Walk the North Norfolk Coast Path

The North Norfolk Coast Path now runs from Hunstanton in west Norfolk round all the way to to Sea Palling on the north east Norfolk coast. Originally, the trail ended at Cromer but in December 2014, Norfolk’s first stretch of England Coast Path opened, extending the Norfolk Coast Path to Sea Palling.  The majority of this walking trail runs through the dramatic landscape of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Norfolk Trials website has some great circular walks, short linear walks and long linear walks, which are clearly marked and well indicated on the downloadable map.  You can also walk the whole route although not for a day-trip!

There is also an up-to-day list of other Long distance trails in Norfolk - Long distance trails - Norfolk County Council, which I hope to get around to putting on the blog soon!

Norfolk Coast Path - Norfolk County Council

Horsey Seals

December to February is a good time of year to see the seal pups at Waxham and Horsey.

https://www.explorenorfolkuk.co.uk/seals-at-horsey.html
http://friendsofhorseyseals.co.uk/

Titchwell Marsh

About Titchwell Marsh

This popular reserve on the north Norfolk coast has something for everyone. A walk from the visitor centre down to the sandy beach takes you past reedbeds and shallow lagoons, which are often full of birds. You can sit on benches or watch from spacious, wheelchair-accessible hides. 

In summer, marsh harriers float over the reeds, where bearded tits nest. On the lagoons are avocets, gulls and terns. In autumn and winter you can see up to 20 species of wading birds and lots of ducks and geese. 

The reserve is open every day of the year.

There is a car parking charge (£5), but you could possibly park elsewhere and walk.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/t/titchwellmarsh/about.aspx

Lifeboat Museum on Cromer Pier

Lifeboat Museum on Cromer Pier 

Also on the east promenade you'll find the Henry Blogg Lifeboat Museum. The whole town is proud of the man referred to as 'the greatest of the lifeboatmen', who gained national fame in the first half of the 20th century when navigation around the Norfolk coastline was particularly hazardous in easterly gales.

http://www.cromerrnli.org.uk/

Sheringham Park

Landscape park and woodland garden with miles of stunning coastal views

Wander through Sheringham Park and you'll discover why it became the personal favourite of its designer, Humphry Repton. Visit the Repton exhibition to see the story of his 1812 design during a turbulent period of history.

Famous for its vast collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, the last owner, Tom Upcher, would hold rhododendron champagne parties in the 1950s to show them off. Ladies would arrive in their fine gowns, some wearing Wellington boots to walk down the main carriageway, sipping champagne and admiring the colours.

Today, you can climb to the top of the towers to experience breathtaking views of this beautiful landscape, the North Norfolk coast and maybe a steam train passing through.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheringham-park

The Norfolk Broads

Britain's largest protected wetland and the third largest inland waterway. 

It's also home to more than a quarter of the rarest plants and animals in the UK.

A rich mix of attractions are on offer on land and water all year round - and the historic city of Norwich is right on the doorstep.

http://www.enjoythebroads.com/

Holkham National Nature Reserve

Holkham National Nature Reserve covers about 3706 hectares (9158 acres) from Wells-next-the-Sea to Burnham Overy and comprises a number of rare and precious habitats including salt marsh, sand dunes, pine woodland, beach and grazing marsh.

The present landscape is largely man-made having been reclaimed from saltmarsh between the seventeenth and nineteenth century. The 2nd Earl of Leicester planted the distinctive belt of pine trees in the nineteenth century to help stabilise the dunes. At one time the tidal creeks were wide enough to allow ships to load cargo from a ‘staithe’ or quay in Holkham Village. The work to hold back the sea and secure the fresh-water marshes continues to the present day.

