1. Castle Acre Village

Castle Acre, Norfolk, PE32 2XD

History buffs will like the Castle Acre Priory (a well preserved monastic site dating back to 1090, now managed by English Heritage), the Bailey Gate and Castle (12th century), all of which are dog friendly.

2. Drove Orchards

Thornham Rd, Thornham, Nr Hunstanton, PE36 6LS. Tel: 01485 525652

40 acres of orchards and 160 varieties of apples right on the coast. Drove Orchards is family friendly and good fun for a walk around. Free parking on site. Visitors can pick their own apples and pears when in season.

3. Holkham Estate

Holkham Estate, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1AB

Dogs are welcome in Holkham Park, the Walled Garden, and Holkham Stories. Please keep them on a lead as there are free roaming deer in the park. Dogs should not enter Holkham Lake. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the Hall.

4. Oxburgh Hall

Oxburgh Hall, King’s Lynn PE33 9PS Tel: 01366 328258

This is a moated country house built around 1482. Dogs on leads are welcome in the Gardens, Parkland and Servants’ Hall Tearoom but not in the house, except for assistance dogs.

5. Bawsey Estate and Country Park

The Bawsey Country Park, King’s Lynn, PE32 1EP Tel: 01553 603925

Bawsey Country Park has 176 acres to explore with your doggy pal – you can even order a doggie sausage at The Hub Café when you arrive and it will be ready for your canine companion when you’ve finished your walk! There is also a dog wash station for cleaning muddy paws before heading home.

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6. RSPB Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve

Off A149, Titchwell Marsh, PE31 8BB.

It’s important to remember the special surroundings here are wonderful havens for rare wildlife so please keep dogs on leads and stick to the dog-friendly routes.  Dogs are welcome in the hub and shop and you will find water bowls in the courtyard.

7. RSPB Snettisham Nature Reserve

Off the A149 between Snettisham and King’s Lynn.

Dogs are very welcome to visit but, once on the reserve, please put your dogs on leads.

8. Snettisham Park

Bircham Road, Snettisham PE31 7NG. Tel: 01485 542425.
A 329 acre working farm. Well-behaved dogs on leads and assistance dogs are allowed to visit Snettisham Park but be aware there are deer and other animals on site. Dogs can visit the farm and the trails, but can’t go on the deer safari.

9. Sandringham Royal Park

Sandringham, King’s Lynn, PE35 6EH. Tel: 01485 545400

The Norfolk retreat of the British Royal Family. Dogs are not allowed in the house or the gardens but can run around in the Country Park. Dogs are also welcome to attend the many craft fairs and annual flower show when scheduled – and even visit the parish church of St. Mary Magdalene. Check the Visit With Your Dog page for the full lowdown.
Please check signs for reports of any cases of Seasonal Canine Illness between August and the end of January to be on the safe side.

10. Castle Rising

King’s Lynn, PE31 6AH. Tel: 01553 631330

Castle Rising is a 12th Century Castle and Keep. Dogs are allowed on the site but not in the main castle structure.

1. Snettisham Beach

This beach is a haven for nature lovers, totally unspoilt and usually very peaceful.  From the beach car park (charges apply), you can walk south along the beach towards the lagoon area of RSPB Snettisham Nature Reserve.

During the summer months (1st April to 31st August) pop your dogs on a lead so you don’t disturb the beach-nesting birds – look out for signage and nest protection cordons letting you know where the birds are nesting and where you must not walk.

At other times of year, if you enter the Reserve, make sure your dogs are on a lead so you don’t disturb the birds and other wildlife. On the biggest high tides from late summer onwards tens of thousands of wading birds take flight as the incoming tide pushes them off the vast mudflats. This is truly an amazing sight and is called ‘the whirling wader spectacle’. The wildlife is incredible here! There is also the option to walk along the grassy area parallel to the beach towards Heacham.

