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Go East to West Norfolk, England

On the east side of England is a spot reminiscent of fairy tales. It’s a place of rare natural beauty, cobbled and quaint seaside villages, and royal hideaways. As you wander the ancient marketplaces and magnificent sandy beaches, you’ll think you stepped into the pages of an historical romance novel. Go East to West Norfolk for a charming English adventure!

Hunstanton

Hunstanton is a vibrant seaside town in West Norfolk. Known as “Sunny Hunny,” there’s much to explore in this bright spot on the coast.

Old Hunstanton

Go east to West Norfolk — Photo credit to Visit West Norfolk

Ramble along sprawling red and white clifftop walks past the Old Hunstanton Lighthouse and the ruins of St. Edmund’s Castle (circa 1272.) Explore the sandy nooks and crannies along with some excellent local food shops nearby.

Norfolk Lavender

Norfolk Lavender is an enchanting sight (and smell!) Here you’ll find roughly 100 acres of breathtaking lavender fields, an oil distillery, a gift shop, and a tearoom. Indulge all your senses in one spectacular stop!

Hunstanton Cliffs

Be sure to check out Hunstanton’s famous striped cliffs. They’re tough to miss with their clearly defined streaks of color. The striations are due to the different layers of red chalk, white chalk, and carrstone.

Striped Cliffs at Hunstanton

Regardless of how they formed, the cliffs are a wonderous part of an inspiring landscape.

See the Seals

During the summer months, Hunstanton is one of the best places to see seals and their adorable seal pups. Plan a boat trip to watch them basking in the sunshine on countless sandbars along the coast.

Seals of Norfolk

King’s Lynn

King’s Lynn is a 13^th-century maritime city that embraces its age-old charm and stunning medieval architecture.

The Custom House at Purfleet Quay

The Custom House was built in 1683 in this busy port city. It opened as a merchants’ exchange and was used as the town’s Custom House from the early 1700s.

custom house west norfolk — Photo credit to Visit West Norfolk

The building currently houses a tourist information center and a small museum highlighting the important role of the Hanseatic League.

Sandringham Estate

Sandringham is the private 20,000-acre retreat for royals since 1862. Reportedly Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite, Sandringham house and its breathtaking gardens are open to the public from April through October. The beautifully manicured estate grounds and visitor’s center is open year-round.

Sandringham in West Norfolk

Castle Rising and Castle Acre

Just outside King’s Lynn is the imposing Norman Castle Rising, one of the largest and best-preserved keeps in the country. It was built around 1140 on twenty acres of impressive earthworks. It’s so well-preserved that it looks practically lived in!

Explore the stone passages, great rooms, and commanding ramparts of Castle Rising and its 800-year history daily from April 1^st through November 1^st.

Castle Rising West Norfolk — Photo credit to Visit West Norfolk

Not far away is Castle Acre Priory, one of the largest and best-preserved monasteries in England. The site dates to 1090 and was home to the first order of Cluniac monks.

Castle Acre is a splendid priory with extensive ruins, decorative remains, and lovely grounds to visit.

Nature Reserves

West Norfolk is home to several impressive nature reserves, including RSPB Snettisham on the Ouse Washes. Here you’ll find swans, wigeon, pochard, and a host of other wildfowl that call the reserve home.

Swans in West Norfolk

There’s so much natural beauty to absorb and appreciate!

Downham Market

You’ll be enchanted by this market town on the banks of the River Ouse. Dating back to Saxon times, Downham Market is one of Norfolk’s oldest market towns.

Downham Market

Wander through historic buildings, browse trendy shops, and dine at one of countless cafes in this picturesque “Gingerbread Town” – and don’t forget to snap a selfie by the iconic black and white clock!