The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do on the Norfolk Coast

Norfolk is, without a doubt, one of the loveliest places to visit in the UK. From nature reserves brimming to life to tranquil waterways to pretty little seaside towns to vibrant poppy fields to its breathtaking coastline, it has everything you need for the perfect holiday. The Norfolk coastline is particularly stunning, 90 miles long, with options ranging from family-friendly seaside resorts, rugged cliffs, unspoilt beaches, and vast tidal salt marshes. Stay with Together Travel, and you will find yourself in a luxurious country lane, in a beautiful part of Norfolk, near the charming seaside town of Wells-next-the sea, with the large, sandy Holkham beach stretching for miles and miles. We would love to host you, as you discover all that is wonderful about the Norfolk Coast. 

Best Things to Do on the Norfolk Coast

What will you do on your Norfolk holiday? This beautiful region has something for everyone in your travelling party to enjoy, and you will never run out of things to do. We have some Norfolk Coast holiday ideas to help you make the most of your stay. 

Explore the Beautiful Beaches. 

It is hard to choose the best beaches in Norfolk, because there are so many amazing options.

• Holkham Beach features golden sands and nature trails. Situated north of the village of Holkham and the Holkham National Nature Reserve, Holkham Beach is part of the Holkham Estate, home to Holkham Hall. The beach is large and unspoilt, with beautiful dunes and an enormous expanse of sand.
• Wells-next-the-Sea is the picture of seaside charm, a pretty harbour town with colourful beach huts and a vast sandy beach. Enjoy its elegant Georgian architecture, learn about its rich history, or simply spend a day crabbing on the quay or relaxing on the beach. Wells Beach is dog friendly, too, so even your furry family members are welcome.

• Cromer has an iconic pier and a sandy beach, and it is great for families. Come build sandcastles, stroll the Victorian pier, or take a swim in the sea. You can also go crabbing for famous Cromer crabs, or take the children to Kiddieland Fun Park, for gentle rides and fairground games.

• Hunstanton and Old Hunstanton beaches share striped cliffs but have a totally different vibe. Hunstanton is a popular promenade beach, loaded with attractions. Old Hunstanton is a sprawling expanse of fine sand, in contrast to Hunstanton’s shingle beach, and it is a quieter place, the only west-facing beach in Norfolk, known for its spectacular sunset views.

Visit Norfolk’s Stunning Nature Reserves

Largely Norfolk Wildlife Trust properties, nature reserves are abundant in Norfolk. There are 32 reserves in Norfolk, with some on the Norfolk Broads, some in the woodlands further inland, and some along the wonderful coastline. Spend the day birdwatching, walking, taking photos, or simply enjoying the flora and fauna. 

• Blakeney Point is home to the largest seal colony in England. This four mile shingle spit is perfect for wildlife viewing, but for the best seal-watching, this is a wonderful place to take a boat ride.
• RSPB Titchwell Marsh is a must-visit for birdwatchers. Here you can take an easy walk from the carpark to the wide, undeveloped sandy beach, passing through woodland glades, saltmarsh, reedbeds, and freshwater lagoons fed by a natural spring.
• The Broads National Park features tranquil waterways perfect for boating and wildlife spotting. Made up of over 60 open areas of water and seven rivers, the Broads is perfect for boating, walking, cycling, and enjoying nature. In fact, this park has a greater variety of rare wildlife than any other national park in Britain.

Discover Charming Coastal Towns & Villages

The idyllic towns and villages along the Norfolk coast are charming and picturesque, with thatched roofed cottages, flint walls, and bustling harbours.

• Burnham Market is the perfect place for chic boutique shopping and fine dining. Located just over a mile from the coast, this charming village features an open green surrounded by flint cottages, and offers a wonderful mix of renowned restaurants, local shops, and galleries of coastal artwork.
• Sheringham is a traditional seaside town with some great seafood spots. Once a fishing village, this town is proud of that heritage, as is evident in museums and on promenade murals. In addition to delicious seafood, visit Holt to enjoy the award winning, family friendly, blue flag beach, ride the heritage steam railway, or enjoy coastal and countryside walks.
• Wander the quaint streets of Holt, exploring its galleries, and independent stores. This charming rural Norfolk town is surrounded by parks and full of gorgeous Georgian buildings that make it one of the most aesthetically pleasing towns in Norfolk. It is close to the coast, with many shops, galleries, and lovely places to eat, with hidden courtyards and alleyways.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Activities

When you are travelling with your family, even on a coastal holiday, it is fun to have something to do on days that the beach is not in the plan. 