2. Hunstanton Beach

Dogs are not allowed on a small section of beach from the end of the promenade by the cliffs to the boat launch ramp between 10th April – 31st October. Dogs on leads can walk along the promenade throughout the year. There are plenty of dog waste bins on the promenade. 

There are no restrictions on the beaches north and south of this section so there is still loads of space for dogs to run and play.

The North Beach takes you to the striped cliffs of Hunstanton which provide a stunning backdrop for holiday pics and are unique in the UK. This area is also great for paddles in the rock pools and, while you’re there, see if you can spot the wreck of a 1907 fishing boat used in WWI & WWII.  

Hunstanton is one of several beaches stretching from Snettisham to Holme that face west so they are very popular with those who like to watch the sunset.

3. Heacham Beach

Heacham has two beaches, North and South, both of which have car parks, snack bars and toilets. From the North Beach you can walk along from Heacham to Hunstanton either on the promenade or on the beach.

Like Snettisham, the beach can be very muddy in places especially when the tide is out, so do take care!  

You can also walk on the path that runs next to the Heacham River towards Snettisham. 

On South Beach, during the summer months (1st April – 31st August), birds use the upper part of the beach to nest and raise their chicks. Dogs being on leads (and looking out for signage and nest protection cordons) is the best way to make sure you don’t disturb the birds.

4. Old Hunstanton Beach

This is a lovely, unspoilt sandy beach with safe water for paddles and swims. There’s a great beach café at Old Hunstanton where you will find fresh water for dogs (plus they sell some rather tasty doggy snacks).

Dog waste bins can be found at The Lighthouse car park and by the Lifeboat Station.

5. Burnham Overy Staithe

The creek at Burnham Overy Staithe is dog friendly all year round. When the tide is in, the car park can be very busy. From there, it is approximately a one mile walk along the embankment to the beach.

There are no facilities on the beach so make sure you have plenty of water with you and some form of shade.

You can also walk along the Coast Path through the marshes. The Coast Path will take you on to Holkham Beach or into the pine forest.

6. Holkham Beach

Holkham is a vast, sandy beach that has enough room for everyone and rarely seems crowded.

The nature reserve at Holkham stretches from Burnham Norton to Morston, covering about 1,000 hectares which is about 2,500 football fields in doggy landscape! You can explore most of the area by following footpaths.

Holkham Beach has been voted the most dog friendly beach in the UK. Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round, but please be aware that from 1st April – 31st August there is a dogs-on-leads policy in certain places to protect wildlife. These areas are clearly signed. In highly sensitive areas, you will find roped cordons in place to protect ground nesting birds. Please steer clear of these cordons.

7. Titchwell Beach

Visitors can park their vehicles at the RSPB car park (charges apply non-members) and walk along the West Bank path to the beach, as long as your dog is on a lead. The walk to the beach is approximately 1km and drinks and snacks are available at the RSPB visitor centre.

Please be aware that you must stay away from roped off areas in the sand dunes and beach access is via the West Bank path only.

8. Brancaster Beach

Brancaster is a popular sandy beach during the summer months. There is a pay and display car park, toilets and snack shop.

Please do not attempt to cross the main tidal sea water channels because this is very dangerous.

There is a small dog free zone between May – September on the left of the entrance where you access the beach. The rest of the beach has no restrictions and can be enjoyed by you and your four legged friends all year round.

Other dog friendly beaches around the Norfolk area can be found on the Barking Bugle website. The header image and amended text have been kindly taken with permission from the Norfolk-based Barking Bugle website.

Captain George Vancouver | King’s Lynn

[Born 1757]

King’s Lynn was once home to Captain George Vancouver, the British royal navy officer, navigator and surveyor who completed one of the most challenging surveys ever undertaken.

