EVERYBODY seems to flock to the same touristy towns for their seaside holiday, but the county I grew up in is an underrated gem.
You don’t have to brave crowded Cornwall or busy Blackpool for a trip to the seaside this summer.
Born and raised in North-West Norfolk, I’ve gotten to know some of the best hidden beaches and prettiest towns and villages to visit – and it’s time to lift the lid on the county’s best-kept secrets.
Norfolk is full of golden sand beaches, spectacular pink and orange sunsets, and far less crowds.
It’s a more affordable choice too, with the average cost of a night’s accommodation sitting at £27.45 and an alcoholic drink costing £5.10 according to North Norfolk News.
While there is a lot of fun to be had in Great Yarmouth, if you’re over the crowds and – let’s face it – tacky atmosphere, you should head further west along the coast.
Coastal villages like Blakeney and Brancaster are underrated spots where you can watch seals play in the water and fishermen haul in fresh mussels to be served in local restaurants the very same day.
Brancaster and neighbouring village Brancaster Staithe are the perfect mix of buzz and relaxation.
For a peaceful day out, spend the day walking the scenic Norfolk coast path, or even trying your hand at sailing or a round of beachside golf at the renowned Royal West Norfolk Golf Club.
The village is also home to Brancaster Boards, where you can rent a stand up paddleboard and float on down the flower-filled saltmarshes.
One of my favourite ways to spend a day here is with Wild Yoga Norfolk, where sessions combine activities like wild swimming, beachside yoga and sauna pod sessions into one blissful day.
When you fancy something more lively, head to The White Horse hotel and restaurant.
The vibe of the Marshside bar and restaurant here is unbeatable: house music blasting, the catch of the day served with a local Lucky Lobster beer, plus ice-cold drinks enjoyed in a buzzy atmosphere.
You can get three fresh oysters for £13, or snack on some delicious crispy squid with garlic mayo for £8.50 – not a bad price given the high-quality food and stunning sea views.
Plus they put on loads of events throughout the summer, like a Lobster & Fizz Fest, Oyster Festival and End of Summer BBQ.
For a less boujee and more family-friendly feel, check out The Jolly Sailors pub.
They do great stonebaked pizzas and tasty rum cocktails, plus there’s a massive beer garden with family fun days and an ice cream shack serving flavours from bubblegum to ‘Unicorn’.
Further along the country roads you’ll find more pretty villages like Thornham, Holme-next-the-Sea and Titchwell.
Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve has amazing wildlife, where you can spot birds of prey dip down into freshwater lagoons – if you can, bring a pair of binoculars and a good camera!
Thornham Beach is one of my favourites, and is often called the most remote beach in North Norfolk.
It’s a quieter option as it takes a 1.5 mile walk to get there, but the views are absolutely worth it – and it will never be as packed as beaches like Sheringham or Cromer.
After a scenic stroll you’ll reach a vast stretch of soft golden sands backed by rolling dunes and shady pine forest.
The beach is dog-friendly and the surrounding marshes are a great spot to pick some fresh samphire if you’re visiting in season (from June – September).
Holme-next-the-Sea is the new place to be, with a gorgeous stretch of beach and a trendy pub and bakery doing the rounds on Instagram.
The White Horse at Holme is a Grade II-listed pub recently done-up with a fabulous beer garden with its own cosy fire pit, plus a charming rustic bakery serving up freshly-baked pastries and delicious coffee.
Inside the pub itself you can order everything from hearty, homemade pies to moules mariniere with homemade crusty ciabatta.
Plus it’s only a short walk from here to Holme Beach, which is much more peaceful than the flashy arcade lights and promenade of overpopulated Hunstanton.
If you’re visiting with kids, head to Holkham Estate where there’s an action-packed high ropes course plus activities like silent discos and outdoor theatre.
Another great spot is Snettisham, where you can go on a deer safari at Snettisham Park, which costs £13.50 per adult, £11.50 per child with under 3’s going free.
Plus I recommend popping into family-friendly pub The Rose and Crown, where there’s a walled beer garden with a kids play area.
Like many North Norfolk pubs, it’s dog-friendly and even has pet-friendly rooms – so feel free to bring your furry friend along on your trip to Norfolk this summer.