Uniquely positioned looking west across the Wash, ‘Sunny Hunny’ is one of the only towns on England’s east coast which can enjoy spectacular sunsets across the sea. With activities for all age groups to enjoy, it’s no wonder that Hunstanton remains one of Norfolk’s best-loved family destinations for holidays and days out. If you’re after something a bit quieter, then Old Hunstanton has a slower pace of life with its cottages, pubs and village atmosphere. It’s easy to explore both worlds with a short walk between the two.
Here we cover everything you need to know before you go, from activities with the kids to the best restaurants for a bite to eat.
Head down to the beach
No visit to Hunstanton would be complete without a visit to its beach – after all, the resort was built to take advantage of this stunning area of Norfolk coastline! With golden sand stretching for miles along the shore, this Blue Flag awarded beach is perfect for those summer days. The sandy beach is shallow and lifeguarded during the summer, making it a safe place to paddle and swim.
Out of the water, make sure to check out the seasonal donkey rides, before heading to the promenade to play on the two-penny slot machines and win yourself a prize on the claw machine! There’s also a crazy golf course, Rainbow Park funfair and ice cream stalls with hundreds of flavours to choose from.
Meet the local marine wildlife at the Sea Life Centre
The Sea Life Centre in Hunstanton is not just an aquarium – it also serves as a seal rescue centre! The aquarium has a huge variety of animals in its keep, from tiny crabs and seahorses to otters and Humboldt penguins. Feeding talks are held twice a day, allowing you to get to know the different animals in more depth. Walk through the underwater tunnel to immerse yourself in this amazing underwater world, before heading to the interactive rockpool where you can get up close and personal with the marine life on display. Are you brave enough to tickle an anemone?
Hop on Board a Seal Boat Excursion
The Wash is home to a large number of seals, and the best way to see these beautiful creatures in action is on the water. The award-winning Searles Sea Tours run seal safaris and coastal trip from their two amphibious vessels, known as the Wash Monsters. These hybrid tractors / boats depart from Hunstanton and take to the sea to give you panoramic views of the town, the chance to spot the local wildlife and learn about the history and legends of the Wash.
Take a Walk along the Norfolk Coast Path
Stretching from the Peddars Way to Cromer, the 84-mile long Norfolk Coast Path runs through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) which is the Norfolk coastline. Wending its way along remote stretches of beach, tops of cliffs, through villages and across saltmarshes, there is a huge variety of things to see and experience along the way. From Hunstanton you can also head inland along the Peddars Way, the route of a Roman Road linking Knettishall in Suffolk to the North Norfolk Coast.
Enjoy a Fragrant Day at the Norfolk Lavender Farm
Whilst visions of the Norfolk coast may not immediately make you think of lavender, this spectacular and fragrant purple plant is cultivated in abundance at the Norfolk Lavender Farm. At its best in June and July, you can join a guided tour to learn about the history of the lavender, and how it is used in a variety of settings. Once you’ve wandered through the fields and taken that perfect Instagram shot, head over to the tea rooms for a break, before exploring the herb garden and wider grounds down to the river, including over 20 varieties of bamboo! You can also visit the Animal Garden, which hosts a wide range of mammals, birds and reptiles for you to discover, as well as a large play area for children to burn off some energy. Dogs on leads are welcome everywhere except the animal gardens and outdoor play areas.
Engage all your senses at the Boston Square Sensory Garden
Occupying a previous brownfield site, the glorious blaze of colour which now dominates Boston Square Sensory Park is a far cry from its past. The garden has been designed to invoke and awaken all your senses, with planting carefully chosen to stimulate sight, touch, smell and sound. Water features help to create relaxing sounds in the garden, whilst the perennial meadow immerses you into a world of wildflowers and grasses. Kids can enjoy a bug hunt, available from the tourist information office.
Play a round of Foot Golf on the Esplanade
What do you get when you cross football and golf? Footgolf, obviously! The best thing about footgolf is that you don’t have to be a pro footballer or golfer – this is one sport where you’ll be sure to have heaps of fun whatever your athletic capabilities! Situated at the north end of the Esplanade, near Old Hunstanton, the Footgolf Course is open seasonally for you to test your skills and challenge a friend to a round of the most absurd sport since bog snorkelling.
Get active on the water with some watersports activities
There’s no better way to experience the seaside thrill of Hunstanton than through a day out on the water. Hunstanton Watersports offers everything from a chilled paddle along the shoreline to adrenaline pumping windsurfing and powerkiting. You can hire out equipment or book on to one of their lessons to brush up your skills.
Hire a Kayak and go for an explore
If you fancy getting out on the water but don’t feel up to the rush of windsurfing, why not hire a kayak from Hunstanton Kayaks? Available as both singles and doubles, these super-stable sit-on-top kayaks are the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon exploring the Norfolk coastline.
