10 reasons to visit the North Norfolk Coast
Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with miles of untouched coastline, plus the unique Broads National Park, you can see why this is the UK coastal destination that needs to be on your wanderlust list. Lets take a look at the 10 reasons to visit the North Norfolk Coast…
1 - 45 miles of untouched coastline to explore
Keep Britain Tidy awarded 2018 Blue Flags for Cromer, Sheringham, Mundesley, Sea Palling, East Runton and West Runton plus a seaside award for Wells-next-the-Sea. North Norfolk has the highest number of Blue Flag beaches compared to the rest of the districts in the country. This area offers some of the safest and cleanest bathing waters in the country!
2 - Try some water sports activities
Exploring North Norfolk by water doesn’t necessarily mean getting wet, or indeed doing lots of work! If you are feeling energetic and want to try something new, head to Brancaster and take up some kite surfing lessons! For the less adventurous, you could sit back and relax on a Broads Tours boat and let someone else do the driving, take a trip to see the seals at Blakeney, or hire a canoe from Pub and Paddle and explore the waterways at your own pace.
3 - Enjoy the local food & drink
Try North Norfolk’s great local produce, which can be enjoyed at the many restaurants, eateries, cafes and pubs. Visit the farmers markets and local shops to try a variety of food and drink unique to the area, including fresh seafood and locally produced beer. Keep your eyes peeled for Cromer Crabs and Brancaster Mussels!
4 - An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
North Norfolk is home to much of the Broads National Park and is the UK’s largest protected wetland. It is an extremely beautiful place and has a legal status of AONB which ensures its preservation. Expect super views worthy of any Instagram story!
5 - Heritage & History
Visit Sandringham, the much-loved winter retreat of Her Majesty The Queen. Sandringham has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862. Also, check out the history behind Blickling Estate, the North Norfolk Railway and the rich maritime history which can be explored in the various museums and towns.
6 - Traditional seaside Resorts
Cromer and its famous pier should definitely be a place to visit, if you haven’t done so already! It has the UK’s only remaining traditional End of Pier Variety Show. Cromer was also used in the filming of the BBC Drama ‘Partners in Crime’ (an adaptation of an Agatha Christie novel) which featured David Walliams, with a gripping and twisting story of double agents and espionage!
7 - The Broads National Park
For people who love wildlife, bird watching, fishing, sailing, and walking, the Broads has something to offer all year round. They cover over 300 square kilometres of wetland and they boast over a quarter of the UK’s rarest species. Excavated for peat in medieval times, which was sold as fuel including 320,000 tonnes a year to Norwich Cathedral, the pits were subsequently flooded. As of today, it is the 3rd largest navigable waterway in the UK extending 125 miles.
8 - Amazing attractions
North Norfolk has a wide range of award winning outdoor and indoor attractions with lots to keep the grandchildren amused. Visit the many stately homes, museums, vintage railways, zoo’s, sea life centres, Wroxham Barns & Bewilderwood (a tree top adventure with zip wires & tree houses!) to name a few.
9 - Picturesque coastal villages to visit
Visit Holkham, Blakeney, Brancaster, Cley-next-the-Sea, Wells, Burnham Market. Explore by car, water or rail - soak up the views and don’t forget your camera!
10 - Boutique Shopping
This area hosts many arts and crafts galleries, seaside gift shops and independent boutiques selling many unique wares! For upmarket and unique shops, Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea and Burnham Market are the best places to go!