Actvities
We know that our guests come to our Norfolk holiday cottages on the North Norfolk coast for a variety of activities just as we do, so here are some ideas for you and your family to see how lovely the beaches are, how fabulous the walking, birdwatching, boating, riding and golf are, how happy your children will be, and how tired the dog will be after a day on the go!
One bit of advice it's worth taking note of is that the beach road to Brancaster beach floods above 1.8 meters tide and even if this won't trap you on the beach for very long, driving through the salty water will do your car no good at all. Its best avoided. So keep an eye of the TIDE times.
YEAR ROUND ACTIVITIES
SAILING & BOATING
Brancaster Staithe is a natural harbour which provides the perfect environment for boating enthusiasts of all types. Whether you are a beginner staying in the network of creeks around the harbour, or a seasoned sailor setting off down the well-marked channel to the open seas, Brancaster will provide you with an excellent day out.
Sailing lessons are available through Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club (BSSC ) who also arrange sailing training and competition weeks, a Mirror dinghy week and the annual regatta.
We recommend you contact the sailing club for further information before you arrive - the courses do fill up very quickly, especially during school holidays!
There is also another lovely harbour a few miles along the coast at Burnham Overy Staithe and you can also sail from Wells and Blakeney.
There is a sailing company called FAIRE sailing and you can book sailing lessons at all levels from there as you can also do from WELLS Sailing Club not much further down the coast.
GOLF GALORE
There are some fantastic golf courses nearby starting with the famous ROYAL WEST NORFOLK GOLF CLUB otherwise known as Brancaster Golf Club which is a stones throw from Close Cottage, and similarly, HUNSTANTON Golf Club is walking distance from Barnwell Cottage.
But you don’t have to go too much further afield to get to some other outstanding links courses including ROYAL CROMER GOLF CLUB and SHERINGHAM GOLF CLUB both of which are not more than 45 minutes away.
If you prefer an inland course then KINGS LYNNE Golf Club is a great track and only 25 minutes away but you also have HEACHAM, THETFORD and FAKENHAM also within very easy reach.
This part of the world is truly a golfers paradise and with the friendliness of the locals and the fantastic local beer and food, you could satisfy even the most ardent of golf enthusiasts.
Finally, for the less serious golfer or newbie there is FAKENHAM Fairways, where there is a fantastic 9 hole Pitch & Putt course that can provide great fun for all the family, or offer you the chance to sharpen up your short game skills.
WALKING
East Anglia is famous for being ‘flat’ and this together with its beautiful scenery and huge beaches make it perfect for walking all year round.
The coastal path is on the doorstep of both of our Norfolk holiday cottages – it passes outside the sitting room window of Close Cottage, so you are immediately ‘on it’ and can be off across the harbour and heading towards Burnham Overy along the marshes in no time at all.
Peddars Way reaches Holme and runs into the coastal path just a stone’s throw from Barnwell Cottage. Many pamphlets and books about walking in this part of Norfolk are available and you can see a plan of the coastal path at BRITISH WALKS
The Norfolk Coast Path is a long-distance footpath in Norfolk, running 83 miles from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea. It was opened in 1986 and covers the North Norfolk Coast AONB. You can do as little or as much of the path as you want and if you really can't muster the strength to walk all the way back, then jump on the COAST hopper bus to bring you back home
CYCLING
There is SO much cycling to be had in North Norfolk, through low-lying landscapes and traditional villages and along quiet country lanes. After riding along the tree-lined avenues of the Sandringham Estate if you also like birdwatching, you can visit RSPB Snettisham which attracts waders, ducks and geese. The high tide creates a great wildlife spectacle, as thousands of birds are forced off the vast mudflats of The Wash onto the reserve's lagoons.
Visit Houghton Hall, once home to Sir Robert Walpole before heading to the Norfolk Coast AONB with its endless beaches backed by dunes and move ontoHolt, from where you can explore more of the coast with visits to Sheringham or Cromer or even head to the Norfolk Broads if you are very keen.
You could also head to Holkham National Nature Reserve and explore its idyllic park. There’s over 3000 acres of parkland to discover, so you may want to bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic with a view or follow the walking and cycling routes to explore off the beaten track.
If you really are a mad keen cyclist, then why not take on Called the REBELLION Way, which is a 232-mile (373km) route beginning and ending in the city of Norwich. It is designed to be ridden over four to six days in one go but can be comfortably split in half at King's Lynn with easy onward transport options
BEACH FUN
There are some fantastic beaches within a stone's throw of both our cottages. Brancaster beach is as famous for families with buckets and spades as it is with professional kitesurfers and it is so big there is room enough for everyone. The car park is a council run one, so be prepared for £3-£4 per day. There is a beach shop with sweets and ice creams/lollies and the essential beach items if you need to stock up!
One of the reasons that this part of the North Norfolk coast is so popular is the tremendous tidal flow, the tide goes out for miles leaving huge sandy beaches and empty harbours which are great fun to explore and offer the chance for lots of activities such as walking, riding, building sandcastles and beach cricket, to name a few.
High tide is the time for boating. It is really important that you understand how high the tides are and when they will be in, even if you are not ‘into’ boats. The beach road to the beach and the RWN Golf Club (from Brancaster church) floods when the tide exceeds 8m.
Please note this is sea water which we prefer not to drive through (makes cars rust like hell!) Both our Norfolk holiday cottages have a set of tide tables for your use during your stay, but to check what the sea is up to in advance, take a look at one of these links which will give you an idea of times and heights
KITES AND KITESURFING
Whether you want a beach kite from the beach shop or you want a 4 Metre monster that could lift you clean to Holland, the North Norfolk beaches are the best in the country. Its almost always at least a little bit windy and even of still days you can get your kite up and have some fun. If you want to join the elite and try some Kitesurfing you can contact "Windsurfing Hunstanton"
Hunstanton beaches are popular with kitesurfers due to the large expanse of relatively flat unobstructed water. The prevailing south-westerly wind gives the beaches the cross-shore conditions kitesurfers prefer.
You can park at the pay-and-display car park on the promenade or join Hunstanton Sailing Club and use their facilities. If you go down the concrete slipway and bear to the left, pass over the first groynes - this is where the majority of local kitesurfers prefer to set up. For your own safety, it is recommended that you only launch your kite when you and the water are clear of the groyne. You will also need to check tide tables at easytide.ukho.gov.uk, as setting up and launching is not possible at high tide.
On a spring tide, sand bars form, creating large areas of flat water which give ideal conditions for both learners and the more experienced to practise their moves.
BIRD WATCHING & WILDLIFE
Norfolk is often described at the birdwatching capital of Britain. With rare visiting birds and a wealth of nature reserves, north Norfolk is ideal for birdwatching all year round.
Bird watching through the seasons North Norfolk is a birdwatchers' paradise with rare birds often paying a visit due to north Norfolk’s proximity to the European continental mainland, and there is a wealth of nature reserves to get up close to unique species.
In Spring, watch birds of prey dancing in the sky and at nature reserves you can see wading birds with their colourful breeding plumage pass through on their way to the Arctic. Reedbeds, woods and hedgerows are filled with the songs of the newly-arrived swifts and warblers. Local speciality species seen in Spring include breeding marsh harrier,...
North West Norfolk’s beaches, marshes and tidal flow provide a unique environment for many different varieties of birdlife, from native wading birds to flocks of migrating geese. Our stretch of the coastline is a favourite destination for Britain’s birdwatchers. There are a number of RSPB reserves within a short drive of both cottages. The Titchwell reserve has recently undergone a lot of work to improve its protection against coastal erosion and a number of new hides have been opened. It has an on-site café and visitor centre, plenty of parking, its own Coasthopper bus stop and is the nearest reserve to both our cottages. It They regularly organise family days as well as hosting RSPB members and other birdwatchers alike. You can find out the latest information about how work is progressing and what’s on by calling the shop during opening hours :
- 01485 210779, or
- Email: Titchwell@rspb.org.uk;
- or visit the website
Snettisham Reserve is a short drive from Hunstanton, so very near to Barnwell and Close Cottage too.
You can contact them on
- 01485 542689 or
- Email: snettisham@rspb.org.uk
If you would like to arrange your own bird-watching tour, contact
Richard Foss of Anglian Bird Tours on
01263 732350 / 07836 693540 or
Email: elizrichfoss@btinternet.com
He provides guidance all year round and is a must for first time visitors who are interested in discovering East Anglia’s amazing birdlife.
EATING OUT
If you are at Close Cottage you can't go far wrong with great pub grub at the JOLLY SAILORS. It is really good food and with great ale to accompany your food you can't go far wrong. In the day time you have a play area for your children and dogs outsdie and if you only want a takeaway pizza you can still order after 9:00 PM when the rest of the food service will stop.
A bit further up the road and a bit more upmarket is the WHITEHORSE You pay a bit more and have to book (unlike the Jolly where you CANNOT book) but it is worth it at least once during your visit. Both these pubs are good value and are managed by the same team.
If you are struggling to cook that full English then why not treat yourself to a fry up at the Deepdale Cafe which is next to Leftleys COSTCUTTERS (where you get your petrol at Burnham Deepdale) This is less than 1 mile away on the road to Burnham Market and certainly Walkable.
Back up market is the HOSTE ARMS in Burnham Market which is always good and the pub itself is dog friendly and Socius, which is outstanding. It is bristih Tapas and if not quite Michelin Star but not far off it and well worth a visit.
The LORD NELSON at Burnham Thorpe is a pub in the village of birth of the great Admiral and had food and a well stocked bar but more importantly, it has plenty of history and nostalgia. Definitely worth a visit especially on BBQ nights in the summer where you can even catch the end of the local cricket matches.
If you are staying at Barnwell you are equally spoiled, as most of the places listed above are almost as accessible but the following are a bit closer to you:
We cannot recommend THE NEPTUNE restaurant highly enough. It is Micheliin One Star and whilst not cheap, compared to London is fantastic value. Kevin and Jacki only have 18 or so covers and they look after you personally as if you were dining in their own home.
Other places you may want to consider going to include, THE LIFEBOAT INN at Thornham, THE ORANGE TREE at Thornham which has won a few awards, THE ANCIENT MARINER, just up the beach in Old Hunstanton, a perfect pit stop after a long walk along those huge beaches.
The local pub in Holme is the Whitehorse, no web site yet but worth a short walk for some lovely beers. THE OLD COACH HOUSE in Thornham looks pleasant but we haven't been there ourselves yet so can't recommend with confidence yet.
HORSE RIDING
The beaches in north Norfolk offer really outstanding spaces for you and your horse to have a truly memorable ride. The beach at Holkham is particularly renowned for its equestrian visitors, which include the Kings Troop. There is an area for parking trailers and lorries, as well as a dedicated horse walk through the dunes, across the marsh flats and onto the beach. You are likely to encounter dogs, children, kites, windbreakers – and bikes! So if your horse is nervous or young, plan to ride with a friend and go outside peak season, all these wonderful locations are within easy reach of our both of our Norfolk holiday cottages.
Holkham Beach
There is now a pay and display machine at the car park, at the top end where the boxes park. At busy times there is usually a car park attendant on duty as well, who can issue you a ticket. The cost of parking a trailer or horsebox there is £20 and we recommend you have this ready in one pound coins, although you can pay by credit card. It may sound a lot but it is worth it. There is no water there for offering the horses a drink or for washing them down afterwards, so take your own.
If it’s your first time riding on the beach, do feel free to call us and we are happy to help based on our own experience. It is advisable to prepare for the beach as per XC – i.e. wear long sleeves and body protectors in case of a fall –sand and shells can give you a very nasty graze!
Brancaster
You can ride down the beach road to Brancaster which also provides a great space at low tide for a superb gallop. The car park by the golf club does NOT provide access for trailers and boxes, so you will need to park at the top of the road next to the church or on Mill Road which is directly opposite the church (going uphill to Docking)
Holme next the Sea
You can also ride at Holme which is a lovely riding beach, but it is not so easy to park there and I would recommend keeping your horse nearby if you are staying at Barnwell. The parking at Barnwell does allow for a trailer to be reversed in and parked whilst you ride, if you are keeping your horse at a distance. It does not accommodate even a small lorry, so do call me to discuss if you need to.
Stabling
There are a number of places which can take horses on holiday livery within easy reach of our Norfolk holiday cottages, please call them direct with plenty of notice and discuss your needs as they are always busy!
KAYAKING
At Close Cottage you have access to the house 2 man kayak and a set of different size buoyancy aides (not a full life jacket but will keep you afloat comfortably)
There is also a little trolley which will help you drag it the short distance to the harbour.
Although the "draft", that is, how much the kayak sinks below the water line when you are in it, is tiny, and therefore you really don't need very deep water at all to float in it, it is best you plan your trips into the marshes. We always find it is better to go half an hour before high tide (you are being pushed and helped into the marshes when the tide is coming in) and then after a paddle around in the marshes, the tide will be going out and you get the benefit of the current with the tide going out. But you can go at almost any time except low water. Enjoy, it's great fun, we even take our dog on the Kayak and she loves it too.
CRABBING
The fun we have had with our friends and family crabbing off Brancaster Staite Harbour moorings is endless.
It is such a simple thing to do with a crab line (you can buy them anywhere but there may even be some in the storage boxes at Close or the Shed at Barnwell) and a bit of cut up bacon.
Don't worry, everyone always puts them back and the crabs get a nice meal out of it. You need to be down at the harbour an hour either side of high tide to get the best of it. Do keep an eye on the tides as they can rather dictate your activities.
Tide time tables can be found HERE.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS AND MUST VISITS
There are number of things to do when the weather is not so great. Younger children (and some adults) will love RAINBOW Park fun fair and the amazing undersea world at SEA life, the aquarium both in Hunstanton.
For those of you interested in museums then consider visiting the HUNSTANTON Heritage centre, where there are some very interesting displays of "Sunny Hunny" in times gone by.
You should also go to SANDRINGHAM estate, as they have really switched on to the tourist market and I promise you, you will be amazed just how many activites they now put on there, so there is always plenty to do all year round.
Take a look at the THURSFORD collection near Fakenham, again, this is a tourist attraction that has developed considerably over the last few years and is worth a visit, especially (but not only) on a rainy day.
Curtis cottages by Gillian Read
Fed up with the daily drudge? of working 9-5,
Then book our Curtis Cottage, and you’ll start to feel alive,
We are down in lovely Norfolk, Brancaster Staithe,
So close to all the beaches, you can almost hear the waves,
All bedding is provided, and so are Towels and Heating,
You can bet your bottom dollar, that Norfolk takes some beating,
We have made our Cottages as homely as can be,
So book a Curtis Cottage, and enjoy the Beach and Sea,
There's the Harbour and the Restaurants, kayaking, and the yachts,
A playground for the little kids and all your tiny tots
A Special place to holiday, so get in touch with Liz!
Book a Curtis cottage, and make some Memories!