The English navigator was born in the seaport town on 22^nd June 1757. Between 1791 and 1795, he famously explored and charted the northwest pacific coastline from San Diego California to Anchorage Alaska. His legacy lives on today with many locations bearing his name including Vancouver Island, Vancouver River, Mount Vancouver, Vancouver in Washington and the city of Vancouver in British Columbia. Vancouver Quarter, the shopping centre in King’s Lynn, is also named after him!

On the Purfleet Quay in King’s Lynn, you will find a bronze statue of Captain George Vancouver holding a telescope and a scroll. The plinth is made of stone from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

Frances Burney | King’s Lynn

[1752 – 1760]

Frances Burney, also known as Fanny Burney and Madame d’Arblay, was an English satirical novelist, diarist and playwright.

Burney was the daughter of the celebrated musician and musicologist, Dr. Charles Burney. She was born in King’s Lynn (then Lynn Regis) in 1752 and later moved to London with her family in 1760.

During her lifetime, Burney wrote four novels, eight plays, one biography, and twenty-five volumes of journals and letters. Her first novel, Evelina, was published anonymously in 1778 and was a critical success, considered a landmark in the development of the novel of manners.

Captain Samuel Gurney Cresswell | King’s Lynn

[Born 1827]

Captain Samuel Gurney Cresswell was the first naval officer to cross the entire Northwest Passage. The arctic explorer and artist was born in King’s Lynn on 25^th September 1827. During the Arctic expedition in search for the Northwest Passage, Cresswell was appointed the second lieutenant and artist aboard the HMS Investigator under Robert McClure, the Irish naval officer and explorer. Although Robert McClure was in charge of the voyage, Cresswell technically reached England first. Cresswell’s paintings and sketches provide a valuable pictorial record of the Arctic excursion and the activities onboard the HMS Investigator.

The east stain-glass window in King’s Lynn Minster was presented by Cresswell in 1866, a year before he passed away in the historic town.

Frederick Savage | King’s Lynn

[1851 – 1897]

Frederick Savage, the Victorian Fairground Manufacturer, moved to King’s Lynn in 1851 and lived there until his death in 1897. The pioneering engineer invented the system for running fairground carousels using a horizontally mounted steam engine at its core. Starting out as a farm labourer, he later went into the business of agricultural machinery and fairground machinery, producing engines for carousels and merry-go-rounds. Later on in his life, Savage was appointed Justice of Peace and became the Mayor of King’s Lynn from 1889 to 1890.

A monument of the late engineer can be found at the junction of London Road in King’s Lynn. The statue was a part of Banksy’s Great British Spraycation series of artworks in 2021. You will also find fine examples of his work at Lynn Museum including magnificent carved fairground gallopers.

William Shakespeare | King’s Lynn

[1593]

The world famous playwright, poet and actor is believed to have performed in the historic town of King’s Lynn during the late 16^th century. Recent academic research by the UEA supports the notion that Shakespeare performed at St. George’s Guildhall in 1593, alongside the Earl of Pembroke’s Men. This was during the time when London playhouses and theatres were closed due to the outbreak of the Bubonic Plague.

St. George’s Guildhall is the oldest working theatre in the UK, with performances dating back to 1442. Robert Armin, Shakespeare’s leading comedy actor, was born in King’s Lynn and performed at the Guildhall. He is credited with all the “licensed fools” including the Fool in ‘King Lear’, Feste in ‘Twelfth Night’, and Touchstone in ‘As You Like It’, among others.

Isabella of France | Castle Rising

[1332 – 1358]

Isabella of France, the daughter of Philip IV of France, was the Queen Consort of King Edward II between 1308 and 1327. Nicknamed the “She-Wolf of France”, Isabella is most famous for leading an invasion of England that resulted in the deposition of King Edward II in January 1327. Their son, Edward III, was crowned king the following month at the age of 14. King Edward II was imprisoned and died in September 1327; many people believed that Isabella was responsible for the murder of her late husband. After her fall from power, she was held under house arrest at Windsor Castle until she was moved to Castle Rising Castle in west Norfolk in 1332. During her stay in Castle Rising, she lived a very regal lifestyle, however it is said that Isabella suffered ‘bouts of madness’. The castle was used as one of Isabella’s main residences until her death in 1358.

