Trip of the Month – The Big Skies of North Norfolk

 

As the evenings get noticeably lighter here at GlamperRV HQ our thoughts are turning to Spring adventures and I have chosen the stunning region of North Norfolk for February’s Trip of the Month.  As a friend and regular visitor told me, you can’t go wrong in this brilliant, historical, seafaring part of our beautiful country, with mile upon mile of mostly deserted sandy beaches.

The beauty of this coastline is the protected tidal salt marsh that extends from Hunstanton in the West along to Salthouses and gives onto huge areas of sand dunes standing guard over the beaches. The villages are relatively unspoilt and those inland haven’t changed for years.

Starting your trip in Hunstanton, with its distinctive striped cliffs and potential for rock-pooling and heading east I hope to share with you some top spots for a GlamperRV adventure.

Driving east your first stop will be the village of Thornham where you will find several highly rated pubs including the Lifeboat which has been known to allow motorhomes to use their car park overnight when eating in the restaurant.  There is also a parking area nearby on Station Road but please check the tide timetable as this area is prone to flooding.

A little further along the coast is Brancaster, also known as ‘Chelsea on Sea’ where you will be able to park up right by the beach. It does get very busy in peak season and sometimes floods at high tide so beware. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, the White Horse comes recommended and offers fabulous views out across the Staithe.  It has a large flat parking area out the back so worth asking for an overnight spot if you fancy a bite to eat in this atmospheric pub.

If you’re searching for the infamous big skies and miles of sand, then head to Holkham beach.   Park along Lady Ann’s Drive amongst the horse boxes from where it’s a short walk to the sand dunes through pine forests. Sit with a picnic in a sheltered dune and watch the horses gallop along the sand, kites flying and sometimes, the odd fighter jet booming across the open sky.

Holkham also has regular music festivals in the park of Holkham Hall which is open to the public and is well worth a visit.  The park also forms part of the National Cycle Route 1 (see www.sustrans.org.uk for further details).   If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in this village The Victoria is a rather smart, lovely looking place.

If sunsets are your thing, then the village of Stiffkey is a must.  There is a free car park which could be used off season to wildcamp but we have also heard great things of a rural campsite, High Sands Creek with unobstructed views out to sea and a short walk from the Red Lion, a family friendly pub serving good, local food.

Further along at Blakeney or Morston Quay you can jump on a boat and chug out to the Blakeney National Nature Reserve to see the seals – a fantastic trip for all the family (Beans Boats offer competitive rates and booking is advisable).  Another highly recommended camping spot in this area is Deepdale Farm.

For those rainy days in North Norfolk there is plenty to keep you busy with the most obvious being the many stately homes including Sandringham, Holkham Hall and Houghton Hall but don’t miss the tank museum near Salthouses – with surface to air missiles and plenty of tanks it’s sure to keep the boys happy!

So if you’re looking for big skies, big beaches and filling your annual seafood quota I would hugely recommend a GlamperRV trip to North Norfolk.