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The Best Norfolk Coastal Towns to Visit in 2024

There are so many seaside towns in Norfolk with miles of coastline to explore and some of the best beaches in the country. Unsurprisingly it is a popular choice if you are looking to visit the East of England in the Summer months. With historical sites, market towns and stately homes to explore there is a lot to see and do. If you are considering visiting some of the Norfolk Coast, then I have pulled together some of the best Norfolk seaside towns for your consideration.

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14 Of The Best Norfolk Coastal Towns To Visit

Do let me know if you think I have forgotten any Norfolk coastal towns which deserve a mention. Add the seaside town in Norfolk to the comments below and I will update this article.

Wells-next-the-Sea

Wells-next-the-Sea is a charming coastal town located on the North Norfolk coast in England. Situated approximately 15 miles west of Cromer. Wells-next-the-Sea is known for its stunning natural landscapes. Picturesque harbour, sandy beach and its long line of colourful beach huts. One of the main attractions of Wells-next-the-Sea is its expansive sandy beach, which stretches for miles and provides ample space for relaxation, sandcastle building, and beach walks. The beach is backed by Holkham National Nature Reserve which encompasses salt marshes, sand dunes, and pine forests. The reserve is known for its diverse wildlife and birdwatching opportunities along with scenic walking and cycling trails.

Wells Harbour and the picturesque quay area is a hub of activity. With a lively fishing community, pleasure crafts, and sailing vessels moored along the harbour. From here, visitors can take a boat trip to see the nearby seal colonies, which are a popular sightseeing attraction. It is also a great place to have a go at crabbing.

The town itself is characterised by its quaint narrow streets and traditional flint cottages. With independent shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants lining the streets. You can sample local seafood and fresh produce at the various eateries, including fish and chips, crab, and other locally sourced Norfolk ingredients.

Wells-next-the-Sea is also home to Wells and Walsingham Light Railway. Experience a nostalgic steam train journey on the narrow-gauge railway, which runs from Wells to the nearby village of Walsingham, passing through scenic countryside. Holkham Hall is a magnificent 18th-century stately home. Visitors to Holkham Hall can marvel at the breathtaking staterooms and enjoy the estate’s expansive parkland. There is also Holkham Beach which is a dog-friendly beach.

Cromer

Also situated on the North Norfolk coast, Cromer is a delightful seaside town famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and iconic Victorian pier. It is perfect for a mini-break and where I celebrated my 40th! Unsurprisingly it is one of the most loved coastal towns in Norfolk and a firm favourite for families. It makes a good base to explore the East coast.

Discover the stunning sandy beach, renowned for its picturesque cliffs, rock pools, and classic coastal allure. Guests can relish in sunbathing, swimming, and leisurely strolls along the shore. Explore the picturesque Norfolk Coast Path and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the rugged coastline. The town has a rich fishing heritage where you can still see traditional crab boats on the shore. Cromer pier makes a great spot to crab in Cromer you may even catch some delicious Cromer crab.

Discover the town’s rich history and heritage at Cromer Museum, which features exhibits on local archaeology, geology, and the town’s role in the fishing industry. Located on the outskirts of Cromer. Amazona Zoo is home to a diverse collection of South American wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, and tropical birds.

There’s also lots to do around Cromer if you like days out. Such as visiting 17th-century Felbrigg Hall (National Trust). Half an hour’s drive inland you can visit Bewilderwood which makes for a brilliant day out for kids. There is also the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum, the museum celebrates the most decorated lifeboatman in RNLI history. Who served for 53 years on Cromer’s lifeboats. With the assistance of his crew, he saved 873 lives from the North Sea.

Sheringham

Sheringham is a delightful Norfolk Coastal Town situated on the North Norfolk coast. Experience the charm of a bygone era with a nostalgic steam train ride on the North Norfolk Railway. This heritage railway takes you on a scenic journey from Sheringham to the beautiful Georgian town of Holt. Immerse yourself in the vintage trains and soak in the picturesque countryside views. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast or simply looking for a delightful adventure, this is an experience that will captivate visitors of all ages.

One of the main attractions in Sheringham is its Blue Flag beach. The sandy shoreline is ideal for sunbathing, picnicking, and building sandcastles. The beach is backed by colourful beach huts and scenic cliffs, providing a beautiful backdrop for coastal walks and breathtaking views of the North Sea.

