norfolk Coast.
The Norfolk Coastal Path runs for more than 45 miles along the varying landscape, and stretches from the end of the ancient Peddars Way near Hunstanton in the west, through one of the largest coastal nature reserves in England and Wales, until it connects with the Weavers Way on the eastern reaches of the region at Cromer. Near to the western end of the Path, the RSPB reserves at Titchwell Marsh and Snettisham attract both human and avian visitors in abundance. The Snettisham reserve faces the Wash, the wide, almost square-shaped estuary, fed by the four rivers of the Great Ouse, the Nene, the Welland and the Witham; Snettisham is regularly visited by Bar-Tailed Godwits, Shelducks, Knots and Pink-footed Geese. At Titchwell Marsh, to the east of Hunstanton, the reedbeds, marshes and lagoons also attract great numbers of migrating birds. Pied Avocets, Bearded Tits, Marsh Harriers, Terns and Great Bitterns all breed in the area, and the reedbeds also encourage Reed Bunting, Sedge Warblers, Little Egrets and Reed Warblers.
The North Norfolk Steam Railway - nicknamed by locals as the ‘Poppy Line’ - runs from Sheringham, through Weybourne before ending its progress inland, in the fine Georgian market town of Holt. There are a number of excellent cycle routes in North Norfolk, and the Norfolk Coast Cycleway takes in some of the best scenery in the county, running parallel to the coast for over 92 miles, from King’s Lynn, via Cromer, to Great Yarmouth.
Top Destinations
Great Yarmouth– One of the leading resorts for family holidays in the UK, Great Yarmouth offers all that is best for the traditional British family holiday. With huge expanses of sand beach: ‘The Golden Mile’, two fine piers, a racecourse, and numerous hotels, B&Bs and holiday camps, there is always something to entertain visitors. At South Denes, the Britannia Monument, a precursor to Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, celebrates the local hero, and faces inland towards his birthplace in Burnham Thorpe. Great Yarmouth is also home to the Norfolk Nelson Museum and to the Time and Tide (herring) Museum, ensuring entertainment whatever the weather.
Cromer and Sheringham – These two fine Victorian seaside towns take life at a slower pace, but are nevertheless popular holiday spots, not least due to their continued mainline rail connections with Norwich and beyond.
Wells-next-the-Sea – Once a busy trading port, the long sandy beaches and almost genteel amusement arcades contrast sharply with the adjacent salt marshes and the pretty rolling countryside beyond the town. The availability of several camping sites and the closeness of the nearby grand Holkham Hall estate, underline the careful balance that the town treads between becoming a ‘full-on’ seaside resort and retaining its more select local ambience as a coastal fishing town.
Brancaster– Just three miles beyond Burnham Market, and at the edge of the marshland and lagoons of Brancaster Bay and Scolt Head, Brancaster is close to the ancient Roman settlement of Branodunum, although only the earthworks of the Saxon Shore fort are now visible to walkers. The Royal West Norfolk Golf Club is situated on the edge of the salt marsh and coast, with some course holes that are actually liable to flooding when the tide is particularly high. The road out to the Clubhouse and the beach car park are also subject to severe flooding at times of high tides. As with many places along this coast, the town is associated with the childhood of Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, who was born at the rectory in nearby Burnham Thorpe, and is said to have learnt to sail in the numerous small muddy creeks around Brancaster.
Hunstanton – Facing westwards towards the Wash, Hunstanton is one of the few places on the east coast of England where the sunset can be viewed over the sea (Whitstable in Kent being another). Although the town is largely adjacent to wide, flat sandy beaches, to the east of the town a run of distinctive red and white striped limestone and chalk cliffs lead round to the beaches of Old Hunstanton and Holme-next-the-Sea. Because of its proximity to the Wash, it is said that on a fine day it is possible to see across the estuary from Hunstanton, and into Lincolnshire and the high church tower that is known as ‘Boston Stump’.
King’s Lynn– Birthplace of naval officer and explorer Captain George Vancouver, this sea port and market town is perfectly positioned between the rolling hills of north-west Norfolk and the wide-open expanses of the Lincolnshire/Cambridgeshire fens.
