The North Norfolk coast on your doorstep

Access to the countryside is all around you — idyllic country lanes, beaches that meet the horizon, and salt marshes teeming with wildlife. Expect Marsh Harriers, Barn Owls, Kestrels, Red Kite, Sandwich Tern, Bittern, and common and grey seals.

A setting for fashion shoots and cinema moments. The estate features a nature reserve, Palladian mansion with deer park, craft shops, and the Holkham Victoria and Stable Café. The jewel is Holkham Bay — a vast low-gradient beach at low tide with miles of flat sand and dunes.

Miles of golden sand in either direction, as magical in winter as in summer. Children build sandcastles while dogs frolic in the water (small dog-free zone May–September). A popular kitesurfing spot, and beachcombing reveals razor shells, sea urchins, fossils, carnelian stone — even whale vertebrae. The SS Vina shipwreck is visible from shore.

This shingle stretch is beautiful year-round — dramatic in cold weather, lively in summer. Walk left from the carpark to Blakeney Point at low tide, home to England's largest grey seal colony. Amongst the shingle, beachcomb for crab legs, mermaids' purses, and perfectly spherical stones.

The only resort town in East Anglia that faces west — a great place to watch the sunset. The south beach is wide golden sand; the north beach has pink-and-white-striped cliffs of carstone and white chalk. Rock pools reveal marine fossils, shark's teeth, and fish skeletons. Old Hunstanton offers a sweeping area of fine sand with the sea's own treasures at low tide.

An award-winning conservatory restaurant, terrace, and bar overlooking the marsh. An artisan smokehouse in the garden produces award-winning smoked salmon, cured low and slow the traditional way. Dogs welcome in the bar.

An intimate fine-dining restaurant where the ingredients are the stars. Kevin uses the best seasonal produce Norfolk offers — locally landed fish, Brancaster lobsters, organic pork, local lamb, fruit from Drove Orchards, and local game. 3-course dinner Wed–Fri, tasting menu Wed–Sat.

One of our favourites. Locally sourced produce in seasonal small plates designed to share, served from an open-plan kitchen. Amazing Sunday roast — book ahead, it's usually very busy.

Wood-fired cooking on Big Green Eggs and an Asado grill — rustic, fiery flavours of local produce. A fantastic spot for drinks both indoors and out.

A beloved Sunday roast — fine cuts of meat or a signature mushroom and cashew wellington with lashings of gravy and seasonal veg. Book a table in advance or pop by after your beach walk.

A laid-back, lively, dog-friendly pub with a wood burner and fantastic outdoor area. Locally sourced seasonal menus, craft beers, wines, and spirits — something for everyone.

A gentle circuit through lagoons and reedbeds. Hides overlook the freshwater pools — bring binoculars for avocets and marsh harriers.

A wide open sweep of sand and dunes. Walk east toward Scolt Head at low tide for emptiness and sky.

The classic Norfolk walk — pine woods, wide beach, and the colourful beach huts of Wells. About 4 miles, mostly flat.

Walk the hard sand at low tide from Cley to England's largest grey seal colony. Keep your distance and enjoy the spectacle.

Famous for its winter wader spectacles, but beautiful year-round. The cliff-top path gives views across the entire Wash.

A village shop with a surprisingly good deli counter, local ales, and fresh bread. Our go-to for everyday provisions.

Norfolk-reared meats and whatever the boats landed that morning. Ask for the Cromer crab.

A picture-perfect village of Georgian houses, independent boutiques, and the famous Gurneys fishmonger. Worth a morning.

First Saturday of the month. Local cheese, charcuterie, plants, and bread — arrive hungry.

Craft shops, local art, and gifts on the Holkham estate, with the Victoria Café nearby for a mid-shop coffee.