• Sea Life Hunstanton offers an interactive experience for kids and families. Here, you will experience a real underwater adventure, in a state of the art marine aquarium that offers close encounters with an astonishing variety of sea creatures. Sea Life is also a dedicated seal rescue hospital, where orphaned or sickly seal pups are rescued, rehabilitated, and released into the wild.
• The Poppy Line, also known as the North Norfolk Railway, is a scenic heritage steam train ride. Running for over five miles between Sheringham and Holt, it passes through gorgeous scenery along the coast and through the countryside. As you stop at Victorian stations along the way, you will feel you have entered another world.
• Amazona Zoo in Cromer provides a great day out for little explorers. Offering a unique and fun experience, this little zoo has over 200 tropical animals. Come learn about South American wildlife, discovering nature and gaining knowledge on conservation issues.

Indulge in Local Food & Drink

Norfolk is known for its fresh, delicious seafood, locally sourced produce, and abundant wineries, distilleries, and microbreweries. Dining out here is a treat, and you are sure to find something to tempt your palate. Famous for Cromer crab and other seafood delights, Norfolk offers everything from coastal pubs to fine dining. Discover your favourite spot for fish and chips with a view, or visit one of the many Norfolk wineries and gin distilleries, for a unique tasting experience. 

Engage in Outdoor Adventures & Watersports

For the outdoorsy sort, Norfolk has plenty to recommend it. Whether you prefer coastal strolls or adventures in the water, you will find it here. If you are interested in canoeing, kayaking, surfing, or paddleboarding, you are spoilt for choices in North Norfolk. Between the beaches, canals, and Broads National Park, you can find tranquil waters for a dreamy paddle, or seek the thrill of kiteboarding and surfing. It is easy to find classes to take and equipment for hire, all along the coast. If you prefer dry land, there are loads of coastal walks and cycling trails to explore. There are gentle strolls, accessible off-road routes, and long-distance walks, and traveling on foot is the perfect way to discover the gorgeous Norfolk Coast. On the Norfolk Coast Path, you have the option of 112 miles of uninterrupted walking, along the entire Norfolk coastline. This path goes past stunning cliffs, rockpools and shipwrecks, through pine woods and across sandy shores, and through the seaside towns of Sheringham, Cromer, and Great Yarmouth. For cyclists, the Norfolk Coast is a dream destination, with short, flat routes for casual cyclists, and more challenging options for bikepackers. The Rebellion Way is a perfect place for multi-day, on and off road cycle touring, stretching through 232 miles of the most beautiful countryside in Norfolk. 

Where to stay on the Norfolk Coast: Luxury Coastal Cottages 

While you are enjoying all this there is to experience in this beautiful area, Together Travel is pleased to offer Norfolk Cottages, the ideal accommodation for a relaxing stay. Well placed to allow you easy access to everything delightful in this part of Norfolk, these stunning luxury cottages range from a cosy cottage for three to an amazing venue that can accommodate up to 12 people. Explore the countryside, visit the Holkham Hall estate, enjoy the beach, or stroll through a charming seaside town, and when you need a break, enjoy all the amenities available onsite. An onsite heated indoor pool, a games room, tennis courts, gardens and a beautiful play area offer the perfect option for a quiet day of relaxing. Of course, you can also just stay in your cottage, enjoying this well-appointed space, preparing meals in your fully equipped kitchen, or relaxing on a sunny terrace.

Plan Your Perfect Norfolk Coast Escape with Luxury cottages in Norfolk

When you are ready for the perfect coastal holiday, enjoying adventure, nature, and relaxation on the gorgeous Norfolk Coast, the Norfolk Cottages are the best place to book a comfortable, stylish, memorable stay. In fact, no matter where you are travelling in the UK, Together Travel is here to bring your holiday dreams to life, just around the corner from home. All across the UK, we have luxurious, comfortable, unique properties located wherever you want to be, spending your holidays connecting, relaxing, and enjoying all these vacation spots have to offer. Find out how we can make your trip amazing by contacting our expert concierge team by emailing us for more information.