Lovely Cottage, 62 West Street, North Creake, Fakenham, Norfolk
Lovely Cottage is A 200 year old traditional flint cottage in the picturesque village of North Creake a few miles from the beautiful North Norfolk Coast. A perfect place to explore this part of the country it consists of ...
Halfpenny Cottage is a 200 year old cottage built in Norfolk flint faced with mellow Holkham brick. The cottage is deceptively spacious with 4 bedrooms, ideal for larger groups or two families sharing.
The property has ...
Sedgeford is in a designated area of outstanding beauty conveniently situated for the North Norfolk Coast (4 miles inland) and surrounding villages such as Burnham Market 6 miles away. Good for birdwatching as close to ...
Morston Cottage, Tides Reach, Morston, Morston, Nr Holt, Norfolk
Tide's Reach is a gem of a holiday home perfectly situated beside the marshes at Morston and overlooking Blakeney Harbour and Blakeney Point.
Tide's Reach was originally 4 brick and flint cottages dating from the ...
Robin Farm is in one of Norfolk's most tranquil and beautiful villages. It is host to an A1 Gastro Pub, with traditional village shop, and only 8 miles from the coast. From bird watchers to foodies, from walkers to the ...
Our two traditional flint and brick barns are situated on a quiet lane just outside the village of Thursford Green, tucked away in peaceful countryside, just a few miles from the best of the North Norfolk Coast. The ...
Thirty, two and three bedroom luxury holiday apartments set within 65 peaceful acres of private estate in the heart of Norfolk's River Wensum Valley - a wildlife haven.
Each apartment has exceptionally spacious ...
Well Cottage, CROSS STREET, Salthouse, Salthouse, Norfolk
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 2-6
Pricing: Ł600 - Ł1260 for a full week
Offpeak shorter breaks available
15% discount for couples
Well Cottage is a recently refurbished flint cottage in the charming village of Salthouse on ...
Kestrel holiday bungalow is in a perfect location, it's situated in Walcott on the North East Coast of Norfolk, with a view of the sea, the cliff-top footpath is close by with the access ramp to the lovely sandy beach just ...
Walnut Cottage is a lovely farm cottage located on an arable farm on the outskirts of the village of Burnham Market. It is within easy reach of some fabulous beaches, (Brancaster, Holkham, Wells-next-sea) walks, sailing, ...
This middle terraced holiday cottage is set above a quiet road and looks across to the church and rolling farmland. Comfortably furnished and fitted with modern kitchen and bathroom. Good touring area with several local ...
This traditional brick and flint terraced cottage with open fire is peacefully tucked away in the village. Just 5 miles south of Brancaster on the beautiful north coast and 7 miles west of Hunstanton, with its ...
This splendid ground floor holiday apartment is located in the heart of bustling Wells-next-the-Sea, a short stroll from the picturesque quay and small fishing harbour. Excellent sandy beach 1 mile. Comfortably furnished ...
Amys Cottage, Bodham, nr. Holt, Sheringham, Norfolk
Lying just 2 miles from the coast, tucked away in a courtyard of traditional flint and brick cottages in the quiet village of Bodham. Ideally based for exploring the uncrowded beaches and wealth of RSPB nature and bird ...
Situated in Wells-next-the-Sea, this holiday cottage is just a few yards from the picturesque quayside, perfect for fresh shell fish and crabbing, and a short walk from the town centre with several shops, restaurants and ...
Situated in rural Norfolk, ten miles from the Sandringham Estate, Ashwood Manor is set by the River Nar and offers both space and comfort, with several sporting activities on offer, and plenty of room to relax amid ...
Six miles from the coast and extensive salt marsh nature and bird reserve, this charming detached flint barn nestles in a quiet coastal village and boasts a spacious beamed interior and wood-burning stove. Comfortably ...
This superbly converted detached barn is situated just outside Wisbech with views over open fields on 3 sides. Providing holiday accommodation for 4 people it is ideal for those looking for a relaxing break or an ideal ...
This attractive, 18th-century holiday cottage with enclosed garden is just a few hundred yards from the sandy beach and dunes and has been lovingly restored, retaining original fireplaces and internal beams. Good walking ...
