Take a walk with us – exploring Norfolk’s best bits with The Norfolk Agents
Dig out your wellies, grab hold of the dog lead and take a walk with us! In part one of our walking recommendations, we will be exploring a handful of our favourite strolls in North and West Norfolk – on and around the coastal path which stretches 85 miles.
It goes without saying that Norfolk’s big open skies and country lanes are a sight to behold, no matter the time of year. With over 90% of this glorious county classed as rural, you’ll never be short of finding somewhere new to explore. Our latest series of blog posts encourage you to get outside this autumn and explore some of what Nelson’s county has to offer. Dig out your wellies, grab hold of the dog lead and take a walk with us! In part one of our walking recommendations, we will be exploring a handful of our favourite strolls in North and West Norfolk – on and around the coastal path which stretches 85 miles.
Wells-Next-the-Sea
And what better place to begin than a “Telegraph’s Top 20 location”, Wells-Next-The-Sea beach.
Wells beach is probably best known for its multi-coloured array of picture-perfect beach huts, along with its expansive sands which offer plenty of space to sunbathe in the height of summer, or take a brisk winter walk with a warming hot chocolate from the handy Beach Café.
It really is one of those beaches where you just need to take a moment to breathe in the fresh air and gaze out at the horizon. On a clear day you can see as far as Skegness, in Lincolnshire, and all year round you’re sure to catch a fishing boat as it heads out into The Wash. There are clearly marked dog-friendly areas, and you can feel in safe hands with the RNLI Lifeguards and Coastwatch volunteers watching the beach from July to September, from 10am to 6pm. It’s always wise to check the tide times too, before setting off.
The beach itself is located around a mile from the town centre but is easily accessible via a raised footpath, which provides stunning views of the quay, channel, and marshland. There’s also the new addition of the ‘Beach Bus’ service, where you can either hop on the 1951 Leyland Tiger for an open top cruise or catch the fully electric accessible bus – both of which carry passengers from Wells Town Football Club on Beach Road, down to the mini roundabout outside the handy beach amenities. It's also a great alternative if you’ve grabbed yourself some chips at one of the award-winning chip shops on the quayside and want to make it to the beach before they get cold! You will also be pleased to know, your four-legged friends can hop on board too!
If you’re looking for a more sheltered alternative to a stroll on the sands, there is also the option of a footpath through the pinewoods, where you’ll often find a rope swing or two, which make for great family fun, for kids and big kids alike! Either route will take you around the coast to another standout location on our travels – the picturesque Holkham.
Holkham
Holkham Estate boasts a variety of assets, including its well-loved beach and famous hall grounds. Holkham Beach has made its fair share of big screen appearances over the years, and it’s clear to see why. The beach, as mentioned earlier, picks up from Wells-Next-the-Sea and offers four miles of white sand and rolling dunes. It’s a favourite of four-legged friends, and yes that includes horses too. The Household Cavalry even bring their horses down every year, which really is a sight to see! During high tide, a small lagoon forms in the bay, so you can even dip your feet in for a paddle.
If you’d prefer to keep your toes dry however, the hall grounds and nature reserve provide you with a great opportunity to connect with nature. With woodland walks, stunning views of the lake, a chance to spot the deer which roam the estate grounds, along with the majestic hall itself, you won’t be short of sights to see as you explore. Parking is offered at both the hall and Lady Anne’s Drive, which leads to the beach from the A149. There’s also an extensive list of activities on year-round, with Christmas at the hall being a particular busy time.
Hunstanton
Let’s jump along the coast a little now, to the busy seaside town of Hunstanton, or as locals like to call it, “Sunny Hunny”. This is one of the go-to places in Norfolk, with numerous family-based activities available along its famous promenade. While you’re on your travels, why not grab an ice cream, jump on a ride at the funfair, play a round of crazy golf, or even get up close and personal with the underwater world at the Sea Life Centre.
While there are all of these great attractions on offer, if you are just feeling like a leisurely stroll, the promenade itself stretches almost two kilometres, with the option of Hunstanton’s south beach at one end, or the fascinating red chalk cliffs of Old Hunstanton at the other.
There really is so much to see and do, you might even have to come back again for a second day, just to make sure you don’t miss out!
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring – the Norfolk Coast is waiting. If an area in particular has caught your eye and you fancy having the beach on your doorstep, please reach out via the contact details below and we’ll be happy to help you find your next home on the beautiful Norfolk Coast.