Take a ride on the Hunstanton Land Train
If your feet are tired from all that walking, hop on board the Hunstanton Land Train, run by Searles resort. The train runs between Searles, the town centre, lighthouse and Old Hunstanton Beach, with trains departing each hour. This is a great way to see the resort from a comfortable seat, and the perfect way to get around on a rainy day.
Pick up some local history at the Hunstanton Heritage Centre
Located in the former NatWest Bank in the heart of the town, the Heritage Centre has an impressive collection of photographs, artefacts and displays about the history of Hunstanton. You can also pick up leaflets for self-guided tours of the town, including the Hunstanton Wolf Trail, which tells the story of St. Edmund and the legendary appearance of a wolf to guard over his head after it was severed by Viking invaders.
Explore the pathways of Holme Dunes
A short drive from Hunstanton, Holme Dunes is a rare coastal habitat home to hundred of migrating birds. From warblers to wheatears, thrushes and finches, this is truly a paradise for both birdwatchers and keen nature spotters. This beautiful space also hides secrets from the area’s military past, including the remnants of a target-railway used to train artillery.
Spot some royalty whilst visiting the Sandringham Estate
Best-known as the country residence of the Royal Family, Sandringham Estate also welcomes visitors into its extensive parklands. The Royal Park is dog friendly, with 243 acres of space for you and your pooch to explore. The park is open daily throughout the year and has a number of nature trails in the woods, as well as a large children’s playground. Take a break at the Terrace café, which offers takeaway tea, coffee and homemade cakes, or indulge in Afternoon Tea at the Sandringham Restaurant.
Unleash your creativity at Paint Me Ceramics
On a rainy day, Paint Me Ceramics is the perfect place to spend the afternoon with the whole family. Pottery painting is not only lots of fun, but also incredibly relaxing and a great place to craft a unique gift for your friends and family!
Splash Down at Alive Oasis
If the sea’s too cold, why not spend an afternoon splashing around at the Alive Oasis leisure centre? With a flume, separate learner pool and dedicated shallow area, there’s tonnes of watery fun to be had in at Oasis. When you’ve finished up in the pool, why not head over to Alive Adventure, a four-storey soft play area where kids can burn off some energy and engage in interactive games. There’s a separate area for toddlers, with specially designed shape sorters, slides and ball pits.
Best Places to Stay in Hunstanton
Looking for a place to stay in Hunstanton? We’ve got you covered whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway for two or a family holiday.
- If it’s camping with a touch of luxury you’re after, then look no further than Norfolk Coast B&B & Camping. With self-catering cottages, B&B rooms, a 2-acre campsite catering for tents, caravans and motorhomes, and glamping bell tents and shepherds huts, you really are spoiled for choice when it comes to this extensive site.
- For something a bit different, why not book into Bircham Windmill? Sat in the midst of Norfolk countryside, Bircham Windmill looks no different to 100 years ago, when it ground corn for baking and animal feed. Although you can’t stay in the windmill itself, there is a shepherds hut and extensive campsite in the grounds for you to enjoy. For breakfast, visit the on-site bakery, where you can even bake your own loaf of bread from scratch. Or visit the tea rooms, where homemade cakes, scones and light lunches await you, along with teas, coffees and soft drinks.
- If a windmill doesn’t catch your eye, how about staying in Hunstanton’s Old Lighthouse? This self-catering holiday cottage is set in the stunning Old Lighthouse near Old Hunstanton. Offering panoramic sea views and unrivalled sunsets, this is a seriously awesome place to stay.
- Catch a sunset at The Sunset Inn, from one of their five sea-facing bedrooms. This B&B is centrally located, with all the amenities of Hunstanton within easy walking distance. The guesthouse overlooks Boston Square, with its sensory park and leafy vibes.
- For a walk on the wild side with all the mod-cons included, check out Wild Luxury, where self-catering safari lodges sit well-spaced amongst grassy meadows. Complete with a fully-equipped kitchen and private bathroom, these are no ordinary camps! For some serious privacy, head to The Hideaway, where you can escape to a peaceful sanctuary.
- Sleep in style at the cosy Caley Hall Hotel, where the original manor house dates back to 1648. 38 bedrooms and an award-winning restaurant make this a great escape just 10-minutes walk from the beach.
- Enjoy sea views and great food at The Wash & Tope, a family run hotel and restaurant just two-minutes walk from the town centre. Situated right opposite the sandy beach and seafront, this boutique hotel also hosts live music nights at the weekend.
- You might need more than a map to locate The Hideaway, a deceptive cottage hidden away in near the town centre. The house is fully equipped with all mod-cons, and is perfect for a family holiday.
- For a romantic escape, seek out the Pump House on the outskirts of Hunstanton. With stone-tiled floors, French doors onto the patio and electric fire, this cosy wing is perfect for two.
