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A sunny day on a North Norfolk beach is hard to beat. Whether you fancy snoozing in a deck-chair; taking tea in a traditional cafe; casting a line to catch something fishy for supper – or simply doing nothing more energetic than taking the sea air – the choice is yours. Nicholas Rudd-Jones, bucket and spade in hand, felt the sand between his toes...
If you’ve just travelled from our region and need your beach ‘fix’ as soon as possible then Old Hunstanton could be the ticket. Just past the Le Strange Arms Hotel, as the road twists right, there’s a little track that goes down past a café to the lovely beach. This east coast resort that faces west calls itself Sunny Hunny, so soak up the sun among the candy-striped cliffs – or watch it setting over the water. If you can’t tear yourself away, book in at the old lighthouse and savour the stunning views a little longer. (www.hunstanton-on-line.co.uk; www.oldlighthouse.net).
Anyone for a picnic? When the weather’s fine ring round your friends, take a good selection of beach games - and the all-important wind-break - and set up your little camp on the beach at Brancaster. Approached along a mile-long road across the marshes, it’s worth the trek to reach such splendid isolation. It’s a simple, vast expanse of silky soft golden sand, backed by dunes, with just a small car park, loos and beach shop. If you want to get away from the madding crowds, head a few hundred yards east and you’ll probably just have seagulls for company (www.brancasterstaithe.co.uk).
Beaches and nature reserves go together rather naturally. To reach Holme Dunes, take the north turn off the A149 at the western edge of the village, and keep going until you see a sign for the National Nature Reserve (www.norfolkwildlifetrust.co.uk). Follow a long gravel drive and park just past the gate (pay car park). An undulating board-walk leads out over the dunes; home to a wide range of wildflowers. In the summer, the beach and shingle bars are used by nesting birds like little terns, ringed plovers and oystercatchers. The Coast Hopper bus (Tel: 01553 776980 or 0870 6082608; print out a timetable from www.norfolkgreen.co.uk) passes within walking distance of the reserve.
Head out along the sea wall from Burnham Overy Staithe and just before you get to the sea turn left towards the high point of Gun Hill. From here you get a glorious view across to Scolt Head Island back to Burnham Overy Staithe, and at high tide a flotilla of sailing boats in the estuary. In July this is a habitat of orchids and the striking Dark Green Fritillary butterfly. You can get on to the beach here and even on high days and holidays it’s a relatively quiet spot.
Scolt Head Island takes a bit of work to get to, but is magical and very secluded when you finally arrive. At low tide, roll up your trousers and cross the estuary at Burnham Overy Staithe. On the other side there’s a path called the Cockle Way which takes you all the way to the east end of the island. If you’re feeling intrepid, wallow and frolic in the mud pools. Enjoy a final wade through an estuary and you’re there - on the best, most secluded beach you’ll ever find (www.naturalengland.org.uk/scoltheadisland). Approximately 2 hours either side of high tide, the beach is also served by a small ferry (Tel: 07836 523396 or check at the Chandlery). You can’t walk back at High Tide.
To reach the beach at Holkham always seems such a trudge across the slightly muddy flats, but when you get there - wow! This is sand for walking or riding on - mile upon mile of it with Scolt Head to the west, and Wells to the east. Holkham is where Gwyneth Paltrow walked across the sand at low tide in the closing scenes of Shakespeare in Love. Park just opposite the entrance to Holkham and the Victoria Inn, in Lady Anne’s Drive. It’s a nature reserve in both directions (www.holkham.co.uk).
Wells-next-the-Sea is a delightful town, with an interesting waterfront and active fishing boats. Despite the name, it’s a mile from open water, so be prepared for a long walk to the beach. If you’re feeling lazy (or just like trains) you could hitch a ride on the miniature steam train which leaves from the quay. The beach huts, on stilts above the sand, are among the prettiest on the coast. (www.wells-guide.co.uk). Catch the sandcastle competition during the town’s carnival from Sat 31st July-Sunday 8th August (www.wellscarnival.co.uk).
Blakeney comes alive at high tide, when fluttering dinghies launch or return from their long journeys along its winding creeks. Climb the green mound opposite the main car-park for a view of the creeks and the long fingers of Blakeney Point. It’s a great place for crabbing. Wait for a high tide, and then dangle your legs over the edge of the harbour wall and catch yourself some crabs. Our recommended kit is: a crab line and hooks; a bucket of water; a net; squares of bacon (but there are many theories as to what bait works best!) and finally patience – your turn will come. You could always ‘borrow’ some crabs from a previous crabber if you can’t wait. (www.blakeneyinfo.co.uk)
Sheringham has a character all of its own; so different from the beaches of Holkham and Holme. This is more organised pleasure and leisure; with groynes protecting the beach and lots of picnickers and beach games. Discover its charm by walking east along the beach towards Cromer; stopping at West Runton for some fossil hunting (www.west-runton.ukfossils.co.uk) or a spot of crabbing among the rock pools with the kids.
For a breath of traditional seaside air Cromer probably fits the bill. It’s such a pretty resort, with some lovely public gardens and miles of sandy beaches in both directions; and of course a pier so you can walk on water without getting your feet wet. When the tide’s out (www.tidetimes.org.uk) head east past the cliffs to Overstrand; and if you have enough energy left, climb up to the village and reward yourself with something to eat or drink at the Cliff Top Cafe.
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