Summary
Situated along one of the few west-facing beaches on England’s east coast, Hunstanton presents itself as an idyllic Victorian seaside resort, established in the mid-19th century.
The sandy and pebbled shores of Hunstanton overlook the Wash, a vast estuary where four rivers converge into the North Sea.
This area is known for its essential coastal ecosystem, which hosts what may be the largest colony of common seals globally, as well as serving as a popular stop for migratory birds during the spring and autumn seasons.
Visitors have the opportunity to observe these animals in their natural settings on an amphibious boat tour or get a closer look at seal pups and rehabilitating seals at Hunstanton’s Sea Life Sanctuary.
The cliffs in Hunstanton merit special recognition due to their striking bands of sandstone and chalk.
Now, let us delve into the premier attractions in Hunstanton:
1. Sea Life Sanctuary
The Hunstanton branch of the renowned Sea Life organization is more than merely an aquarium; it plays a crucial role in the rescue and rehabilitation of the numerous seals found in the Wash.
The sanctuary is centered around the Seal Rescue Centre and Hospital, which provides care for injured or orphaned common and grey seals. Each year, around 50 seals are rescued, with nearly 1,000 rehabilitated since 1989. Visitors are given an insider’s perspective of the seal hospital, witnessing the adorable “new arrivals” in the nursery.
In 2018, the attraction introduced a new Penguin Beach for its Humboldt penguins, while Asian short-clawed otters can be found in the Otter River. At the Rainforest Basecamp, children can safely handle snakes, lizards, and tarantulas.
2. Hunstanton Cliffs
The cliffs of Hunstanton, characterized by their layers of red and white chalk resting on an orange-brown sandstone base (also referred to as carrstone), present a captivating natural spectacle.
The coloration in the lower sandstone is attributed to iron oxide, which also affects the chalk above it.
The cliffs commence just north of the town, where access to the beach is available near the remains of a chapel and lighthouse (currently a private residence) at St Edmund’s Point.
To fully appreciate the vibrant colors of the cliffs, it is advisable to visit during low tide, allowing for exploration of the rock pools and a closer look at the cliff’s hues.
These cliffs expose a Late Cretaceous sequence dating back 100 million years, making them an appealing destination for fossil seekers in the wake of storms, often yielding finds of ammonites, prehistoric fish, brachiopods, sponges, and belemnites.
Additionally, visitors can discover the hull of the Sheraton, a trawler launched in 1907 and left here in 1947 after serving as a target vessel during the war.
3. Hunstanton Beach
Hunstanton’s west-facing beach offers numerous advantages.
Firstly, the sea breezes are less intense in the Wash, while the evenings allow for pleasant strolls along the shore to witness the sun setting over the estuary.
The primary beach in Hunstanton is lengthy and pebbly, and the water is calm and relatively shallow.
As the tide recedes, an expansive stretch of sand becomes visible, which can be entertaining to explore, provided visitors are mindful of the tide times.
Children can also enjoy donkey rides, while the beachfront features a promenade, mini-golf, ice cream stands, and the amusement offerings of Rainbow Park.
4. Boat Trips
Two significant reasons to venture onto the water at Hunstanton include experiencing the striking multi-hued cliffs from a fresh perspective and spotting seals in their natural habitats.
Given that these animals frequently rest on sandbanks, accessing them safely requires a specially designed vessel.
Operating from Hunstanton’s south promenade, Searles Sea Tours offers a pair of amphibious boats known as the “Wash Monsters.” From May to September, the company provides various coastal tours, including a one-hour trip for an excellent view of the UK’s largest colony of common seals, possibly the largest in the world.
5. Norfolk Coast Path
Hunstanton marks the point where the 93-mile Peddars Way/Norfolk Coast Path turns back on itself while proceeding east towards Cromer, or south to Swaffham.
This path is among the lighter National Trails due to Norfolk’s predominantly flat terrain, yet it offers a remarkable variety of landscapes.
For instance, heading towards Cromer will guide hikers across diverse beaches, cliffs, marshes, dune systems, and barrier islands accessible at low tide, along with picturesque little harbors. Make sure to have your mobile phone or camera ready as you are likely to encounter numerous seals.
The entire route is closely linked to a bus service, running every thirty minutes during the summer between the two towns.
6. Norfolk Lavender
Located just a short distance from Hunstanton is England’s premier lavender farm, spanning nearly 100 acres of this stunning crop.
The optimal time to visit is during July and August when the lavender is in full bloom.
Up until mid-August, the farm offers four daily tours into the fields for photography and to the distillery responsible for producing oil for the farm’s extensive product line.
The on-site shop features dried lavender and a variety of oils, soaps, scents, and cosmetics, alongside an enchanting garden which holds the National Collection of lavenders, consisting of 100 different varieties.
The farm’s Animal Gardens showcase both domestic breeds and more exotic species such as rheas, tortoises, and Parma wallabies.
7. Holme Dunes
Located a few miles up from Hunstanton at the northwest corner of Norfolk lies an important coastal habitat featuring sand dunes, salt marshes, pools, and pasture.
This essential environment is protected by a 470-acre nature reserve managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
Extending into the Wash, Holme Dunes serves as a vital rest stop for many migratory birds.
During springtime, visitors may encounter warblers and wheatears, while autumn brings thrushes and finches to the area.
