Discovering the North Norfolk Coast

From the beautiful broads to a Norwich City break, Norfolk has much to offer its visitors – a great reason for many to return year after year. The jewel in this charming county’s crown, though, has to be the North Norfolk coastline, having recently celebrated fifty years as a designated Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB).

So, what makes the North Norfolk coastline so special? Where should you stay? And what might you do while you’re there?

Discovering the North Norfolk Coast

With huge horizons and over 45 miles of coastline, North Norfolk also boasts a large area of protected wetland, all offering visitors the space to explore, escape and unwind. Stunning beaches give way to rugged marshes, picture perfect countryside and quaint towns and villages, with welcoming pubs, tea rooms and restaurants, as well as independent shops and some of the best markets around.

Blakeney, Holkham, Cley-next-the-Sea and, of course, Burnham Market, which is dubbed Norfolk’s loveliest village, are all great places to visit and, at Best Escapes, we have a great selection of inviting holiday homes to help you make the most of your stay.

Whether you’re looking for a short break or a longer holiday, North Norfolk has something for everyone and the Best Escapes team has put together a handy checklist of five of the best places to go while staying with us on the North Norfolk coast.

5 of the Best places to go while staying on the North Norfolk coast

Visit the seals

Visit Blakeney Point and, throughout the year, you’ll be able to see the wild seals relaxing on the shoreline. You can take a boat tour from Morston Quay and out into Blakeney Harbour or, walk the four-mile shale spit offering beautiful sea views as well.

Catch crabs in Cromer

Cromer is famous for its crustaceans and the town’s grade II listed Victorian pier is a fantastic place from which to dangle a line and pull up a crab or two – or many more if you’re a seasoned crabber. You’ll also find plenty of eateries here to sample this local delicacy.

Visit Holkham

Ranked as one of the best beaches in the UK, Holkham beach is situated in a semi-circular basin – as beautiful at high tides when it forms a splendid shallow lagoon as it is when the tide is out and the unspoilt sand stretches far and wide. Pay a visit to the splendid Holkham Hall while you’re there, too.

Get into stargazing

With a relatively small population and less built up spaces, North Norfolk is a fantastic stargazing spot. In fact, the area has recently been awarded two Milky Way class Dark Sky Discovery Site markers – in Kelling Heath and Wiveton Downs.

Steam into Walsingham

With its spectacular abbey ruins, as well as plenty of shops and tea rooms, the pretty town of Walsingham is well worth a visit. While you’re there, hop on to a Wells and Walsingham Light Railway train and ride what’s said to be the longest ten and a quarter inch narrow-gauge steam railway in the world.

Make the most of your Norfolk holiday when you stay with Best Escapes. Check us out online for all the Best North Norfolk cottages, including pet-friendly homes. And for more ideas on how to spend your time, read Things to Do in Norfolk: A Guide to the Best Attractions and Activities.