Charles Burney | King’s Lynn

[1751 – 1760]

Charles Burney was an English music historian, organist and composer who was the father of writers Frances and Sarah Burney, the classicist Charles Burney, and the explorer James Burney.

At 19 years old, Burney produced music for Thomson’s Alfred at Drury Lane Theatre in London and was later appointed organist at St. Dionis Backchurch in 1749. Due to ill health, he moved to King’s Lynn (then Lynn Regis), where he took a post as an organist at St. Margaret’s Church. Burney lived in King’s Lynn between 1751 and 1760. During this time, his children Susan, Charles and Frances, the famous satirical novelist, was born. The Burney family moved back to London in 1760.

Margery Kempe | King’s Lynn

[Born 1373]

Margery Kempe was born as Margery Burnham (or Brunham) in King’s Lynn around 1373. She was an English Christian mystic and visionary, known for writing in dictation one of the oldest examples of an autobiography written in the English language , known as “The Book of Margery Kempe”. As Kempe was illiterate, she employed an Englishman (who had lived in Germany) as a scribe for the book and later persuaded a priest to rewrite and finish the medieval text. The book details Kempe’s life, her pilgrimages to holy sites and mystical interactions with biblical figures including Jesus and God.

You will be able to find a bench commemorating Margery Kempe on the Saturday Market Place in King’s Lynn, close to the Trinity Guild of King’s Lynn where a “Margueria Kempe”, thought to have been Margery, was admitted.

Robert Walpole | Houghton

[Born 1676]

Robert Walpole is the longest serving Prime Minster in British History and is often viewed as Great Britain’s first prime minister.

Born in Houghton in 1676, Walpole was one of nineteen children to Robert Walpole Senior, a member of the local gentry and a Whig politician who represented the borough of Castle Rising in the House of Commons. Walpole won the seat as MP for Castle Rising, following Walpole Senior’s death in 1701. In 1702, Walpole left this seat to represent King’s Lynn, where he would retain for the remainder of his political career as a representative of the Whig party.

He was later appointed as a member of council to Prince George of Denmark, the Secondary of War and the Treasurer of the Navy between 1705 – 1710.

In 1712, Walpole suffered a setback when the ruling of the Tories tried him for accepting an illegal payment as the Secretary of War. As a result, he was found guilty, expelled from Parliament and was imprisoned in the Tower of London for six months.

The Whig Party regained power in 1714 and by 1721, Walpole was appointed First Lord of the Treasury, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Leader of the House of Commons. He was the First Lord of the Treasury for over twenty years and played an important role of restoring Government credit after the South Sea Bubble financial crisis.

Admiral Lord Nelson | Burnham Thorpe

[Born 1758]

Admiral Lord Nelson, in full ‘Horatio Nelson, Viscount Nelson of the Nile and Burnham Thorpe’, was a British naval commander for the Royal Navy. Born in Burnham Thorpe on 29^th September 1758, Nelson was the sixth of eleven children and grew up deeply religious, following the Christian faith throughout his life. His father, Reverend Edmund Nelson, was an English parish priest and records from Burnham Thorpe church suggest that Nelson often assisted him as a child.

At the age of 12, Nelson joined the navy as an apprentice and worked in the lower naval ranks. He was given his own ship and made captain by the age of 20, where he experienced sailing in the West Indies, Baltic and Canada. When Britain entered the French Revolutionary Wars in 1793, Nelson was assigned to the Mediterranean and achieved significant victories against the Spanish at Cape Vincent in 1797 and at the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801.

In January 1801, Nelson was promoted to Vice Admiral of the Blue. Four years later whilst commanding the HMS Victory, Nelson died during the Battle of Trafalgar at 47 years old. The Battle of Trafalgar is considered the Royal Navy’s most famous triumph and is commemorated at Trafalgar Square in London, where you will find Nelson’s Column at its centre.

