North Norfolk
North Norfolk is a region where the coast and the countryside offer genuinely different experiences, often within a short drive of each other. From Brancaster Staithe, you are well placed for both.
The coast runs from Hunstanton in the west, where the cliffs face west and catch the
sunset, to Wells-next-the-Sea in the east, with its beach huts, harbour, and the narrow- gauge railway down to the beach. In between: Holkham, with one of the finest beaches in England, backed by pine woods planted by the Holkham Estate; Burnham Overy Staithe, where the Welcome Ferry crosses to Scolt Head Island in summer; and Brancaster Beach,
with nearly four miles of sand and dunes. Between Brancaster and Hunstanton lie some less visited visited beaches such as Titchwell, accessible through the RSPB Reserve, Thornham and Holme
The Norfolk Coast Path connects all of these, and the Coasthopper bus makes it practical to
walk one way and ride back.
“Inland, the character changes. Burnham Market five minutes by car, has independent shops, galleries, and the Hoste Arms. Castle Acre, just over half an hour south, has a Cluniac priory and a castle ruin worth the visit, plus a seven-mile circular walk through the Nar Valley including a welcome stop at Duration Brewery in West Acre. Houghton Hall, home to one of the finest private art collections in England, is 25 minutes away and runs major exhibitions each spring and summer. Sandringham — the King’s Norfolk residence is 20 minutes towards King’s Lynn, hosts events including flower shows, pop concerts, country fairs and motoring pageants throughout the year.
“Walsingham, a medieval pilgrimage town 20 minutes inland, is worth a visit in February for the snowdrops alone. Great Massingham and the surrounding villages are good examples of the kind of quiet, well-kept Norfolk countryside that rewards aimless exploration, with some good places to eat such as The Dabbling Duck.”
“For birdwatching, RSPB Titchwell Marsh is ten minutes west and has good hides and a visitor centre. Snettisham, 20 minutes west on The Wash, hosts one of the most remarkable wader roosts in England — particularly in autumn, when the knots lift off at high tide in dense, twisting flocks. Cley marshes, just over 30 minutes to the east or Sculthorpe Moor
Nature Reserve 20 minutes towards Fakenham provide more variety for keen bird watchers.”
“For more detail on what to see and do month by month, visit our Year on the North Norfolk Coast page. For practical information cycle hire, boat trips, tide times see our Online Guide.