The reserve also provides breeding grounds for the pied avocet, a wader characterized by its distinctive black and white plumage and upturned bill.
As one traverses the dunes, remnants of a railway used for wartime target practice can also be discovered.
8. Old Hunstanton Beach
Situated along the coast from the town center towards the Holme Dunes, the cliffs gradually descend to reveal a stunning beach in front of Old Hunstanton.
Contrasting with Hunstanton’s main beach, which is pebbly, Old Hunstanton Beach boasts a beautiful, uncommercialized expanse of soft golden sand.
Beyond the beach, visitors will find beach huts, dunes, and a section of the impressive cliffs.
While Old Hunstanton Beach attracts many visitors, ample space exists for everyone, particularly during low tide when access to Holme Beach is possible.
During low tide, shallow pools and channels can be discovered, creating a delightful experience for young children.
9. Hunstanton Heritage Gardens
In 2016, this series of coastal gardens received over £1 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund for restoration projects.
One feature, the Green, gently slopes toward the sea and includes a bandstand that hosts free weekend concerts by soloists and bands throughout the summer.
Evening movie screenings on the Green are also a summer highlight.
Above the striped cliffs lies the Cliff Parade, where visitors will encounter the ruins of St Edmund’s Chapel as well as well-preserved Victorian shelters.
Among the most picturesque areas are the Esplanade Gardens, adorned with flowerbeds and fountains, interspersed with paths equipped with iron gaslights and benches offering views over the Wash.
During summer, the Heritage Gardens consistently offer various activities to keep children engaged, including storytelling, puppet shows, pebble painting, and treasure hunts.
10. Water Activities
Thanks to the west-facing beaches and the calmer waters of the Wash, Hunstanton offers an excellent location in Norfolk for outdoor water activities.
This small town is home to two highly rated water sports companies.
Hunstanton Water Sports provides equipment and instruction for paddleboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and powerkiting.
If traveling with family, paddleboarding is easy to master and suitable for nearly all ages.
Hunstanton Kayaks, true to its name, specializes in sea kayaking, offering equipment rentals for experienced paddlers, while also organizing lessons and guided excursions along Hunstanton’s rocky coastline for families and groups of friends.
11. Rainbow Park
Nestled beside the Sea Life Sanctuary, Rainbow Park resembles a permanent amusement fairground along Hunstanton’s seafront.
The park reflects a fairground tradition that dates back to 1880 and has occupied this site for over 50 years.
Entry to Rainbow Park is free, with payment required per ride thereafter.
The arcade features classic amusements such as penny falls and claw machines, alongside contemporary interactive dance games.
Rainbow Park offers a few rides for older children and adults; however, it is the younger family members who will find the greatest joy in carousels and gentle roller coasters like the Sea Dragon, which provides a splendid view of Hunstanton Beach and the Wash.
12. Princess Theatre
As evening approaches, visitors may seek light entertainment, and the 472-seat Princess Theatre may provide just the experience desired.
This venue, formerly known as the Capital Cinema, is a combined “cinetheatre” established in 1932. Notably, it features the world’s largest gable wall constructed from Norfolk carrstone (the brown sandstone of the cliffs). The Princess Theatre holds a six-week summer season, along with events occurring year-round, including theatrical performances (both touring and community), live music, tribute acts, and special evenings featuring sports and television personalities.
In September 2018, an audience with former England footballer Paul Gascoigne was showcased.
For those interested in more refined entertainment, regular live broadcasts from the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company are also offered.
13. Ringstead Downs
Located in the surrounding area of Hunstanton, Ringstead Downs is one of the last remaining sections of chalk downland in Norfolk.
The Ringstead Downs Nature Reserve encompasses 17 acres of a dry chalk valley shaped by glacial meltwater.
This landscape has never been cultivated, allowing treasured native plant species like dwarf thistle, rock rose, squincywort, burnet saxifrage, and rock rose to thrive in the grassland.
Birds that are increasingly scarce in other regions can often be observed here, such as the linnet and yellowhammer.
A summer visit will reward walkers with sightings of numerous butterflies, including the brown argus, which is drawn to this chalk habitat.
14. Hunstanton Golf Club
Experienced golfers are likely familiar with Hunstanton Golf Club, frequently ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the UK.
This exceptional championship coastal links course has undergone enhancements in recent years by esteemed course designer Martin Hawtree, who made subtle modifications to the bunkers, greens, and tees.
The course was established in 1891 and has hosted notable amateur tournaments including the English Amateur and Brabazon Trophy.
Green fees align with the club’s prestigious standing, priced at £50 on weekdays and £60 on weekends during winter, escalating to £90 and £95 in summer, with a discounted rate of £75 available for tee-offs after noon.
15. Hunstanton Heritage Centre
A brief exploration of Hunstanton’s history can be found at this small museum on the Green.
Open during the afternoons on Wednesdays and weekends, the Heritage Centre is operated by enthusiastic volunteers.
The exhibitions narrate the story of the landowning le Strange family, Old Hunstanton, and the historical chapel and lighthouse at St Edmund’s Point, along with the natural history of Hunstanton’s cliffs and the Hunstanton Esplanade.
Additional displays include details on Neolithic and Bronze Age locations, along with photographs showcasing the town’s rapid development following 1900.
