Charming coastal places to stay in Norfolk
Sweeping sandy beaches, the glittering coast and a web of waterways are on the doorstep of seven of our favourite coastal places to stay in Norfolk. For the active, there are waves to catch on the north coast; canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding; or a blowy stomp along the Norfolk Coast Path as it twists and turns for 84 miles. For the creative, there’s endless inspiration to be found in the vast skies and coastal landscapes. For everyone, there are boat trips to watch the seals play at Blakeney Point.
The Moat House, Hindringham
This enchanting hideaway overlooks the ancient moat of Hindringham Hall and has a secluded garden where you can relax in the sun, read or just watch the wildlife – grebes, moorhens, geese and two resident black swans. Hop on walking paths from the door or drive ten-minutes or take the Coast Hopper Bus to the north Norfolk coast for the glorious coastal path. The friendly owners know all there is to know about the area and you’re welcome to roam the garden here on days when it is open to the public, and use the tennis court too.
Tuck into a welcome tray of tea, coffee, milk and sugar sipped from pretty china and coloured by freshly cut flowers from the garden. Downstairs is open plan, with French windows opening to the garden; upstairs is the bedroom with stacks of books and spectacular views.
“We had a wonderful week here and loved the free garden visit with its very interesting medieval fish ponds. The Norfolk coast is within easy reach. When visiting in May don’t miss the Azalea gardens at nearby Stody estate.” – Guest Bert
The Old Rectory Catfield, Great Yarmouth
This elegant ivy-clad old rectory in the Norfolk Broads is just six miles from the coast and there are footpaths from the door that take you for walks from 20 minutes to two hours long. The villages of Sea Palling and Waxham have unspoilt beaches and are just 15 minutes down the road. Return to flower-filled gardens, a heated swimming pool, tennis and an easy-going host, Penny.
Roam 20 acres of beautiful gardens, watch a DVD in the TV room or settle next to the fire in the comfy sitting room and choose from piles of books and games. Breakfast usually includes fruit, yogurt, homemade granola and a full English, enjoyed around the kitchen table or in the more traditional dining room – Penny lets you choose. Head out for dinner – there are some good pubs and restaurants within three or four miles.
“A delightful stay at The Old Rectory to explore the Broads. Penny is a mine of information and prepared a plan to help us, whether discovering the marshes or walking on the coast.” – Guest Lynne
Stay at The Old Rectory Catfield >
Banes Cottage, Hindringham
This cosy gardener’s cottage in the gardens of a stately home is a ten-minute drive to the North Norfolk coast for the coastal path, a little further to wonderful sandy beaches at Holkham, fascinating salt marshes, and boat trips to see the seals from Blakeney Quay. Wells-next-the-Sea is a pretty harbour town with a nature reserve and a stunning beach.
Return to a real coal fire, plenty of games, books and DVDs; store your boots, bikes and muddy dog towels in the scullery to the side. You’re welcome to use the tennis court, and the lovely garden space with far-reaching views is the best place for a barbecue. You’re free to roam the gardens on open days in spring and summer; guided tours of the house take place occasionally during the year.
“10 mins from the sea and the beautiful North Norfolk Coast with many lovely walks, sailing at Blakeney or Morston and wild lavender covered flats at Morston.” – Owner Lynda
Suaeda Cottage, Burnham Overy Staithe
There are beautiful walks from this comfortable traditional cottage on the beautiful North Norfolk coast with many birds to spot, especially along the sea wall to the beach. From the harbour (once able to be reached by big ships) you can watch a plethora of sailing boats and head out to Scolt Head Island. A path leads from the coast road to a block of old cottages, one of which is Suaeda. At the front is a lovely cobbled yard with a tamarisk tree. At the back, a beautiful, secluded walled garden.
There’s plenty of space for all your gear and the sitting room is charming and quirky and leads to the dining room and kitchen, well-kept and pleasingly old-fashioned. Bedrooms and loft room are upstairs. You’ll love it all: the old sash windows, the book-laden shelves, the winding staircases, the family furniture. You’re a minute’s walk from the harbour for super dog walks and Cley, Thornham and Titchwell are just along the coast.
“Suaeda Cottage is delightful with a good position near the Staithe, the local pub and the coffee trolley (and I think in summer homemade ice cream from a van).” – Guest Angela
The Green Pavilion, Lower Gresham
Glimpse this award-winning eco home through the lofty trees and wild grasses of deepest Norfolk – you’re steeped in nature and just ten-minutes to the nearest sandy beach at West Runton. From here you can walk 25 minutes to Cromer for a glimpse of the lovely pier. There’s more: walk Weavers’ Way, take boat trips at Blakeney, birdwatch at the salt marshes. To explore on wheels, hire bikes and have them delivered.
Back in your cleverly designed open-plan living space enjoy gleaming glass walls and a peaked ceiling soaring skyward to a mesh of solid oak beams. You’ll feel warm by the wood burner (kindling and logs provided) even if the weather is doing its worst. Fire up the barbecue in the garden on balmy evenings, stargaze on the veranda.
“Lovely relaxing place to stay. Ideally situated for a walk in/out stay. The homemade biscuits on arrival were a welcome gift and the owners are lovely, too!” – Guest Vicky
The Harper, Langham
Close to the expansive north Norfolk coast, this contemporary hotel is a wonderful treat with a laid-back vibe and excellent food. It’s an entirely unfussy sort of place where children and dogs are welcomed as warmly as adults. From the village, you can walk into open countryside with footpaths to Blakeney and the coast. A designated AONB, come for brisk walks through windswept dunes, crab fishing in uncrowded harbours, seal spotting at Blakeney Point, bird-watching in a landscape of salt marshes, creeks and mudflats.
Return to sleep deeply in one of 32 bedrooms (big, bigger, biggest) all with contemporary four-posters and top-notch bathrooms. Get breakfast – all home cooked to order – delivered to your room if you fancy a lazy start to the day. Supper is also a treat: modern British dishes using local food.
“The ‘Bigger Room’ category and bathroom were very well appointed and the courtyard is a lovely place to sit for drinks and snacks.” – Guest Diane
Cartshed Cottages at Sharrington Hall, Holt
Here is coastal heaven near vast expanses of sandy beaches at Holkham and Brancaster, miles of marshy horizons at Blakeney and Salthouse, classic clifftop walks at Weybourne and Overstrand, all under big, big skies. You stay in four pretty cottages with private terraces, a shared garden and muted interiors inspired by Norfolk’s landscapes.
Each cottage has immaculate white towels, a roll-top tub, REN lotions and a wood burner, and all (bar Samphire) a bathroom for every room. Oak or painted floorboards are topped with rugs, custom-made kitchens have large range cookers, coir carpeted stairs lead to walk-in showers and delicious crisp beds. The setting is brilliant, half a mile from an award-winning deli and close to beaches.
“Delightful cosy cottage in a quiet rural location with easy access to country and coastal walks, smart small towns and gastro pubs.” – Guest Christine
Stay at Cartshed Cottages at Sharrington Hall >