On the playing field at Burnham Thorpe, you will also find a wooden carving of Nelson at the famous Battle of Trafalgar.

Pocahontas | Heacham

[1616 – 1618]

Amonute, nicknamed Pocahontas, is famously known for fostering peace between English colonists and Native Americans during the 17^th century. Born around 1596, Pocahontas was a Native American woman and the daughter of Chief Powhatan, the ruler of the Powhatan tribal nation. The Powhatan tribal nation consisted of around 30 Algonquian communities located in the Tidewater region of Virginia.

By the age of 11, Pocahontas became acquainted with colonists who settled in Jamestown in April 1607. She was taken prisoner during the First Anglo-Powhatan War in the spring of 1613. Chief Powhatan was told that Pocahontas would only be returned if he released English prisoners, returned stolen weapons and provided the colonists with food. However, her father only sent half of the ransom and Pocahontas remained imprisoned.

During her time in captivity, Pocahontas lived under the care of Alexander Whitaker and converted to Christianity. She was baptised under the name “Rebecca” and married John Rolfe, an English explorer and tobacco farmer, in 1614. On 30^th January 1615, she gave birth to their son, Thomas Rolfe.

In the Spring of 1616, Pocahontas, John Rolfe and their son moved to England. During their stay, they lived in Rolfe’s family home in Heacham for two years and was considered an ‘Indian Princess’ by the English. However, before returning to Virginia, Pocahontas died of unknown causes at the age of 22.

When visiting Heacham, make sure to check out the village sign which includes a figure depicting Lady Rebecca Rolfe (Pocahontas).

Henry L’Estrange Styleman Le Strange | Hunstanton

[1815 – 1862]

Henry L’Estrange Styleman Le Strange was a Victorian entrepreneur born in Snettisham on 25^th January 1815. He was the only son of Henry Styleman and Emilia ‘Preedy’ Styleman and is best known for developing (New) Hunstanton into a popular seaside resort.

In 1839-40, Le Strange inherited Hunstanton Hall and 10,000 acres stretching from Wolferton to Thornham. During the mid-19^th century, seaside resorts and sea-bathing were becoming very popular with many aristocrats travelling to small fishing villages like Brighton and Blackpool.

Whilst living at Hunstanton Hall, Le Strange decided to develop the southern area of Old Hunstanton as a bathing resort. In 1846, the first building was built on the Green – the New Inn – now called The Golden Lion Hotel. Le Strange also brought a group of investors together to build a railway line from King’s Lynn to Hunstanton. The line was opened in 1862, the same year Le Strange died at the age of 47. The Lynn Hunstanton Railway was a major factor in developing Hunstanton as a seaside resort. Due to fewer passengers using the line, British Rail closed the railway on 5^th May 1969.  

On Hunstanton Green, you will find a life-size statue of Henry L’Estrange Styleman Le Strange looking proudly over the Wash.

St. Edmund | Hunstanton

[855 – 869 A.D]

St. Edmund, also known as Edmund the Martyr and Edmund of East Anglia, was the first patron saint of England and is considered Hunstanton’s most famous visitor.

Edmund was born into the Wuffing family who had ruled East Anglia for over 200 years. After spending his childhood living in Saxony (northern Germany), Edmund set sail to East Anglia and landed in Hunstanton in 855 A.D. to claim his throne. Edmund was crowned King of Northfolk (Norfolk) in 855 A.D. and King of Southfolk (Suffolk) the following year. At his coronation on Christmas Day 855 A.D, 14 year old Edmund took an oath to protect his people from any threat from neighbouring kingdoms.

