by Gary / 0 comments - Orginally published:13th July 2017
A Norfolk countryside road trip, within a county road trip
We were having a spectacular time on our tour of Norfolk. Great Yarmouth had been great, we were spellbound with Norwich, and Cromer has beaten our expectations. Could this trip get any better?
Well simply put, yes!
When planning this trip we had seen the 'North Coast Road Trip' route on the Visit Norfolk site, so it was going to happen.
The route runs from Hunstanton to Cromer or vice-versa. As we were based in Cromer, we set off in a westerly direction, along the A149.
Why not Pin it for later?
Our Route
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Full steam ahead to Sheringham
Discover the historic North Norfolk RailwayThe first stop came in no time, just under 5 miles after leaving Cromer, and you arrive at Sheringham. It's a wonderful town on the coast, home to the Sheringham' museum, but we're here to fulfil a need for a little nostalgia.
Sheringham Station Sign
You see Sheringham is one end of the line of the North Norfolk Railway, a historic service that runs a variety of steam & diesel locomotives.
All aboard the North Norfolk Railway Line
John the Guard on the North Norfolk Railway Line
The station is decked out in a period theme, and coupled with the smell of a coal-fired train can easily transport you to a bygone era.
The platform of Sheringham Station
On-board the North Norfolk Railway Line
Tempting though it is to take the train to Holt, we've got a date with the road - another time.
Diesel and Steam
If you get time
Why not take a trip on the train, we would have if we'd allowed ourselves enough time.
The Norfolk roads beckon
Tiny villages and Quaint flint cottagesSo we continue our journey westwards, through Weybourne, Salthouse and Cley, passing the lighthouse on the way. It was slightly off-putting when you come across The Muckleburgh Military Collection, to see the armoured rocket launcher at the roadside.
Still, the rest of the scenery is in keeping with these lovely little villages. The flint cottages have stood the test of time, and on this glorious May day, the sun highlights the details.
Progress is leisurely; sure you can hustle along at 60mph/100kph between villages if you wanted to, but why would you? Enjoy the scenery.
If you're intrigued by Norfolk, a UK county with an interesting past, then why not check out "The Little Book of Norfolk". Full of facts and obscure information. It's a fun read on the region.
You can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old hardcover. (Depending on region)
The next stop is Wells-next-the-Sea
Crabbing the picturesque harbourAnd we've rolled into Wells-next-the-Sea; yep, that's the correct spelling, checked & double checked.
There's a car park next to the quay, so we pop in and drop anchor. (Oh really, there's no need for naff nautical terms)
Moored up at Wells-next-the-Sea
This place is stunning, folks are tucking into ice creams, as the sun beats down on us. On another day, in cooler weather, and the fish 'n' chip shop would be pulling in the crowds.
Wells-next-the-Sea
The harbour is a collection of boats, from those for pleasure to those for work, scouring the waters for the crabs this area is famous for.
Tourist Information
If you're tempted by the beautiful English county of Norfolk and its incredible far reaching coastline take a look at the 'Visit Norfolk' official website.
Lifeboats at Wells-next-the-Sea
There's also the hero's, the RNLI; these boats would have saved many a life over the years. However, the monument to eleven of the lifeboat 'Eliza Adams', who lost there lives in 1880, reminds us these waters can still be cruel.
Where we stayed
We stayed at the Cliftonville Hotel, in Cromer. A charming hotel, with the feel of a bygone era, friendly staff and excellent access to Cromer.
The Quay at Wells-next-the-Sea
As you stroll along the front you may notice folks sitting on the edge, buckets by their sides, trailing a line into the water - they're crabbing, that's trying to catch those prized crustaceans.
However, you won't be competing with the professionals.
Crabs or Lobsters?
Have a go
If you want to try your hand at crabbing, you will find the 'kits' available to buy along the front.
Lunching at Wells-next-the-Sea
A seafood platter fit for a king (or queen)And we have a bit of an appetite, so we seek out somewhere for a quick bite - the Wells Crab House catches our eye. Once inside & seated the seafood platter sounds tempting, so we order.
A seafood platter
It was a mighty feast, a festival of fare from the sea. It seems fitting.
Plenty of Choice
We really enjoyed our lunch at the Wells Crab House. However, on the route there's something for everyone. From perfect pubs, to coffee shops, tea houses, fine restaurants, or why not have a picnic on one of the beaches along the route?
The glorious coastline of Hunstanton awaits
Norfolk just keeps on givingWe're back on the road again, and we're heading towards the Burnhams, that's Burnham Overy Staithe, Burnham Deepdale, and a minor detour to see Burnham Market ( we skipped Burnham Overy Town & Burnham Thorpe)
The shoreline at Hunstanton
In no time at all, we seem to arrive at Hunstanton and the end or start, of the route.
Across the countryside to Holt
Now I have an idea, lets find the end of the "Poppy Line"I could turn around and take the A149 easterly, and I do as far as Burnham Market, before detouring towards Fakenham. The plan is to pick-up the A148 towards Cromer, passing the charming sounding Little Snoring (No really, it's a place - Us Brit's are just so funny), before arriving at Holt.
A shelter at Holt Station
Remember Holt? The other end of the North Norfolk Railway, and a chance to catch the other end of the line.
Coming into Holt Station
End of the line - Holt Station
Ahhh, More steam trains…
It's only 10 miles/17kms back to Cromer, and the promise of a Fish 'n' Chip supper.
Fish 'n' Chips at No1 Cromer
Escape for a few days
Are you searching for a tranquil hideaway to unwind in, while you explore the picturesque Norfolk landscape?
After a day visiting the golden beaches or touring the charming, quaint villages return to one of the handpicked properties and unique retreats at Holiday Cottages.
Our north Norfolk road trip in Summary
We squeezed this trip into one day as part of a bigger road trip. You could easily take this at a more leisurely pace over a few days if you like. There's plenty to see & do along the route.
The totals for the entire day were 79.2miles/128kms, broken down as follows;
- Cromer to Sheringham 4.4miles/7.1km
- Sheringham to Wells-next-the-Sea 16.8miles/27km<
- Wells-next-the-Sea to Hunstanton 15.7miles/25.3km
- Hunstanton to Holt 34miles/54.7km
- Holt to Cromer 8.4miles/13.6km
Have You?
Travelled the North Norfolk Coastal Route? What's Your favourite destination along the route?
Would you like a little more?
We have created a little YouTube video of the highlights of our journey
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A little more of Norfolk
Our few days in Norfolk gave us some wonderful memories, Why not check out our posts on the places we visited with tips & inspiration to get the most out of your visit?
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