Things to do
There are many walks along the north Norfolk coastal path over sandy beaches, salt marshes and cliffs. An exciting range of leisure pursuits to enjoy, including water based activities: sailing, surfing, paddleboarding, as well as crabbing and fishing, the amazing trips to see the seals, bird-watching, golf, and cycling to name but a few and don’t forget the seal trips by boat to Blakeney Point. Plus the beautiful family beaches at Wells and Holkham. The Blakeney Hotel is the ideal place to relax and unwind and savour the unique flavours of the north Norfolk coast. Places to visit include the historic houses open to the public at Blickling, Felbrigg, Holkham, Houghton, Sandringham and many fascinating Norfolk churches and charming villages. The city of Norwich is only one hour away and the towns of King’s Lynn, Holt and Aylsham are full of curiosities and interest.
Beaches
Norfolk has an eclectic range of beaches including large unspoiled expansive scenic beaches that stretch out to sea for miles at low tide, others for rock pooling, crabbing, wildlife, seashells, and fossil hunting, as well as ones with traditional seafront promenades and cafes. The choice is yours….
Nature, Wildlife and Bird Watching
With marshes, wetlands and sandy beaches, ancient woodlands, chalk rivers, heaths, all providing a home to many species of fish, birds, insects and mammals, there is nowhere quite like north Norfolk. The diversity of wildlife, flora, and fauna throughout the seasons is truly amazing.
Seal Trips
Step outside the hotel on to the picturesque quay and there you will find boating trips offering opportunities to venture out to see the seals and birdlife. Blakeney Point has one of the largest Grey Seal colony’s in the UK and thousands of breeding Sandwich Terns that migrate there every March until late August.
Sailing, Sports & Leisure
In addition to the hotel’s pool, gym and sauna, there are many leisure and sporting pursuits to enjoy, including sailing trips, canoe hire, fishing, bird-watching, golf, tennis, paddle boarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing and archery. Explore the wilderness and natural wonder of the Norfolk Coast on a skippered traditional sailing craft, sail around the wilderness of salt marshes, jump off and go for a wild swim or some coastal foraging, take a picnic, visit nearby coastal villages by sailboat, you can even learn to sail.
Walking & Cycling
With coast and countryside walks to suit a wide range of abilities abandon the car, a great way to experience the ever changing sights and sounds of the seasons. For cyclists, there are the designated Norfolk Coastal Cycleways where you can experience the rural tranquility that makes this part of Norfolk great for cycling, with fine views and plenty to interest everyone.
Explore North Norfolk
With a stunning natural coastline, atmospheric salt marshes, expansive unspoiled beaches, amazing wildlife, rolling countryside, abundant history and heritage, plenty of family activities, stunning parklands and gardens, nature reserves, pretty market towns, locally run shops, and so many activities to choose from, North Norfolk has it all.
Historic Houses and Churches
The diversity of places of interest in north Norfolk is almost without comparison. National Trust and English Heritage sites are in abundance, along with large privately owned country houses and gardens open to the public including Sandringham, Holkham, Houghton and Somerleyton. Norfolk has a large number of abbeys and churches some with usual round flint towers.
Less Active Pursuits
For those that enjoy arts and culture, there are plenty of art galleries, antique shops and theatres. Theatre locations include Holt, Sheringham, Cromer, Hunstanton, Kings Lynn and Norwich with six theatres, including a puppet theatre. North Norfolk has a fascinating collection of museums ranging from military, seafaring & fishing, seashells & fossils, lifeboat collections, rural life & workhouses, traction engines and fairground rides, and not forgetting the flagship Norwich Castle Museum.
Visit Picturesque Norfolk Villages
Scattered along the coast road are quaint flint-faced coastal villages, each with its own unique characteristics. Take a trip by car, bus, bike, or on foot along the coast and experience panoramic vistas, windmills, unique locally run food, and craft shops. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of Norfolk’s unspoiled coastal countryside.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
The creeks and waterways around Blakeney and nearby Morston are ideal for exploring by kayak or paddleboard, both can be hired at the Blakeney quayside, on an hourly basis, during the high season. You can paddleboard along the channel to Cley or head westwards towards Morston along the Agar Creek. The perfect way to take in the amazing coastal scenery of North Norfolk.
Surfboarding and Windsurfing
The Victorian seaside resort of Cromer offers surfboard hire and lessons, for groups or private surf lessons to suit the complete beginner through to the intermediate and more proficient surfer, all within sight of Cromer’s picturesque pier. Hunstanton has a windsurfing centre offering lessons, and a variety of water sports activities.
Attractions & Events
For family fun the is plenty to do with zoos, adventure parks, dinosaur parks, nature reserves, activity centers, and heritage railways including the Poppy Line Railway, and the Bure Valley railway. All within easy traveling distance by car. Nearby coastal towns have their annual carnivals and festivals as well as regular special events. In November and December the Thursford Christmas Spectacular is a London quality Christmas production attracting millions of people from across the country.
