Best sunsets in west Norfolk

Burnham Overy is made up of two settlements, Burnham Overy Town the original village adjacent to the parish church and Burnham Overy Staithe, a rather larger settlement about 1 mile away and next to the creek-side harbour. Between Burnham Overy Staithe and the sea, a network of tidal creeks reach out trough marshes that fringe this stretch of coast, and finally reach the sea by passing through a gap in the sand dunes known locally as Burnham Harbour. Small boats can reach Burnham Overy Staithe through this gap and creek. Today Burnham Overy Staithe, and the associated harbour, is a major recreational sailing centre. There is a comprehensive chandlery on the quayside. It is also the point of departure for boats out to the Scolt Head Island National Nature Reserve. The Hero pub and restaurant is a couple of minutes’ walk from the quayside.

Set a little way to the north of Hunstanton is the pleasant little village of Old Hunstanton. Just far enough from the resort town of Hunstanton the village manages to retains its own character. The beach itself is a world away from the pebbles of Hunstanton main beach. Instead it is an expanse of fine golden sand, backed by dunes and the renown striped cliffs. With the sand gently sloping into the sea this beach is generally safe making it ideal for families.

Traditionally the quayside in King’s Lynn was where ships would come from all over Europe and the Hanse to deliver and collect goods. The South Quay is lined with warehouses, some of which are now restaurants and cafes. A hive of atmosphere Marriott’s Warehouse, The Rathskeller, and Bank House are all lovely places to enjoy a meal or drink whilst watching the sunset over the River Ouse in the evening.

The seaside town began as a purposely-built resort in 1846 and retains its Victorian charm and character to this day, remaining a popular holiday destination for visitors of all ages. From buzzing family activities such as Crazy Golf, Pitch-and-Putt, and the Oasis Leisure Centre to the tranquil Esplanade Gardens there is something for everyone. The town’s array of gardens are especially delightful during the spring and summer months, and you can follow a self-guided Horticultural Trail to make sure you experience them all. Hunstanton’s excellent beach offers ideal conditions for playing on the sand, exploring rock pools, and enjoying the sea.

From the Hunstanton direction, the further around the West Norfolk coast you go, you will discover the quieter pleasures on Brancaster beach, with its natural dunes. From the Wash, around the long coast of Norfolk, the sea gradually retreats, giving rise to sandbanks, spits of land and silted harbours. Brancaster at low tide shows wide expanses of mud, which are important feeding areas for many birds (much of the landscape now being managed by the National Trust) and a history of shellfish farming.

Famous for its mussels, the fishing village of Brancaster Staithe lies on the shores of the beautiful Norfolk coast. You will find plenty of fishing boats and you can buy their catch from fresh fish stalls at the harbour or along the main road through the village. The harbour is also home to Brancaster Sailing Club, with many sailing dinghies stored in and around the harbour. If you are sailing, you can launch a boat (voluntary launching fee applies) and sail in the sheltered waters of Scolt Head Island; or if you venture a little further west along the Norfolk Coast Path you will find the Roman Fort of Branodunum, a Schedule Ancient Monument.