Inspiration

Salt marsh and sea breeze escapes in North Norfolk

Guest Expert

5 min read

Big skies, sweeping beaches, the way all that glittering water magnifies the expansive light. No wonder the Norfolk seascape is such an inspiration for artists, writers and creatives. On the east coast, North Norfolk is home to a 45-mile ribbon of stunning and unspoilt coastline, dotted with award-winning beaches. We’ve put together a selection of special places to stay, all with easy access to this sublime stretch of coast. Discover Cromer’s Victorian Pier, theatre and lifeboat station, Sheringham’s sweep of fine golden sand, and nature-rich Holkham’s white sands, dunes and fragrant pinewoods. For bird-filled salt marshes head to Burnham Overy Staithe and Cley where tidal creeks and lagoons are home to wildfowl and waders, marsh harriers and bitterns.

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Hill Cottage, Holt

A peaceful green setting, historic Holt a five-minute stroll away, and the coast a 20-minute drive. This 1800s drover’s cottage is an immaculately restored romantic bolthole for two, tucked behind a short row of houses next to ancient woodland. Everything has been stripped back to its original style, great comfort added and fresh flowers give a cheery atmosphere. Outside, two levels of lawn, a patio for meals, a bench facing south. The area is famous for its houses – Holkham, Blickling, Felbrigg, Houghton Hall. There’s a sandy beach at Sheringham, and the ‘Poppy Line’ is down the road. Then it’s home to throw logs on the wood burner, a deep soak in the free-standing tub and sweet dreams in your serene bedroom.

“Wonderful relaxing stay at Hill Cottage. We loved the feel of the cottage as it maintains much of its character but has all of the modern conveniences. Great walks by the sea and lazy pub lunches. Perfect trip!” – Guest Andrew

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The Harper, Langham

You’re close to the expansive North Norfolk coast at this contemporary hotel with a laid-back vibe and excellent food. A striking brick-and-flint barn carefully designed and restyled to honour its past, note the beautiful stained glass windows reflecting its previous life as a glassblowing factory. Unbend on fat leather sofas under a high vaulted ceiling in the lounge, hang out in ‘The Den’, a grown-up games room opening to a Mediterranean-style courtyard with a fire pit. 32 bedrooms (big, bigger, biggest) come with contemporary four-posters and top-notch bathrooms. Get breakfast – all home cooked to order – delivered to your room if you fancy a lazy start to the day. Supper is also a treat: modern British dishes using local food. There’s a pool, sauna and treatments too.

“Contemporary-smart hotel set in beautiful barns that once housed the Langham Glass factory, just minutes from salt marshes and vast sandy beaches” – Inspector David

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Shrimp, Cromer

A delightfully Lilliputian Georgian cottage with all mod cons at the end of a terrace just a short walk to shops, cafés and the beach. This was once a fisherman’s cottage and he would have crammed a large family into it quite happily, so there’s plenty of space for a loved-up couple or a singleton desiring time alone. You walk straight from the pavement into the neat kitchen. In the light-filled sitting room, two vintage armchairs sit in front of an Everhot electric stove so you’ll feel cosy. Up steep stairs to a lovely bedroom with a big cloud-comfy bed and a couple of steps up to a shower room. Morning tea or a sundowner will be lovely in the south-west facing courtyard with colourful pots.

“Beautiful little cottage in a great location, just a short walk to Cromer. Very clean with lovely furnishings. Treats were left for ourselves and our dog to enjoy. Parking was only a couple of minutes’ walk away.” – Guest Samantha

Stay at Shrimp >

Suaeda Cottage, Burnham Overy Staithe

You’re a minute’s walk from the harbour and there’s a pub over the road from this comfortable, traditional cottage on the beautiful North Norfolk coast. At the front is a lovely cobbled yard with a tamarisk tree. At the back, a beautiful, secluded walled garden where you can hear the gulls and watch the swifts or geese overhead depending on the season – do remember your binoculars. Inside, it’s well-kept and pleasingly old-fashioned with sash windows, book-laden shelves, winding staircases and family furniture. There are villages to explore, wildlife, sandy beaches, sea air and long walks with the cosy wood burner to settle in front of when you return.

“Suaeda Cottage is delightful and the owner very helpful. Deceptively large cottage with gardens at front and rear, comfy spacious bedrooms and lots to do in the area with lovely coastal walks right from the cottage.” – Guest Angela

Stay at Suaeda Cottage >

Barn Drift, Cley next the Sea

With its grand dining hall (seats up to 45, but is equally lovely for cosier dinner parties) and well-equipped kitchen, this is the perfect spot for big gatherings of friends and family. You’re a stroll through the bird-filled saltmarsh to the sea for early morning dips or sunny afternoon trips. Cley is packed with delis and pubs, Holt the place to browse antiques. Return to the kitchen with all your supplies or fire up the Big Green Egg for an afternoon barbecue. The walled garden is filled with mature olive and fig trees, heaps of scented roses, and catches the sun all day. Later, sink into squashy sofas in the drawing room for after-dinner drinks from the honesty bar then trip upstairs to calm book-filled bedrooms.

“Come for sea air, wonderful birdwatching, swimming, walking on the Coastal Path, cycling or just lazing in the beautiful gardens. The feel is definitely luxurious and at the same time relaxed and child and dog friendly.” – Inspector Nicola

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Cartshed Cottages, Holt

Four pretty cottages with private terraces, a shared garden and gorgeous muted interiors inspired by Norfolk’s landscapes. You’re a short drive to the glorious coast for big skies and Norfolk’s magical light that continues to inspire. These beautiful old cottages (once a cartshed) stand all in a row near a duck pond and magnificent Sharrington Hall. The largest cottages, Shell and Sky, are both dog friendly, the smallest, Seal, is very romantic. Each cottage has immaculate white towels, a roll-top tub, REN lotions and a log-burner, and all (bar Samphire) a bathroom for every room. Oak or painted floorboards are topped with rugs, custom-made kitchens have large range cookers, coir carpeted stairs lead to walk-in showers and delicious crisp beds. The setting is brilliant, half a mile from an award-winning deli and close to beaches.

“Delightful cosy cottage, exactly as described. Quiet rural location with easy access to country and coastal walks, smart small towns and gastro pubs.” – Guest Christine

Stay at Cartshed Cottages >

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Carmen McCormack

Guest Expert

Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.

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