Six of Norfolk's Best Beaches
Escape to the north Norfolk coast and enjoy easy access to some of the county’s most beautiful and varied beaches - from lively seaside towns to wide, windswept sands and wild, unspoilt shores.
Sheringham
Perfect for early risers and children longing to get to the sea, Sheringham’s award-winning Blue Flag beach is right on your doorstep. Whether it’s a morning dip, rock-pooling or a gentle stroll along the promenade, the sea is never far away.
Wells-next-the-Sea
At low tide, Wells beach reveals long stretches of golden sand, framed by pine woods and rows of colourful beach huts. There’s space here to wander, lay down a blanket and lose track of time, with ever-changing coastal views.
Burnham Overy Staithe
This peaceful beach is known for its pale, fine sand and crystal-clear water. In warmer months, shallow tidal pools appear as the tide ebbs and flows, making it a lovely spot for paddling, exploring and quiet afternoons by the sea.
The Quay, Blakeney
A place to slow down and breathe deeply, Blakeney Quay offers saltmarsh views, wide skies and a strong sense of calm. Paddle at the water’s edge, wander along the marshes, and feel the soft mud beneath your feet, speckled with samphire.
Cromer
Lively, characterful and full of energy, Cromer’s wide beach of sand and shingle is as exhilarating on a blustery winter’s day as it is inviting in summer sunshine. Come for the sea air, stay for the classic seaside atmosphere.
Scolt Head Island
For those who enjoy a little adventure, Scolt Head Island is a wild and remote barrier island rising out of the North Sea. Reached by boat or a long walk, it rewards visitors with tumbling sand dunes, saltmarsh, and a profound sense of space and stillness.
Three of Norfolk's Best Horatio Nelson Sites
Burnham Thorpe is one of the most atmospheric places in Britain connected with Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson. This quiet Norfolk village, where Nelson was born, offers a tangible sense of his early life. Explore three historic sites, all within walking distance, and discover the roots of Norfolk’s most celebrated naval hero.
All Saints' Church
All Saints’ Church in Burnham Thorpe is a serene and deeply evocative place to reflect. The Nelson family’s clerical roots run deep here: Horatio Nelson’s father, Edmund Nelson, was rector of the parish, and Horatio himself was christened in this church - first privately in 1758, within ten days of his birth, and publicly a year later.
Nelson’s parents are buried beside the altar, which is carved from wood taken from HMS Victory, the flagship of Nelson’s fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. The church interior is profoundly soothing. Lift your eyes to the winged celestial hosts painted on the roof and the fragile naval flags suspended in the nave, softly lit and steeped in maritime history.
The Lord Nelson Pub
From the church, enjoy a gentle stroll through the village and stop at The Lord Nelson, a welcoming pub steeped in history. Originally known as The Plough, this was a local alehouse frequented by Horatio Nelson himself.
In 1793, just a fortnight before the execution of King Louis XVI, Nelson was given command of HMS Agamemnon. Before returning to sea, and with war declared, he hosted a final meal here for the entire village. Following his great naval victories - and particularly his triumph over the French at the Battle of the Nile in 1798 - The Plough was renamed The Lord Nelson, in honour of Norfolk’s most celebrated son.
The Birthplace of Horatio Nelson
From the pub, walk inland for less than a mile to the site of the old rectory where Horatio Nelson was born. Exposed to bitter North Sea winds, the family home stood beside the fast-flowing River Burn. Country living was often hard, yet Nelson’s attachment to his home was strong. While aboard HMS Victory, he wrote fondly of his “dear, dear Burnham”.
The original commemorative plaque marking Nelson’s birthplace - shown above - was sadly stolen in December 2022. Walk a little further along the road to discover the ship-shaped pond that Nelson himself designed in the rectory gardens, a small but poignant reminder of a life shaped by the sea.
Stepping into this history-rich village is a quiet pleasure. With open skies, gentle paths and a deep sense of calm, Burnham Thorpe leaves visitors refreshed and recharged. It’s the kind of half-day exploration that fits easily into a longer stay - returning afterwards to the comfort of Cliff Cottage in Sheringham, where the sea, the light and the rhythm of the coast invite you to slow down once more.