In 865 A.D., the Vikings arrived in the north of England. Lead by Ivarr the Boneless, the Vikings brought their Great Heathen Army to East Anglia and engaged in an enormous battle with Edmund’s forces in 869 A.D. The Vikings demanded Edmund to renounce his religion and rule under Viking Law. Edmund refused to do this but to save his kingdom from further suffering, he surrendered to the Vikings. As a result, the Vikings whipped and beat him, tied him to a great oak tree and used his back for target practice. On 20^th November 869 A.D., Edmund was beheaded. His head was discarded in a nearby forest, hidden amongst the undergrowth. Edmund’s body was later found by his followers, all arrow wounds upon Edmund’s undecayed body had healed and his head was reattached.

Edmund was eventually buried in Bedricsworth (now Bury St. Edmunds) where a religious community was founded, and St. Edmund was adopted as the Patron Saint of England.

In Hunstanton, you can follow the Wolf Trail to trace the story of St. Edmund and visit the ruins of St. Edmund’s Chapel, which was built in memory of St. Edmund in 1272.

King Edward VII | Sandringham

[1863 – 1910]

Edward VII, the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, was the Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne for 60 years. Following the premature death of his father, Prince Edward visited Sandringham Hall and purchased the property in October 1862. The Prince moved into the old Hall with his new wife, Princess Alexandra of Denmark, in March 1863. However, the Old Hall was deemed unsuitable for their growing family and was demolished in 1865. By 1870, Sandringham Hall was rebuilt into its current red brick form. A ballroom and additional guest and staff accommodation was later added.

Prince Edward succeeded the throne on 22^nd January 1901, on the death of his mother Queen Victoria. Sandringham Gardens were first opened to the public in 1908 by King Edward VII. Following his death in 1910, Sandringham Estate was passed on to his son, George V, who opened the Museum in 1930. The late queen, Elizabeth II, opened Sandringham House to the public in 1977 during her Silver jubilee year.

Frank Winnold Prentice | Downham Market

[Born 1889]

Frank Winnold Prentice was a British merchant seaman and the Assistant Storekeeper on the RMS Titanic, a luxury passenger liner which sank on 15^th April 1912. Prentice was born in Downham Market to Henry “Harry” Frank Warner Prentice and Elizabeth Sherwood. On 10^th April 1912, he boarded the RMS Titanic and was in his berth on the port side of E deck when the ship struck the iceberg four days later. Shortly after the collision, Prentice assisted in the loading of the lifeboats, helping women and children reach safety.  By 2:05am on 14^th April 1912, all lifeboats had left the RMS Titanic. Prentice and three men decided to jump from the vessel before it sank. They climbed over the Titanic’s railing and fell 100ft into the icy waters of the North Atlantic. Prentice survived the fall and eventually reached Lifeboat 4, where occupants helped pull him aboard. Lifeboat 4 was later picked up by the rescue ship RMS Carpathia at 8:00am, which arrived in New York on 18^th April 1912.

Prentice passed away on 19^th May 1982 in Bournemouth, Dorset. At the time of his death, he was the second to last surviving crewmember of RMS Titanic.

Eugene Aram | King’s Lynn

[1758]

Eugene Aram was an English philologist who moved from Yorkshire to King’s Lynn in 1758. He was appointed as the new usher (second schoolmaster) for King’s Lynn Grammar School.

Little did they know that their new usher was hiding a very dark secret. In Knaresborough, Daniel Clark, a local shoemaker, was missing. Witnesses claimed that Aram was the last person seen with Clark and shortly after his move to King’s Lynn, a workman uncovered a skeleton thought to be that of Clark. Accusations from his friend Richard Houseman and circumstantial evidence was building up against Aram, and as a result, he was tracked down at King’s Lynn Grammar School and arrested in August 1758. Aram was sent to Tyburn Prison in York and after a three day trial, was found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging.

In 1993, Aram’s skull was returned to King’s Lynn and gifted to Stories of Lynn Museum by the Royal College of Surgeons. Visitors can see the skull on display beside a skull fragment believed to be from his victim, Daniel Clark.