Sheringham town centre has a traditional and friendly atmosphere. The high street is lined with independent shops, cafes, and pubs, offering a variety of local products, antiques, and crafts. The town is also known for its fish and chips shops, where you can enjoy a quintessential British seaside meal. With its beautiful beach, traditional town centre, heritage railway, and proximity to natural attractions, Sheringham offers a delightful coastal experience for visitors seeking a mix of relaxation, scenic beauty, and cultural activities.

If you are a member of the National Trust. Then you will be pleased to know about Sheringham Park, a National Trust property known for its woodland, gardens, and panoramic views of the North Norfolk coast. There is also a small museum, which features exhibits on the town’s fishing industry, lifeboat heritage, and the impact of World War II on the area.

Blakeney

Nestled within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Blakeney is a seaside town in Norfolk that sits on the edge of a stunning salt marsh. The coastal scenery is breathtaking, and the village has quaint streets, traditional Flint cottages, and a small harbour. It is also a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

The estuary has made for a beautiful watery landscape. You have a landscape of marshes, sand hills, and mudbanks, with lots of creeks and channels. Perfect for exploring. There is Blakeney Point a National Nature Reserve which is home to England’s largest colony of Atlantic grey seals. It is possible to take guided boat tours to observe the seals. It is also possible to pick up some scenic coastal walks along North Norfolk Coast Path,

Blakeney Quay is the perfect place to go crabbing. It is also where you can pick up tickets for the seal trips or a boat tour. Some with the chance to land on Blakeney Point near the Old Blakeney Lifeboat station. Whilst it is no longer a lifeboat station it is where the National Trust operate on the Point. Although most of the boat trips do not leave from the Quay, instead they operate out of Morston Quay. Visit the historic Blakeney Guildhall, a medieval building that provides insights into the village’s past. It is an English Heritage site that shows the remains of the house of a prosperous Blakeney merchant. With a fine 15th-century brick-vaulted undercroft.

Hunstanton

Hunstanton, also known as “Sunny Hunny,” is a charming Norfolk coastal towns located on the western coast. It is Norfolk’s only west-facing resort. Known for its distinctive striped cliffs, expansive sandy beach, and family-friendly attractions. Hunstanton offers a blend of natural beauty, seaside fun, and a rich Victorian heritage.

One of the notable features of Hunstanton is its unique geological formation known as the Hunstanton Cliffs or the Red and White Cliffs. These cliffs display striking layers of red and white rock, creating a dramatic and picturesque coastal landscape. They are a popular spot for scenic walks, fossil hunting, and admiring the stunning views of the North Sea.

Hunstanton’s beach is a major draw for visitors. It stretches for miles and offers soft golden sands, making it an ideal place for sunbathing, sandcastle building, and beach games. The beach is backed by a promenade a traditional seaside resort. Full of amusement arcades, ice creams vendors, and fish and chip shops. A little further up the coast, you come to Old Hunstanton Beach which is less commercialised.

The town has a lively and family-friendly atmosphere, with numerous attractions to entertain visitors of all ages. Sea Life Hunstanton is a popular attraction, housing a variety of marine creatures, including penguins, seals, and sharks. Visitors can learn about marine conservation and even participate in interactive feeding sessions. Hunstanton is also steeped in Victorian history, and visitors can explore the remnants of its Victorian heritage and offer a vibrant and enjoyable coastal experience on the beautiful Norfolk coast.

Depending on when you visit you can also enjoy the Hunstanton Carnival. Which is held on the last Sunday in June each year, Hunstanton Carnival is a fun-filled family day out.

Happisburgh

A sleepy seaside town in Norfolk. Mentioned in the Domesday Book. It is home to the oldest working lighthouse in East Anglia. The iconic red-and-white striped Happisburgh Lighthouse, stands prominently on the cliffs overlooking the North Sea. The lighthouse, built in 1790, is the oldest working lighthouse in East Anglia and continues to provide a guiding light to ships at sea.

Happisburgh Beach is a popular attraction in the village, offering a beautiful sandy shoreline and stunning views of the coastline. The beach is known for its unique and often exposed fossils, making it a great spot for fossil-hunting enthusiasts. It is important to note that due to coastal erosion, the cliffs at Happisburgh are constantly eroding, revealing new fossils and archaeological finds from ancient times.