Restaurants in Hunstanton
The hustle and bustle of Hunstanton is definitely going to make you hungry, so we’ve scouted out the best locations to satisfy grumbling tummies.
- Pick up a traditional favourite at Henry’s Fish & Chips, located in the centre of Hunstanton. With sustainable seafood at the heart of this fryer, you won’t get it much better than at Henry’s.
- Fine dining is the name of the game at The Neptune, with its exquisite tasting menu, beautiful Sunday lunches and locally sourced, fresh ingredients. You can even book to stay in their self-catering cottage, or in one of four stylish B&B rooms.
- For seafood fans, head down to Goblin’s Pantry, where fresh crab, lobster and locally-caught fish feature in abundance on the menu, alongside local meats – rumour has it that their sausages are some of the best in Hunstanton!
- Sit down with a glass of vino at Chives Wine Bar & Brasserie. With a farm-to-table philosophy, this cosy space has earned its reputation as ‘the place’ to dine locally.
- For coffee and dogs, head down to Georgie’s Café. This super dog-friendly café serves breakfasts, light lunches, teas, cakes and snacks, as well as showcasing local artists and photographers on their walls.
- Set in a stunning former coaching inn, The Chequers Inn is worth the short drive from Hunstanton. Dating back to the 16th century, the Inn has stood in Thornham for over 500 years. Exposed beams, wide fireplaces and crooked walls give this special building a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Things to do in Old Hunstanton
Located north of the Esplanade, Old Hunstanton is the village which originally gave the resort its name. Here you can step away from the hustle and bustle of the Victorian seafront and take life at a slower pace whilst soaking up the pretty village surroundings.
- With its colourful beach huts set against a backdrop of grassy dunes, Old Hunstanton Beach is a world away from the frenzy of Hunstanton seafront. This expanse of golden sand slopes gently into the sea, making it the perfect family-friendly destination for sandcastle building, paddling and beach games. There’s plenty of room to spread out, so you never feel overcrowded. The beach is also dog-friendly all year round, so the pooch can come too.
- Take a trip to Le Strange Old Barns for a unique antiques and arts & crafts experience. The centre takes its name from the Le Strange family, who have been squires of Old Hunstanton village for hundreds of years. With various workshops and stalls gathered under one roof, this is one of the largest antiques centres in Norfolk.
- Visit Hunstanton Lifeboat Station, which is open to visitors every Sunday between 08:30 – noon, to learn about the important work of the RNLI saving lives at sea.
- Admire the beautiful Old Lighthouse. Built to warn ships of the numerous dangerous sandbanks which hug the Norfolk coast, the first lighthouse was built in Hunstanton in 1666. The current building dates back to 1844 and is now used as holiday accommodation if you fancy a stay with a difference.
- Next to the Old Lighthouse lies the ruins of St. Edmund’s Chapel, originally built in 1272 in memory of St. Edmund, who landed in Hunstanton in 855 to be crowned King of East Anglia. He became the first patron saint of England after defeats by the Viking invaders.
- Go fossil hunting through geological history! With their striking band of white chalk sat on top of the dark orange carrstone base, you can’t fail to miss these famous stripey cliffs. The cliffs begin just north of the town in Old Hunstanton, with access available near St. Edmund’s Chapel. If you go down at low tide, you’ll find lots of rockpools to explore, and be able to admire the beauty of these towering, colourful natural wonders from the lower sandy reaches of the beach. Make sure you keep a close eye out for fossils washed out from the 100-million-year-old cliffs, including ammonites, sponges and belemnites.
- Grab a coffee at the Old Town Beach Café, situated right on the beach in Old Hunstanton. This dog-friendly café has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and serves delicious homemade, quality food alongside an array of hot and hold drinks.
- Play a round at Hunstanton Golf Club – arguably a golf club with one of the best views in England! This challenging 18-hole course has played host to some of the biggest names in golfing history, including two of the world’s best female golfers.
- Browse for gifts at The Strandline – a pretty little giftshop in the heart of the village which also sells traditional seaside goods.
FAQs
Does Hunstanton have a fair?
It does! Rainbow funfair is situated on the seafront, and has lots of traditional and modern rides, including a merry-go-round, helter-skelter, ferris wheel and big slides.
Can you swim at Hunstanton?
Being shallow and with a gentle slope, Hunstanton beach is perfect for young and old to paddle and swim. The main beach has a Blue Flag award and in 2015 was awarded the Seaside Award for its cleanliness and beach management.
Is the beach sandy at Hunstanton?
Hunstanton main beach is a mixture of shingle and sand, with large areas of sand exposed at low tide. Further north, Old Hunstanton beach is a huge stretch of golden sands, perfect for building sandcastles!
Can you walk from Hunstanton to Old Hunstanton?
Yes! The two places are linked by an easy stroll along the Esplanade, through the pretty Victorian gardens. You can also walk along the beach between the two resorts.
