Holkham Bay, Norfolk

Introduction

The 69km (43 mile) stretch of North Norfolk coast is a mix of sublime sandy beaches, velvet-green pine forests, flourishing saltmarshes, weird mudflats, windmills and pretty villages. Much is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and there are some lovely walking trails. It’s a wonderful area for birdwatching and wildlife, as well as watersports, and is as dramatically beautiful in the wilds of winter as it is basking in the summer sun. The insanely pretty village of Wells-Next-the-Sea is a great base, close to the coast’s finest beach: Holkham Bay.

Who goes there?

With traditional seaside entertainment and one of the region’s most beautiful beaches, Wells-Next-the-Sea and nearby Holkham Bay attract everyone, from families longing to build sandcastles to nature lovers who appreciate the dramatic scenery and varied wildlife.

Where in the world?

Holkham Bay lies on the west coast of England, on the North Norfolk coast, next to the village of Wells-Next-the-Sea. The nearest large town is King’s Lynn, some 40km (25 miles) to the east. The city of Norwich lies approximately 60km (37 miles) to the south and is also the location of the nearest airport for the region, Norwich International Airport (NWI).

When to go?

The climate is temperate with warm summers and cool, wet winters. The hottest months of the year, and the best time for hitting the beach, are from June to September, with temperatures reaching an average high of 26°C (78°F) in August. However, English summers are often unreliable and rainfall can be frequent throughout the year, so always remember to pack a jumper in case skies become overcast.

Beach

Do you remember Gwyneth Paltrow striding along a perfect, wild beach at the end of Shakespeare in Love? It wasn’t Hawaii, but Holkham. Holkham Bay is the finest beach on the North Norfolk coast, and a contender for one of the best in Britain. Around 5km (3 miles) of shimmering white-gold sand stretch as far as the eye can see, hidden away behind a pine forest. It’s a marvellous surprise following the short walk from the nearby car park.

Besides pines, the beach is backed by sea lavender and golden dunes, and a row of shabby-chic, brightly painted beach huts. Look out for dark green fritillary butterflies and peregrine falcons. But take care swimming – only swim where it is marked safe by red and yellow flags as there are strong tidal currents.

Beyond the beach

From the nearby village of Blakeney, several companies offer boat trips to see the seal colony on Blakeney Point. Around 500 common and grey seals live there, and the best time to see them is between June and August when there will be lots of furry, white pups, or in September when you might get to see their mating dance. Trips take around one hour and run every day from April to October.

Family fun

Holkham Bay is ideal for building sandcastles, flying kites, splashing around, picnics and running about. You might even spot the Queen, who has been known to walk her corgis here – her country retreat is only a few miles away at Sandringham. Pools of water often form on the beach, creating safe paddling pools where children can play.

A few miles from Holkham, Wells-Next-the-Sea is a charming little Georgian town that rewards a curious wander and attracts hoards of ice cream-toting tourists in summer. On the outskirts of town is the Narrow Gauge Steam Train , which puffs the 6.5km (4 miles) to Little Walsingham with its ruined abbey, or else take the toytown-like Wells Harbour Railway to the beach.

If stately homes are your bag, you’re in for a treat: the Palladian mansion of Holkham Hall is 3km (2 miles) away, set in a vast and verdant deer park close to the beach. Holkham is also on the Peddar Way or Norfolk Coastal Path, and you can walk a glorious section to the picturesque windmill at Burnham (and then take the bus back).

Retail therapy

Packed with bijou little shops selling souvenirs, crafts and clothes, Wells is a prime window-shopping territory. Pick up delicious provisions at Wells Deli (15 The Quay).

Eating out

There’s a basic cafe next to the beach car park, where you can buy sandwiches, ice lollies and cups of tea. However, it’s better to take a picnic with you (stock up in Wells), or try the Victoria Hotel at Holkham , which serves local produce both in its restaurant and bar.

Otherwise, there are lots of restaurants, pubs and cafes in and around Wells. The Norfolk Riddle (2 Wells Road, Little Walsingham) receives good reports and is recommended for fish; all ingredients are locally sourced. Walk through the same-ownership fish and chip shop to reach the relaxed, terracotta-and-wood restaurant.

Getting around

You can navigate Wells on foot, no problem. The steam train serves Holkham Bay; otherwise it’s a mere 3km (2 mile) walk. The Norfolk Coast Hopper  goes through Wells on its way between Hunstanton and Sheringham, and stops at Holkham too.

Exploring further afield

Head down the coast to Brancaster Staithe and take a boat trip to catch a sight of the seals and birds at Blakeney Point with Beans Boat Trips . From April to October visitors can head out with the knowledgeable crew to sea the cute creatures basking pn the sandbanks and swimming inquisitively around the boat – perfect for photo opportunities.

Splashing out

Have a look at the Big Sky Gallery on the way out of town, which sells ‘beautiful things’ created in Norfolk. Many of the sculptures and furniture are made from reclaimed materials found along the coast.

Flying in

Norwich International Airport (NWI)
London Stansted Airport (STN)

Tags: Autumn Wilder, Bak, Barrio Azteca, beach, beach party, coast, England, english, Wild Wild West, wildlife