George William Manby | Denver

[Born 1765]

George William Manby, the famous inventor and author, was born in the village of Denver on 28^th November 1765. His father was Captain Matthew Pepper Manby, the lord of the manor of Wood Hall in Hilgay. In 1813, Manby invented and patented the “Extinctuer”, the first ever portable pressurised fire extinguisher. The Extinctuer consisted of a copper vessel of 3 gallons of pearl ash (potassium carbonate) solution contained within compressed air. Manby also invented the Manby Mortar, a lifesaving device that prevented shipwrecks.

Peter Hellendaal | King’s Lynn

[1760 – 1762]

Pieter Hellendaal was a Dutch composer, organist and violist who performed in King’s Lynn between 1760 and 1762.

Hellendaal was born in Rotterdam in the Netherlands on 1^st April 1721. His father, Johannas Hellendaal, worked with amateur musicians and provided Pieter with a passion for music, educating him about the organ and violin.

At 10 years old, Hellendaal was appointed as the organist at St. Nicholas Church in Utrecht. By 1752, he had married, started a family and moved to England to establish himself as a professional composer and violin soloist. However, he was unable to secure a steady income as a musician in London and worked as an organist for St. Margaret’s Church (also known as King’s Lynn Minster) from 1760 – 1762.

Mrs Bernard Beere | King’s Lynn

[Born 1851]

Mrs Bernard Beere, also known as Fanny Bernard-Beere, was a well-known Victorian actress born in King’s Lynn in 1851. At 26 years old, she made her stage debut at Opera Comique and performed in many plays including Shakespeare’s Othello at St. James’s Theatre and Oscar Wilde’s A Woman of No Importance at Haymarket Theatre.  

Thomas Cromwell | King’s Lynn

[1610/11]

Thomas Cromwell was an English Member of Parliament during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. After his retirement, Cromwell resided in King’s Lynn up until his death in 1610/11. The parliamentary diarist documented proceedings in the House of Commons and his work has become a valuable source for historians.

Travelling by Coach

A coach may be considered a large vehicle, but it has the ability to carry a large haul of passengers. The average single-decker coach offers 50 seats. The average car has 5 seats. By travelling to west Norfolk via coach, you can help remove up to 10 cars off the roads and reduce the amount of harmful pollutants that are released into the air.

The National Express services run from King’s Lynn to London Victoria via Peterborough and offer comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, charging points for your devices, and generous luggage allowance. The UK coach operator have made plans to be the UK’s most sustainable coach company, with zero emissions by 2035.

Travelling by Bus

Did you know that taking public transportation reduces CO2 emissions by nearly a half? Choosing to travel by bus instead of by car is a great way to reduce pollution, improve air quality and decrease your personal carbon footprint.

Air pollution can have a disastrous impact on humans and the environment. Not only does cleaner air mean cleaner lungs (and improved quality of life), but it can also help tackle climate change and improve crop production.

Lynx, an independent bus company based in King’s Lynn, offer services to and from many destinations in west Norfolk including Hunstanton, Downham Market, Burnham Market, and more. Their Coastliner 36 service takes you from King’s Lynn to Fakenham, stopping at the coastal hotspots Heacham, Snettisham, Hunstanton, Titchwell, Brancaster and Holkham. This is a fantastic way to explore the west Norfolk coast without the worry of traffic, parking charges and rising petrol costs. You are welcome to bring your four-legged friends too as well-behaved dogs are allowed on all Lynx buses.

Travelling by Rail

Did you know that the greenhouse gas emissions per kilometre by rail is far less than the greenhouse gas emissions per kilometre by car?

Greater Anglia and Great Northern Rail offer rail services from King’s Lynn to London with stops at Watlington and Downham Market in west Norfolk.

In their Environment and Energy Annual Report 2021, Greater Anglia saw their Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduced by another 11%, which is a total of 21% in the last two years and has prevented 25,082 tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere.

