Norfolk coast

The Norfolk coast, which stretches from the Wash round to Lowestoft, is around 90 miles long.

Over 56 miles of the Norfolk coast falls within The Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which stretches inland covering inter-tidal, coastal and agricultural land with a total area of around 175 square miles. The AONB stretches from the silt expanses of the Wash in the west through the coastal marshes, soft cliffs and hinterland of north Norfolk, to the dune system at Winterton in the east. It is an area of remarkable beauty, diversity and scientific importance.

And if it's simply a good bathing beach you're seeking nine of Norfolk's beaches and seven of Suffolk's beaches are recommended in the Marine Conservation Society's Good Beach Guide 2008.

Whilst the North Norfolk coast is generally better known, principally for its wide open beaches, there's so much more coast to explore and enjoy. Almost all the varied and largely unspoilt beaches of the Norfolk coast are within an hour's drive of White Lodge Farm Cottages.

The North Norfolk coast, much of it a nature reserve, consists of mainly salt marshes, dunes and tidal creeks leading to fishing villages. The area is a mecca for bird watchers and renowned for vast numbers of resident and migratory birds, with nature reserves at Titchwell, Scolt Head, Blakeney Point and Cley.

Further around the coast there is Hunstanton, a west facing east coast town, the wide open beaches of Holkham (as featured in Shakespeare in Love and a Coldplay video!) and the fishing town of Wells.

Then, on either side of the town of Cromer, with its pier and lifeboat station is a mixture of cliffs and beaches, the beaches at Cromer and Mundesley having been the recipient of a Blue Flag in 2008.

The coast next runs through dunes and some pebble beaches and more salt marshes, with notable sandy beaches being the Blue Flag beach at Sea Palling and the more remote, and much quieter, beaches at Waxham and Horsey. Further south come the expanses of sand to the north of, and adjacent to, the formerly important fishing ports of Great Yarmouth and, in Suffolk, Lowestoft. Great Yarmouth also has more modern attractions including, just off the coast Scroby Sands wind farm, and a racecourse.

Venturing a little further south into Suffolk, will then take you to the pretty and fashionable seaside towns of Southwold, home of Adnams Ale, and Aldeburgh (the Aldeburgh Festival is usually in June), with Dunwich and Minsmere, one of the RSPB's most famous nature reserves, nestling (or should that be "nesting"?) in between.

Surely something there for everyone. Naturalists will not cease to be impressed by what Norfolk and North Suffolk have to offer, and their beaches (some of which cater for naturists as well as naturalists) are no exception.

Unless a trip in a boat is not for you, we would suggest that a visit to see the seals "close up and personal" at Blakeney Point is not to be missed, although you should wear sensible clothing and booking a day or two ahead is recommended.

Contact details

• Beans Boat Trips 01263 740505 (Graham Bean) or 01263 740038 (John Bean)
• Temples Seal Trips 01263 740791

Guests say ...

"Wells-next-the-Sea is well worth a visit, even on a chilly, windy October day - very bracing and the fish and chips back by the harbour were most welcome."
    -L,C,R&H H

"Southwold is within reach and an enjoyable English seaside experience. Good walks at Dunwich Heath, just along from Southwold."     -The W's

"Blakeney Point has wonderful bird habitats. We parked at Morston Quay and enjoyed the fresh seafood (crab & shellfish) available there."
    -The B's

"Try a coastal walk from Blakeney but pick a day when there is not a gale blowing!"
    -C&B, L

"Holkham Beach remian a 'must do', even on our third visit here in three years. Even in the busiest suuny day you will find peace and tranquility here."     The B's

"Brancaster is lovely - nice quay and birdlife."
    -S, J, O & I

"Visiting Cromer and Southwold (a bit further, but worth it) were a big hit."
    -S&M S

"Southwold worth a visit - fantastic fresh fish."
    -S, J, O & I

"Wells-next-the-sea: Nice town. Quaint shops. Lovely beach."
    -The F Families

"Sheringham: A lovely step back 50 years, lovely beach, steam train and welcoming people."
    -The G & E Families