by Katie Thompson
Norfolk’s unique mix of city life and the natural world means you can enjoy a city break and a coastal break in one visit without having to travel far between the two. It’s the best of both worlds.
You could be a lover of culture with a penchant for birding, or a foodie who loves coastal walking and sea swimming or even a cyclist peddling around Norwich and then into the county. Whatever your likes or needs our cultured city and our glorious coast offer so much diversity.
And with Lonely Planet naming East Anglia as one of their Best in Travel for 2025, a night or two in Norwich followed by a stay on the coast comes highly recommended. Tick off culture, shopping, dining out, heritage attractions, long beach walks and plenty of opportunities to enjoy our natural world whilst breathing fresh sea air!
Here are some wonderful reasons and inspiration for making a longer visit.
From the City of Stories, the Norfolk coast is just a train ride away- it’s only an hour to Cromer, Sheringham and Great Yarmouth with Greater Anglia straight from Norwich train station.
From Cromer, you can then take the CoastHopper bus 7 days a week in all seasons to as far as Wells where you can walk on to Holkham. This allows you to enjoy cosy coastal pubs (a warming roast is perfect all year round) without the need to drive. Just don’t forget to keep room for a Mr Whippy!
At Cromer, visit award-winning chip shops or go crabbing on the pier!
There are beaches aplenty across our 90 miles of coastline, from pristine white sand at Old Hunstanton to songful shingle and thriving rockpools at West Runton. This is also the home of Norfolk’s Deep History Coast– keep your eyes peeled and you might spot a spiralling fossil or mammoth bone! And all along the coast, you’ll be treated to amazing sunrises and sunsets.
Elsewhere you can walk along soaring cliffs near Overstrand, beneath the whispering branches of pine trees at Wells-next-the-Sea and climb grass-topped dunes at Brancaster. This is a dedicated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, after all. Plus, our favourite towns like Wells and Cromer have the perfect mix of independent stores, award-winning chip shops (worth the queues!) and traditional fishing industries where you can go crabbing or taste fresh seafood straight from our seas.
These varying landscapes are also home to a thriving wildlife population thanks to the coast’s many nature reserves. With marshes, lagoons and wetlands, you can visit RSPBs Titchwell and Snettisham (nearby Wild Ken Hill was home to Springwatch!) and Scolt Head Island and Holkham National Nature Reserves.
At Holme-next-the-Sea, you can visit Holme Dunes nature reserve for just £4. Here, you’ll feel a world away from anywhere else. It’s little wonder why so many migrating birds make this wonderful area a stopover. From the visitor centre- where you can grab a bite to eat, a memorable souvenir or specialist wildlife gear- there are a number of walking trails to follow. These will take you across the expansive marshes, sandy dunes and alongside rippling waterways. Or you can head to the bird hides for a peaceful afternoon amongst our special wildlife.
Just a short drive east towards The Wash, you’ll find Snettisham RSPB. Made up of lagoons, salt marshes and mudflats, you can see tens of thousands of wading birds take flight together during the high spring tides. The RSPB call it a ‘whirling wader spectacle’ and it’s not to be missed! There are three signposted trails to follow, too, with the Loop trail adapted for those with accessibility needs.
Between Holkham and Sheringham is Cley and Salthouse Marshes. You might’ve heard of them- they’re one of the best-known nature reserves in the country! Plus, the CoastHopper bus stops just outside the award-winning visitor centre (FREE entry), so it’s easy to explore. And they hold events, workshops, exhibitions and festivals throughout the year. Amid the wide-open marshes and long stretching beaches, look out one of the most popular sights- the rare spoonbill.
What’s a visit to the Norfolk coast without a visit to the seals?
And what’s a visit to the Norfolk coast without a visit to the seals? In North Norfolk, Blakeney Point is home to England’s largest grey seal colony- and you can take a ride on regular boat trips from here or Morston Quay to see them. In the warmer months, you can see common seals along our coastline, too. Whenever you plan to visit, we recommend booking a boat trip in advance.
Elsewhere, you can see them and their newborn pups further east at Winterton and Horsey Gap near Great Yarmouth. Throughout the year, you’re likely to see seal heads popping out of the waves or lazing in the sunshine on the waters’ edge. It’s quite the sight!
Before heading back to the city, we’ll let you onto a little secret. Make your way to the northeast of the county where you can visit the beautiful East Ruston Vicarage Gardens. When they’re in bloom (late spring to late summer is best), you’ll discover a picture postcard framing of Happisburgh’s (pronounced ‘hais-bro’) iconic red and white striped lighthouse. Then it’s just a 40-minute drive back to the comfort of your city centre accommodation. You’re sure to sleep well after exploring the refreshing and relaxing Norfolk coast.
For more on our county’s incredible coastline, where to explore, which beaches to visit and more, check out Visit North Norfolk!