Great Northern Rail are committed to delivering a more sustainable service and have embraced green initiatives to control waste and tackle energy and water consumption.

Electric Vehicles

Do you own an electric vehicle? We have created a West Norfolk Guide to Electric Car Travel which highlights the many car charging points available in King’s Lynn, Downham Market, Hunstanton and around west Norfolk.

With zero tailpipe emissions, electric vehicles are a great way to take in west Norfolk’s beautiful landscapes without leaving a lasting impact on the environment.

Cycling in and around West Norfolk

During your stay, why not hire a bike and explore west Norfolk on two wheels instead of by car. Cycling is a fantastic way to exercise, get some fresh air and embrace the great outdoors.

There are many cycling routes available for all ages and abilities on our Cycling page and Walk West Norfolk app.

You can hire all the equipment needed at AE Wallis in Heacham. Alternatively, there is a bike hire service at Burnham Deepdale and the northern area of west Norfolk is supported by the Wheel Travel service too.

Open Sky Cycles in Snettisham and Richardsons Cycles in King’s Lynn offer repairing services and bike accessories if needed.

Spring Time Bouquet for Mother’s Day at WhataHoot Gin Distillery

Katie from Wild Oak Workshops has teamed up with the What a Hoot gin distillery in King’s Lynn for a unique workshop to create your very own seasonal bouquet to celebrate Mother’s Day. 
Join her for a choice of two sessions on Wednesday 26th March 2025, 2pm-4pm and again at 6pm-8pm
Both west Norfolk-based businesses also offer a choice of other workshops throughout the year.

Creative Workshops

Craft experiences are becoming incredibly popular and many local businesses have created something special as ideal gifts for Mother’s Day:
Flowers On The Green have partnered with Vintage Partyware to host a lovely flower workshop and cream tea at North Wootton on Mothering Sunday.

The Heacham Manor Hotel is hosting a Paint Party with Norfolk Paint Parties on Wednesday19th March These events invite guests of all skill levels to enjoy the relaxing art of painting in a fun, supportive group setting.

For the truly crafty mums Blended Monkey Crafts in Upwell have a whole programme of enjoyable workshops lined up for March and April, including patchwork design, silk painting, and clay modelling. They also offer gift certificates so the recipient can choose their own experience.

Foodie Treats for Mother’s Day

New kid on the block, Mabel The Bakery, in Downham Market has taken the town by storm since it opened last year. This year it has come up with an easy way to treat your mum to something truly special – head over to their Instagram page for the full menu. Pre-orders close Tuesday, 26th March. You can collect Saturday 29th or Sunday 30th and beat the queues!

For a traditional Sunday lunch or sweet Afternoon Tea on Mothering Sunday why not try one of west Norfolk’s fabulous independent cafes, restaurants and pubs? The Warehouse Taproom & Bar at Setchy, is laying on a special Mother’s Day lunch in their stylish venue. Or book a table at the elegant Grade II* Bank House in King’s Lynn’s historic quarter.

For a scrumptious Afternoon Tea this Mother’s Day, why not head to the quirky Tipsy Teapot in King’s Lynn? – mind the flamingos! Or for a traditional country house setting, head for Congham Hall. Or for Cottage Core with a stylish twist give the Berni Beans Tearoom in Hunstanton a try.

You can find lots more great eateries on our website here:

Relaxing Spa Breaks

If you fancy something totally relaxing, head over to King’s Lynn for a spa break at Knights Hill Hotel & Spa. The countryside retreat offers peaceful pamper breaks and spa escapes which include overnight accommodation, an aromatherapy bath, full English breakfast, and use of their leisure facilities for four hours.

Or treat you mum to a mini spa day at Congham Hall Hotel at their Secret Garden Spa. Choose from the “Vibrancy” package or the “Bespoke” package.

Lots of hotels and other guest accommodation in west Norfolk will have special offers planned for Mother’s Day. You can explore them here: