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Norfolk’s Top 10 Coastal Walks: A Guide to the County’s Best Seaside Routes
From dramatic cliffs and golden sands, to serene salt marshes and charming villages, here’s our top picks of coastal walks that you need to add to your Norfolk itinerary.
Blakeney Point
If you’re looking for a coastal stroll with an abundance of wildlife, this one’s for you. Beginning at Cley Beach, the shingle spit stretches 4 miles out towards the North Sea. Famous for its grey seal colony, and home to a number of protected bird species, the route is perfect for photographers and nature lovers. *Please note parts of the beach can be seen cordoned off during breeding season. *
Length: 4 miles
Look out for: Grey Seals basking on the sandbanks, the Blakeney Lifeboat House and stunning surrounding salt marshes.
Bite to eat: Whether you fancy a light bite and coffee from Two Magpies Bakery, well-deserved afternoon tea at the Blakeney Hotel, or seafood with coastal vies at The Anchor Inn (Morston), there’s something for all appetites.
Holkham Beach
Holkham Beach is often described as one of the UK’s best beaches – and it has rightfully earned its ranking. Picture endless, unspoilt golden beach framed by pine woods, grassy dunes and salt marshes. Part of the Holkham Estate and National Nature Reserve, the beach is popular with filmmakers, dog walkers and even the Royal Family.
Length: 4.8 miles
Look out for: Pinewood forest trails, endless golden sand and visit The Lookout for spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Bite to eat: Just outside Holkham Estate gates, you’ll find The Victoria serving locally sourced, up market pub food, or drive a short distance away to the vibrant coastal town of Wells-next-the-Sea to enjoy some of Norfolk’s best fish and chips at French’s or Platten’s.
Thornham Circular Walk
Starting outside Thornham Village Hall, this short but scenic walk passes by some of Thornham’s best food and pub stops, whilst also taking in the picturesque views of the harbour, salt marshes and sand flats. This sought-after village is full of hidden delights at every turn.
Length: 2.5 miles
Look out for: Thornham Harbour and the stunning North Norfolk Coastal Path.
Bite to eat: When it comes to Thornham dining, you’re spoilt for choice. After your refreshing coastal walk, head to the Lifeboat Inn for great pub grub and beers, or if up-market dining is your thing, The Orange Tree is the one for you, and if you fancy gastro-style dining, Chequers Inn is a must.
Cromer Lighthouse Circular Walk
This circular walk combines local heritage and sea views, starting from Cromer and taking in the iconic lighthouse, woodland paths, and dramatic cliff-top views. As the route continues, you’ll enjoy views across the coast and the chance to stop in the charming seaside town of Cromer for proper fish and chips.
Length: 4.7 miles
Look out for: The iconic Cromer Pier and Victorian seafront, the stunning lighthouse and beach views from the clifftop.
Bite to eat: It has to be No.1 Cromer for their famous fish and chips with sea views.
Salthouse Circular Walk
A quiet, lesser-known route for those looking to escape the crowds. This walk loops around the village of Salthouse, taking in the salt marshes and gravel pits of the Norfolk Coast Path. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, when the light dances across the marshes.
Length: 5.5 miles
Look out for: Gramborough Hill, WWII radar station remnants and impressive marshland birdlife.
Bite to eat: There’s delicious food using local produce at The Salthouse Dun Cow, or tasty seafood salads at family-run Cookies Crab Hut.
Happisburgh Circular Walk
This is a scenic cliff-top walk along Norfolk’s dramatic Deep History Coast. Staring at the iconic Happisburgh Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in East Anglia, the route takes you through coastal and farmland landscapes.
Length: 7 miles
Look out for: The iconic red-and-white lighthouse, the 15th-century St Mary’s Church and a WWII pillbox.
Bite to eat: For hearty, home-cooked food, it’s the historic 16th-century Hill House Inn, or for a light-brunch and afternoon cake stop, it’s the family-run Smallsticks Café.
Brancaster Staithe to Harrow Common
This gentle walk takes in the salt marshes and creeks between Brancaster Staithe and Harrow Common, offering a chance to spot waders and wildfowl. It’s a peaceful area ideal for laid-back strolls or eye-catching photography.
Length: 5 miles
Look out for: Roman fort at Branodunum, historic harbour with fishing and sailing boats, Brancaster Harbour and panoramic views from the Common.
Bite to eat: From delicious local seafood to mouth-watering cocktails, The White Horse Brancaster boasts fantastic dining all with stunning marsh views.
Horsey Windpump Walk
A circular walk that combines the historic Horsey Windpump, the Broads, and a short detour to Horsey Gap – one of the best places in the UK to see grey seals. The windpump itself is a beautiful sight, especially when set against a fiery Norfolk sunset.
Length: 4.5 miles
Look out for: Seals at Horsey Gap during the winter, restored National Trust windpump and scenic windmills.
Bite to eat: From traditional country pubs like The Nelson Head, to the National Trust Horsey Windpump Café, there’s everything from small bites to home-cooked food on this scenic walk.
Ringstead Circular Walk
This quiet and peaceful circular walk is the perfect mix of Norfolk’s coastal and inland countryside landscapes, and one of Norfolk’s most scenic inland walks. Along the way you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Norfolk coastline, as well as passing through Courtyard Farm, a thriving organic farm set in breath-taking unspoilt countryside and boasting stunning patchworks of wildflowers.
Length: 7 miles
Look out for: Ringstead Downs, Peddars Way, distant sea views from higher ground
Bite to eat: The Gin Trap is perfect for a post-walk refreshment – whether it’s one of their craft gins or excellent, locally-sourced food.
Hunstanton Circular Walk
From strolls along the promenade, to exploring the dramatic striped cliffs of Old Hunstanton, this route offers a mix of coastal, urban and rural scenery. Starting at The Golden Lion Hotel, head along the North Promenade toward the iconic Old Hunstanton cliffs. As you follow the Norfolk Coast Path, you’ll pass by local history, including the ruins of St Edmund’s Chapel and the lighthouse.
Length: 3.7 miles
Look out for: Red and white striped cliffs, Old Hunstanton beach, and the famous lighthouse.
Bite to eat: For a relaxed spot with great coffee and snacks, make sure to check out The Old Town Beach Café, before finishing up your walk at The Golden Lion for a refreshing drink and delicious pub grub.
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