The City and The Coast

The City and The Coast

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. 

And Norwich makes the ideal base. You could be a lover of culture with a penchant for birding, a foodie who loves sea swimming or a cyclist peddling around Norwich and onto a seaside resort for well served fish and chips. Whatever your likes or needs, our cultured city and glorious coast offer so much diversity. 

Here are some wonderful reasons and inspiration for making a longer visit.

The City and The Broads

How to Get Here

It’s easy to reach the Norfolk coast directly from Norwich Train Station

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 seven days a week in all seasons to as far as Mundesley and 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! 

Beaches

Not only is the Norfolk coast a varied landscape, it boasts a rich history, one where fossils aren’t uncommon

There are beaches aplenty across our 90 miles of coastline, from pristine white sand at Holme-next-the-Sea 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- did you know that Hunstanton is the only west-facing resort on the east coast of England?  

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 have the perfect mix of independent stores, worth-the-queues, award-winning chip shops (see which side of Wells’ Plattens vs French’s debate you stand on!) and traditional fishing industries where you can taste fresh seafood straight from our seas.  

In traditional Victorian seaside town Cromer, a stroll along the promenade onto Cromer Pier (FREE) is a must. Here you’ll be treated to sea views stretching to the horizon in waves of blue while crabbing for the town’s famous crustacean and soaking up the sun’s rays with a soft salty breeze alfresco at the Pavilion bar. If you’re making a day of it, we suggest combining the coast and culture and booking a ticket to Cromer Pier’s spectacular end-of-the-pier show!

Wildlife and Reserves

What’s a visit to the Norfolk coast without a visit to the seals?

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. If you’re lucky, you might even see a white-tailed eagle!

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! 

Gardens

Holkham’s Walled Garden is a lovely way to while away a few hours

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 (April – October, Wednesday – Sunday & bank holidays, adults £15.50, children £2). 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.

Or if you’re further west, enter Holkham’s enchanting Walled Garden (April – October, Monday – Sunday, adults £7, children £1). Dating back to the 1700s, here humble onions grow alongside climbing grape vines, sweet-smelling English roses, earthy tomatoes and vivid flowers. Explore balmy greenhouses, organised ornamental gardens and an unruly kitchen garden where leaves brush your ankles and you’ll be taken aback by the amount of veg!

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.