At the start of summer, we spent a week exploring where wide skies meet vast beaches and fields of gold along the coastline of North Norfolk, England. Norfolk sits pretty on the East coast of England, about two hours out of central London but a million miles away in terms of the pace of life and the landscape.
The Norfolk countryside is flat so the fields go on and on and the sunsets last until late evening. The tides reveal secret islands, sunken ships and swimming holes that make this 90-mile stretch of coastline even more magical.
Here´s our list of the best walks, eateries and beach spots...
Villages
Old Hunstanton - Start your journey at Old Hunstanton with its pretty multi-coloured wooden beach huts and wander through the sand dunes. This part of the beach is quieter than the main Hunstanton strip and you might just be treated to a magnificent sunset. Don´t forget to pack a bottle of wine!
Thornham - In June the coastline is dotted with glorious poppy fields and we found some just behind the coast road through Thornham. Of course they change location every year but take a back road and you´re sure to spot a cascade of red flowers along the horizon.
Brancaster Staithe - Make it your business to fully understand the tides along the North Norfolk stretch and keep yourself safe when exploring. Head to Brancaster Staithe and paddleboard the creeks or walk out to Skull Island - a magical sandy mound revealed only when the tide is out.
Wells - This picturesque village boasts a harbour (where crabbing is the favoured activity), as well as a beautiful white sand beach and majestic pine forest. Go early as the car park gets busy!
Where to stay...
Retro Campers Norfolk - Wanting to move around easily and sleep out in nature, we hired a camper from Retro Campers (based just outside of Kings Lynn). It´s not terribly easy to find spots to sleep along the main coast road but there are areas you can pull over for the night as well as camp sites with electric hook-ups.
Happy Valley Norfolk - Another place we fully recommend if you´d like somewhere to base yourself is the amazing Happy Valley Norfolk with beautiful treehouses sitting in the heart of a pine foreest where nature meets comfort.
Where to eat...
The Pantry Norfolk - we loved The Pantry Norfolk in Downham Market were we stocked-up on bags of salads, pastries and cakes to eat on the road.
Eric´s Fish & Chips - fish and chips are a joy all along the Norfolk coast but you´ll find the absolute best at Eric´s.
Bircham Stores & Cafe - An honourable mention goes to this shop and deli with their huge wedges of cake and delicious sausage rolls. We love the owner Mark, who´s a pillar of the local community!
Rebecca, Hollie and Emma x
Hats - Grass Vaquero, Red Bolero, Camel, Black, Cream & Natural Voyager.