The village itself has a charming and peaceful atmosphere, with quaint cottages, a historic church, and a small local community. The surrounding area is predominantly agricultural, with farmland and fields stretching out towards the countryside. The children can experience a close encounter with a variety of owl species at Happisburgh Owls, where visitors can learn about these majestic birds of prey and even have the opportunity to hold and fly them under expert supervision.

Great Yarmouth

Located at the mouth of the River Yare, Great Yarmouth is a traditional seaside resort town with a rich history and vibrant atmosphere. With so much to do it probably deserves a blog post in its own right. It is one of the best places for a short break on the Norfolk coastline if you are looking for a resort that offers great nightlife and a wide range of family attractions. Including sandy beaches, a pleasure beach with amusement rides, the Sea Life Centre, and the historic Nelson’s Monument.

It is definitely one of the liveliest seaside coastal towns and it is action-packed with something for the whole family to enjoy. Take a stroll along the Golden Mile, a bustling promenade lined with amusement arcades, attractions, and traditional seaside entertainment. Offering a wide range of family-friendly entertainment, including circus performances, live shows, escape rooms and events at various venues throughout the town.

Immerse yourself in Great Yarmouth’s maritime heritage at the Time and Tide Museum, where interactive exhibits and displays showcase the town’s seafaring history and the lives of its residents. One of Great Yarmouth’s best-loved family attractions. Merrivale Model Village is set in over an acre of award-winning landscaped gardens with streams, waterfalls and a lake with Koi Carp. In the evenings the

Great Yarmouth serves as a gateway to the Norfolk Broads. offering opportunities for boat trips, wildlife watching, and exploring the tranquil waterways and picturesque landscapes.

Cley-next-the-Sea

This small village is located on the North Norfolk coast and is known for its natural beauty and wildlife. The seaside town in Norfolk is affectionately known as just Cley and it was an important trading port in the Middle Ages.

Cley-next-the-Sea is a great destination for birdwatching, as it is situated near the renowned Cley Marshes Nature Reserve. Managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, which offers stunning views of the coastal wetlands, mud flats, diverse birdlife, and peaceful walking trails. Visit the iconic Cley Windmill, a picturesque 18th-century windmill that has been converted into a unique guesthouse. The windmill offers guided tours and provides a glimpse into its history and the traditional milling process.

The village also features quaint cottages, traditional tea rooms and a shingle beach. There is a tiny harbour, and lots of pubs, shops, and restaurants to explore. This is a great coastal town in Norfolk.

Mundesley

Mundesley is a charming coastal village located on the eastern coast of Norfolk. It is known for its beautiful sandy beach, peaceful atmosphere, and unspoiled natural surroundings. Mundesley offers a serene and traditional seaside experience for visitors seeking relaxation and coastal beauty.

The village’s main attraction is the blue flag Mundesley Beach, a sandy stretch of coastline that extends for miles. At high tide, it is quite narrow. At low tide, the shallow water is good for water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing and perfect for a day trip. The long stretch of golden sand is backed by, colourful beach huts, and cliff-top gardens housing the world’s smallest Maritime Museum. Embark on scenic coastal walks along the Norfolk Coast Path, which passes through Mundesley, offering breathtaking views of the coastline, salt marshes, and tranquil countryside.

Mundesley Village itself has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It features traditional flint cottages, a village green, and a charming church, all contributing to its picturesque appeal. Take part in the Mundesley Village Trail which highlights points of interest and local history.

The village has a range of amenities, including local shops, cafes, and pubs, where visitors can enjoy refreshments and sample local produce. Keep an eye on the Mundesley Parish website for a list of local events. Which normally features live music, performances, and community events.

Brancaster

Brancaster is one of several small coastal villages located on the North Norfolk coast. It is known for its beautiful sandy beach, scenic coastal views, and its proximity to the RSPB Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve.

Brancaster offers a peaceful and idyllic setting for visitors seeking natural beauty and outdoor activities. The main attraction of Brancaster is its stunning long sandy beach, which stretches for miles along the coast. The beach is popular for its wide expanse of golden sand, dunes, and tidal creeks. It is an ideal spot for sunbathing, beach walks, and water sports such as kiteboarding and windsurfing.

Brancaster also has a picturesque harbour known as Brancaster Staithe. It is a haven for boating enthusiasts, with a busy sailing club and a place to launch small boats and dinghies. The harbour is an excellent starting point for exploring the nearby coastline and marshes. Here you can watch the fishing boats and local fisherman with their catch of the day.

