Hunstanton
This charming Victorian seaside resort is visited by thousands of day trippers and holiday makers each year. Regarded affectionately by the locals as 'Sunny Honey', it is renowned for its lovely safe beaches, unique striped cliffs and magnificent sunsets - a result of the town's unique west facing position on the north Norfolk coast.
Fossils can be found below the
cliffs at low tide © Travel
About Britain
The resort was purpose built in 1846 by local landowner Hamon L'Estrange, taking advantage of the arrival of the railways and its natural seaside location. The resort was later endorsed by Edward VII when he came here to recover from typhoid fever. At one time the town boasted a charming Victorian pier and railway station, which unfortunately have both long since disappeared. However, this small seaside town still retains much of its 19th century charm.
Hunstanton has two distinct regions. To the south is an excellent Victorian style resort, with a long Esplanade, attractive gardens and many traditional seaside attractions. Old Hunstanton to the north, with its iconic stripped cliffs, has a more of a oldy world charm. With quaint cottages, old pubs and a first class sandy beach backed by dunes and colourful beach huts. A brisk walk along the cliff tops will take you from one area of the resort to another, providing superb views across the Wash estuary. A land train also runs during the summer months between the two parts of the town.
Hunstanton Town Green © Travel About Britain
Hunstanton has many lovely outdoor spaces to enjoy, including cliff top walks and beautiful award winning gardens. In the heart of town a pleasant green overlooks the sea - an ideal spot for a picnic or to enjoy the local fish and chips. The town's neatly planted Esplanade Gardens win Awards Annually.
Hunstanton Promenade © Travel About Britain
Local attractions include the Princess Theatre, Sea Life Sanctuary, funfair, amusements, boat trips on the wash, pony rides, crazy golf, pitch and putt and all many other traditional elements. The coastline in this area is excellent for canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and water skiing.
There are over 100 shops within the town centre, ranging from small independent establishments to larger well known stores. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants for refreshment and a good number of kiosks and stalls lining the promenade, selling all the seaside favourites, from donuts and ice cream, to seafood and souvenirs. Regular outdoor markets are held on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.
Hunstanton's Famous Striped Cliffs © Travel About Britain
The famous striped cliffs, which look out across the Wash just to the north of the town, are made of carstone and red and white chalk. The Old Lighthouse, visible above the cliffs, was built to warn shipping of the dangerous sandbanks in the Wash. First erected in 1666 (although the current structure only dates back to 1844), it has been tastefully converted into a self-catering holiday flats.
Walks Near Hunstanton
The 'Norfolk Coast Path' begins at Hunstanton
and covers some 63 miles of spectacular
coastline, all the way to Sea Palling on the north
east coast. It provides rewarding coastal views
and passes through several areas of outstanding natural
beauty. Holme-next-the-Sea (just to the north of
Hunstanton), is the start of the Peddars
Way. A long
distance footpath that runs through remote Norfolk
countryside, to Knettishall Heath, near Thetford.
Attractions in Hunstanton
Alive Oasis
A modern municipal facility, located on the seafront, with an indoor fun pool, indoor play area, roller skating, indoor bowls a fitness studio and a café with sea views.
Blackbeards Crazy Golf
A crazy golf themed adventure on the Promenade. Open daily throughout the summer season.
Bowling Green
Enjoy a traditional game of lawn bowls on one of the many greens available for daily hire with magnificent sea views.
Esplanade Gardens
Stunning formal Gardens laid out with colourful spring and summer bedding. A beautiful spot to sit and relax and enjoy the fresh sea air.
Funfair & Amusement Arcades
Located at the end of the south promenade, the funfair provides a mixture of fun rides, stalls and amusements for the whole family to enjoy.
Hunstanton Heritage Centre
Here you will find interesting displays about the history of Sunny Hunny, with story boards and old photographs.
Land Train
The road train runs from the cliff-top car park (near the lighthouse) to the town and leisure resort. Services run regularly during the summer season.
Princess Theatre
Located in the centre of town, the theatre provides popular live entertainment shows and films.
Sea Life Sanctuary
An indoor aquarium which is also home to penguins, otters and seals. A large underwater glass tunnel provides an up-close experience of the marine life that inhabits our local waters.
Wash Monster Sea Tours
Regular boat trips provide an interesting journey of discovery around the coastal regions of the wash. Including Seal Island and the Sandbanks in the wash, where seals can be seen sunbathing at low tide.
Map of Hunstanton
East of England