Within walking distance of the beach and town centre, this pretty 19th century terraced holiday cottage is comfortably furnished to provide a warm welcome at any time of the year. The popular seaside town of Sheringham ...
This charming flint holiday cottage, end of a row of three, with lawned rear garden is only a few minutes walk from the sea front and town. Sheringham has a wide range of amenities with indoor leisure pool, tennis courts, ...
Bloater Cottage, one of a row, is a small Grade II listed brick and flint holiday cottage situated in the popular coastal village of Blakeney, refurbished to a high contemporary country style whilst retaining its original ...
Situated just 4 miles from the North Norfolk coastline with its sandy beaches, RSPB sanctuaries, nature reserves and coastal path, these attractive, brick and flint holiday cottages are tucked away on a quiet lane, in the ...
Commanding a premier position along the North Norfolk Coast overlooking the sea, this traditional Victorian building is just a short walk from the sandy beach and perfectly positioned in the popular seaside resort of ...
This pretty, traditionally-built, adjoining period cottage is situated in a central location for a holiday exploring the North Norfolk Coast. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Hindolveston, the cottage garden is a haven for ...
Chaff Cutters, Itteringham, nr. Aylsham, Holt, Norfolk
Chaff Cutters is a delightfully cosy holiday cottage nestling in the heart of this picturesque Norfolk village. Quietly situated within a conservation area, it has its own enclosed garden and lies just a few minutes’ ...
Just 800 yards from a sandy beach, and quietly situated in the pretty village of Old Hunstanton, this spacious and very comfortable apartment occupies the first floor of an imposing former vicarage and looks out onto its ...
Quietly situated in the very pretty village of Old Hunstanton, with its duck pond, Michelin star restaurant, other hotel restaurants and church, this spacious and comfortable holiday apartment occupies the first and second ...
This traditional flint and brick holiday cottage is one of a pair tucked away in a small courtyard of four properties in the heart of this bustling seaside town, within walking distance of the harbour. An excellent sandy ...
Located in an AONB, just a short walk from the beach, designated as a SSSI, this holiday cottage has been lovingly restored in keeping with the past and dates back to 1886. Offering all modern day comforts, this spacious ...
Cobbly Cottage, North Creake, nr. Burnham Market, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
This 17th-century holiday cottage neighbours the inn in the heart of the village of North Creake on the road leading to Burnham Market, 3 miles, and the coast. Sandy beaches at Wells Next The Sea, Holkham and Brancaster. ...
Nestling beside the church and facing a paddock, this cosy, early 19th-century, semi-detached holiday cottage is full of charm and character. It has a good modern kitchen and bathroom, but retains beams and original steep, ...
Just 6 miles from the fantastic North Norfolk Coastline, South Creake Holiday Cottages, situated on a quiet country lane, provides good standard holiday accommodation. Cornloft Lodge is situated behind the row of cottages ...
Our two traditional flint and brick barns are situated on a quiet lane just outside the village of Thursford Green, tucked away in peaceful countryside, just a few miles from the best of the North Norfolk Coast. The ...
Courtyard Barn 1, Skeyton, nr. Coltishall, North Walsham, Norfolk
This spacious, attractive, single storey barn has been converted to a very good standard and is full of character with its brick fireplace and a shaker style kitchen. Located in a quiet rural village, it is ideal for ...
Courtyard Barn 2, Skeyton, nr. Coltishall, North Walsham, Norfolk
This spacious, attractive, single storey barn has been converted to a very good standard. It is full of character with its brick fireplace and a shaker style kitchen. Located in a quiet rural village, it is ideal for ...
Creek Cottage, Wells-next-the-Sea, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
With lovely sea views from most rooms, this attractive whitewashed cottage stands on its own across the main coastal road from Wells-next-the-Sea’s picturesque quayside and just a mile from its sandy beach. Very ...
Crown And Anchor, Wells-next-the-Sea, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
This splendid spacious first floor holiday apartment is located in the heart of bustling Wells-next-the-Sea, within easy walking distance from the shops, cafe and inns, and just a short stroll from the picturesque quay and ...