Thornham

Thornham is a picturesque small village located on the North Norfolk coast. It is known for its beautiful marshland scenery, stunning beaches, and an abundance of wildlife. With its peaceful atmosphere and natural charm, Thornham offers visitors a delightful coastal retreat. One of the main attractions of Thornham is its proximity to the stunning Thornham Marshes. This bird sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along the trails, take in the panoramic views, and observe the diverse wildlife at this seaside town in Norfolk.

Thornham is also blessed with a scenic coastline and beautiful beaches. The beach at Thornham offers a mix of sand and shingle, backed by sand dunes and salt marshes. It is a great place for beachcombing, walking, and enjoying the unspoiled natural surroundings. The beach is also popular for its views of the distant shipping channels. A short walk from the centre you will reach Thornham Harbour where you can see the Coal Barn. One of the most photographed landmarks on the coast.

Snettisham

Snettisham is a picturesque village, known for its stunning natural landscapes, wildlife reserves, and its rich history. Located between King’s Lynn and Hunstanton, Snettisham offers visitors a tranquil and scenic coastal experience.

One of the main attractions of Snettisham is the RSPB Snettisham Nature Reserve. This reserve is internationally renowned for its vast population of migratory birds. It provides a vital habitat for numerous species, including wading birds, ducks, and geese.

Snettisham also boasts a beautiful beach that stretches for miles along the coastline. The sand and shingle beach is backed by sand dunes and offers panoramic views of The Wash, a large bay with ever-changing tides. It is a great place for beach walks, kite flying, picnicking, and enjoying the coastal scenery. For children, there is Snettisham Park, a 329-acre working Farm. A visit can involve many exciting adventures from seeing lambs being born. To the spectacular 45-minute deer safari where you will meet the magnificent red deer herd. You can bottle feed lambs, collect fresh farm eggs and ride ponies as well as take a walk on one of three wonderful nature trails.

Take part in water sports and sailing activities at the Snettisham Beach Sailing Club, which provides opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, and other coastal pursuits. With taster sessions and lessons available.

Heacham

Heacham is a delightful village located on the Norfolk coast in England close to Hunstanton. With its sandy shores and picturesque surroundings, Heacham offers visitors a charming coastal retreat. One of the highlights of Heacham is its wide sandy beaches, which stretch for miles along the coast. The beach features golden sands, dunes, and shallow waters, making it ideal for families and beachcombers. It is a great place for sunbathing, swimming, building sandcastles, and enjoying leisurely walks along the shoreline.

Heacham is also famous for its connection to the historic Norfolk lavender industry. The Norfolk Lavender Farm, located in nearby Caley Mill, is a popular attraction. Where you can explore beautiful lavender gardens, learn about the history of lavender cultivation in the region, and browse a variety of lavender products at the gift shop. Heacham is also only a twelve-minute drive from the royal residence of Sandringham. With both the gardens and the country retreat being open at certain times of the year. The tickets can be purchased from the website.

Overall, Heacham offers a blend of coastal beauty, horticultural heritage, and historical significance. It provides a charming destination on the Norfolk coast.

Overstrand

Overstrand, a charming village situated on the North Norfolk coast. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, striking cliffs, and exquisite Victorian architecture. With its captivating natural beauty and rich historical allure, Overstrand presents a serene coastal retreat for visitors. One of the primary highlights of this idyllic village is its magnificent sandy beach that stretches along the coastline. Adorned with vibrant beach huts, the beach offers mesmerizing vistas of the North Sea. It is an ideal spot for sunbathing, leisurely strolls, and beachcombing. Moreover, the beach’s rock pools are a popular attraction. With lots of opportunities for exploration and the chance to encounter fascinating marine life.

The village itself has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It features a village green, a historic church, and a few local amenities, including pubs and cafes. Comprising of charming streets, historic buildings, and traditional flint cottages, Overstrand offers a peaceful and idyllic setting. Making it an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet retreat by the sea. Embark on the Overstrand Circular Walk, a scenic trail that takes visitors through the village, along the coast, and into the surrounding countryside.

Do you think I am missing any Norfolk Coastal Towns that deserve a mention? Perhaps you have visited some seaside towns in Norfolk on holiday that deserve a mention?