Today, Holkham is best known for its stunning panoramic beach and the rich and varied wildlife found on the grazing and salt marshes. Birds are a particular attraction whether a single rare migrant or the spectacular sight of thousands of pink-footed geese.

http://www.holkham.co.uk/nature-reserve-beach/introduction

Wells-Next-The-Sea

Wells-Next-The-Sea

Wells is one of the most attractive towns on the North Norfolk Coast. From the long sweeping beach bordered by pine woodland, along the gentle harbour with small fishing boats and children fishing for crabs, past the shops on Staithe Street with not a chain store in sight, to the tree-lined park with its fine Georgian houses, quiet pubs and restaurants - Wells is an unspoiled seaside destination, waiting to be discovered.

https://www.wells-guide.co.uk/

Gorleston-on-Sea

Gorleston-on-Sea lies just to the south of Great Yarmouth with its own huge bay and riverside and a stunning sandy beach stretching into the distance below cliff gardens and a grand promenade. 

The glorious beach is a firm favourite with locals and visitors for lazy days in the sun.

Summer Sundays in Gorleston are a chilled-out affair, with bands playing in the bandstand surrounded by deckchairs, as visitors and passers-by watch the Sunday yacht race streaming past below in the bay.

Visitors to the seaside at Gorleston-on-Sea can enjoy a large paddling pool and yacht pond, green cliffs, beautiful lawns, bowling greens, tennis courts and a trim-trail on the cliff top where views of the beach, harbour, pier and wind turbines can be seen. 

http://www.great-yarmouth.co.uk/explore-the-area/gorleston-on-sea.aspx

Hickling Broad

Hickling Broad

The largest of the Broads, NWT Hickling Broad is a year-round haven for wildlife. It is easy to spend a day walking around its trails.

Hickling is situated on the Upper Thurne river system, which holds a significant percentage of the UK population of common crane as well as important breeding numbers of bittern, marsh harrier bearded tit and Cetti’s warbler. In winter large numbers of marsh harriers roost in the reedbed north east of Stubb Mill; merlin and hen harrier are also regular. Barn owl is almost guaranteed and you may see kingfisher if you are lucky. Interesting mammals include the introduced Chinese water deer, red deer and hard-to-see otters.

More info

Aylsham and Bure Valley

Around Aylsham is the Weaver's Way, Marriott's Way and Bure Valley

Norfolk County Council do a booklet about walks around Aylsham: Most of them start at the Bure Valley Railway Station or the market place (free parking if you look around)
Aylsham has a lovely church to check out as well.

The long walk of the whole of the Bure Valley goes from Aylsham to Hoveton  if you're feeling more ambitious - More info

http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/view/NCC129965

Not too far away from Aylsham is the Blickling Hall Estate Walk

Blickling Hall Estate Walk

Blickling Hall Estate in Aylsham

The Blickling Estate is lovely: The lake, the woods, the Hall and Gardens, the Mausoleum.  Particularly nice in bluebell season but also good for a mid winter stroll.

You can park for free at Blickling Hall if you're a National Trust member or alternatively you can park by the woods which is free parking (just start the walk at the Great Wood)


More info

Horsey Beach

Quick before it's too late (next weekend - third weekend in January - will probably be the last weekend of the season)

Horsey Beach - Popular For Seal Watching
Horsey Beach is one of the many unspoilt and wonderfully quiet sandy Norfolk beaches on the east coast of the UK.  It's also a fantastic place to come and watch the seals during the winter months.

Outside The Nelson Head pub is a good (free) place to park on the grass verge, and it's a nice slightly longer walk to reach the beach.  You can also do a circular walk from Horsey Windpump.




The seals are the real attraction of this beach - It’s a magnificent sight, with hundreds of grey seals breeding here.

Windpump - 
Just across the dunes from the beach heading inland is Horsey Windpump.     If you’ve come to Horsey beach and then would like something else to visit in the area, Horsey Windpump is an idea.   Being so close to the beach, you don’t have to go out of your way to go and see it.  It was restored by the National Trust.  The parking nearby costs money but it's an easy walk to Nelson Pub.

More info