You will be spoilt for choice for things to do in this beautiful part of North Norfolk. We have listed a few highlights below.
Wells-next-the-Sea
The beautiful sandy beach with its colourful beach huts set against a backtrop of pine trees and sand dunes is easily accessible from the town. Take a walk from the harbour or catch the miniature steam train. The busy quay is a popular place for crabbing and watching the fishing boats. Take a boat trip to explore the harbour or to spot some seals.
Holkham Beach
1.5km down the coast from Wells is Holkham. Deservedly designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the wide beach with its rolling sand dunes is home to oyster catchers and ringed plovers.
Holkham Hall and Estate
Holkham Hall and Estate was voted "the best family day out" by the 2104 Hudson Heritage Awards. The magnificent Palladian mansion estate is surrounded by acres of rolling parkland rich in wildlife. In addition to visiting the house, you can hire cycles and boats, explore the 18th Century walled gardens and the new woodland adventure play area is perfect for children.
Coastal walks
The 42 mile long Norfolk Coastal Path runs from Hunstanton to Cromer, passing through Holkham, Wells, Blakeney and Cley-next-the-Sea. Walking the path is a wonderful way of enjoying this stunning stretch of coast. The coasthopper bus service shadows the Norfolk Coast Path National Trail all the way along from Hunstanton to Cromer, so it’s really easy to take the bus, get off for a good walk, and rejoin the bus a bit further along the route.
See downloadable maps from the Norfolk Country Council site.
Alpaca trekking
For something completely different... become an alpaca trekker for the day by taking an alpaca for a walk along the bridleways and coastal paths at Wells-next-the-Sea and Stiffkey, enjoying stunning views across the saltmarshes to the sea.
Pensthorpe
Home to BBC's Springwatch, Pensthorpe is an award-winning mix of meandering nature trails and beguiling woodland walks, and a showcase for British wildlife and nature conservation. As one of the leading Norfolk attractions, it's a brilliant place to visit, with beautiful gardens and spectacular wildlife and has been voted Norfolk's Best Visitor Attraction.
Blakeney
Blakeney village is set on a small hill leading down to the harbour and is home to many pubs, restaurants and an ice cream shop. Wide open spaces and uninterrupted views of the natural and dynamic coastline make this a lovely place to visit. Blakeney Point, within Blakeney National Nature Reserve (National Trust), is a four-mile-long sand and shingle spit. Sand dunes have formed over hundreds of years on the shingle ridge and form a rare habitat valuable for wildlife.
Seal spotting trips
Seal-spotting boat trips operate from Blakeney and Morston and are a very popular and safe way to enjoy a close up view of grey and common seals without disturbing them. Trips run throughout the season (1st April until 31st October) as well as regularly throughout the winter. Beans Boat Trips are highly recommended.
Titchwell Marsh
Located 10 miles along the coast from Wells, Titchwell Marsh RSPB Reserve is the most popular reserve on the North Norfolk coast and a must for amateur and seasoned birdwatchers. Board walks and paths lead towards the coast past fresh water, brackish water and tidal lagoons, filled with birds, eventually reaching an enormous sandy beach.
Cley-next-the-Sea
The peaceful, pretty village of Cley-on-Sea is home to Cley Marshes - Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s oldest and best known nature reserve and internationally reputed as a premier birdwatching site. The village also has much to offer with arts and craft galleries, pubs and cafes.
Brancaster
Brancaster beach is yet another of Norfolk’s glorious beaches, with miles and miles of unspoilt golden sand, as far as the eye can see, and also has the added advantage of housing the remains of an old shipwreck, seen when the tide is out.
Sandringham
Sandringham is the Queen's much-loved country retreat. The house, set in 24 hectares of stunning gardens, is perhaps the most famous stately home in Norfolk and is at the heart of the 8,000-hectare Sandringham Estate, 240 hectares of which make up the woodland and heath of the Country Park, open to the public free of charge every day of the year.
The Norfolk Broads
A bit further afield, but still within an hour's drive, for a tranquil experience, canoeing on the Norfolk Broads is the perfect day out. For inspiration visit http://www.thecanoeman.com
Old Hunstanton
Not to be confused with the main beach, Old Hunstanton is an expanse of fine golden sand, backed by dunes and the famous striped cliffs. Part of the only stretch of Norfolk's coast to face west - making it a great spot to take in a sunset.
Henry Blogg Museum
Small but perfectly formed fascinating museum in Cromer, packed with exhibits, including hands-on activities for children. Come and learn the story of a local hero - Henry Blogg, the longest serving RNLI man who served for more than 50 years, including two world wars. He launched an incredible 387 times, rescuing 873 people! The lifeboat station (on Cromer pier) is also well worth a visit.