Latest news with #VisitNorthNorfolk
Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Stunning seaside village with 4-mile golden beach crowned best mini-break in UK
With quaint cobbled streets, stone cottages, golden sands and a rich wildlife - there's no surprise this genteel seaside village was branded one of the UK's prettiest A beautiful seaside village where rolling countryside melts into golden sands and crystal-clear water has been ranked as one of the best staycation spots in the UK. Situated on the idyllic north Norfolk Coast, and enveloped in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Blakeney is the epitome of quintessential seaside charm and serenity. Here, you'll find a slew of acclaimed eateries, cosy pubs, gift shops and art galleries - all of which are nestled in picturesque alleyways and cobblestone walkways that lead out to the coast. At the heart of the village is Blakeney National Nature Reserve, a vast open space boasting uninterrupted views of the coastline beloved by walkers and wildlife lovers alike. Here, you'll be able to spot a range of birds including ringed plovers, oystercatchers, brent geese and common teal - or, you can take a boat trip to visit the seal colonies on Blakeney Point, a huge breeding site for grey seals and their pups. Blakeney is also steeped in history, with routes linking back to the Middle Ages when the village boasted a thriving port and England's largest harbour. "Tucked away in an alley just off the quay is Blakeney Guildhall, where you will find the remains of the house of a prosperous Blakeney merchant, which has a fine 15th century brick-vaulted undercroft," hails Visit North Norfolk, the area's official tourist board. "On the village outskirts, lies St Nicholas church, built between the 13th and 15th century, which unusually, has two towers. Blakeney has lots of quaint, pretty streets to wander around with spectacular views." And of course, there's Blakeney Point Beach - a four-mile stretch of shingle and sand dunes. This area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and is managed by the National Trust. With all of this in mind, it's no surprise Blakeney was recently in The Times' list of the 25 prettiest village mini breaks in the UK. The publication hailed the destination's 'holiday desirability' thanks to its rich wildlife, easy coastal walks, cafés and flint cottages. "Over the past 600 years Blakeney, just inland from the north Norfolk coast, has gone from being a medieval metropolis to a clear contender for Norfolk's cutest village," it added. Located some 134 miles from central London, it takes around three hours and 11 minutes to drive from the Big Smoke up to Blakeney. Alternatively, you can get the train from Liverpool Street over to Sheringham - which usually involves a change in Norwich and takes a similar amount of time. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £17. After arriving in Sheringham, you'll have to catch the CH1 Coasthopper bus towards Wells-next-the-Sea and alight at Blakeney Bus Shelter. This journey takes just 25 minutes. Accommodation in Blakeney is limited due to its small size, but you'll still be able to find a range of properties at varying costs. For example, a weekend's stay (Friday, August 15-17) at the Manor Coastal Hotel & Inn will set you back £468. This is based on two adults sharing a Classic Single Room. If you're looking for something a little more spacious, check out Delphinium. This three-bedroom holiday home comes with a fully equipped kitchen, 'comfortable seating area' and private garden - but costs a much pricier £784 on the exact same nights. *Prices based on Trainline and listings at the time of writing.
Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Tiny UK seaside village crowned for having Britain's most beautiful beach
A quaint seaside village that has recently welcomed a £150,000 upgrade has been praised for its pristine golden sand beach that stretches out for as far as the naked eye can see A charming seaside village has been cast into the spotlight, after its 2.2 mile soft-sand beach was named as the best in Britain. Sandwiched in between rolling hills of lush countryside and azure waters lies the often overlooked village of Hoklham. Touted as the 'jewel' of the North Norfolk Coast, this coastal gem is home to an impressive 25,000 acre estate which features perfectly manicured gardens and the grand Holkham Hall - an 18th century Palladian house, home to the Earl of Leicester. Nearby, you'll find Holkham National Nature Reserve, which is home to large flocks of wintering birds and is an important site for breeding Little Terns, Ringed Plover, and Oystercatchers. "During the winter large flocks of shorebirds can be found along the shore edge and on the developing saltmarsh in Holkham Bay," Visit North Norfolk explained. But it's Holkham's incredible coastline that really sets it aparts from the rest. Stretching out for as long as the naked eye can see, and sheltered by soaring pinewoods, this pristine beach makes you feel like you're a 'million miles away from civilisation'. It's no wonder it recently came at the top of TimeOut's league tables for the best UK beach. "Holkham would be flooded with visitors if it were just that little bit closer to London – or, like, anywhere," the publication hailed. "It's surrounded by a massive nature reserve of pinewoods and salt marsh, full of orchids, sea lavender and rare birds "The beach itself is an enormous sandy stretch dotted with dunes, and it's at least a half-hour's walk from the car park to the shoreline, meaning you see nothing but nature and sea. Oh, and maybe the odd film crew: Holkham has deservedly starred in many a movie (Shakespeare in Love, for one)." Earlier this year, work began on the boardwalk at Holkham beach - which runs from the beach car park through the forest and onto a viewing platform overlooking the sand, to make the nature reserve more accessible. Costing £150,000, the upgrade will allow wheelchair users and families with pushchairs to enjoy the area. Dr Katy Owen, protected landscapes manager at Norfolk County Council, said: "We want more people to be able to experience the sound of the wind whistling through the pine woods, smell the salty sea air and experience Holkham Bay with as few barriers as possible... The boardwalk is the culmination of many years of collaborative work with the estate, and some time ago we recognised the need to upgrade the current facility." Located some 130 miles from London, driving to Holkham from the Big Smoke takes around three hours and 36 minutes. Alternatively, you can jump on a direct train from Kings Cross over to Kings Lynn, which takes around one hour and 45 minutes. Once in Norfolk, you'll need to catch the 36 Coastliner bus towards Wells-next-the-Sea and get off at Victoria. Then, you're just a minute's walk away from the stunning sand dunes and sea breeze. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £18. Accommodation in Holkham is limited due to its small size, but The Victoria hotel offers 20 individually decorated rooms across two historical buildings. A weekend's stay (Friday, 18-21 July) in a deluxe double room named the Hare Clump will set you back £330 per night. This is based on two people sharing. If that's too out your budget, the hotel's smallest room - called Honk's Pit - cost £210 per night over the exact same dates. All prices include breakfast. *Prices based on Trainline listings at the time of writing.
