North Norfolk is renowned for its spectacular coastline, abundant wildlife, glorious beaches, picturesque market towns and National Trust properties. Few counties offer such a diverse range of activities and Fakenham Fairways is the perfect base to start exploring.
Upcoming events
in North Norfolk in 2024
The White Horse at Holme next Sea
We are big fans of the White Horse at Brancaster so are excited to see they have branched out and have opened a new restaurant at Holme next Sea which also happens to be one of our most favourite places for a walk in North Norfolk. Sounds like a win win situation to me! Check them out.
Flour – Wells next Sea
Fancy a pizza? Looking at this new and exciting menu I certainly do. Flour is situated on the quay at Wells Next Sea and is cooking up authentic pizzas with homemade dough and some delicious looking toppings what is there not like? Check them out
We all like to be beside the seaside
Seaside adventures are waiting for you along the North Norfolk coast. There is a simply enormous sandy beach at Brancaster which is great for walking, relaxing or building sand castles. At Cley it is a wonderful to stand and listen to the crescendo of waves as they hit the pebble beach and Wells-next-the-sea, famous for its colourful backdrop of beach huts is just 15 minutes drive from Fakenham Fairways.
The beach at Holkham seems to be endless. It backs onto the windswept dune and salt marshes. The chalk reef off Cromer is the longest in the world created when the dinosaurs roamed. We never tire of the truly magical feeling of its big sky meeting the majestic sea.
Our campers certainly enjoy rock pooling at West Runton and last summer Holme became a favourite spending hours swimming in the Mediterranean-like sea (we can’t promise that every year!)
Out and about on foot
Food, food, food and a little drink
North Norfolk is fast becoming a foodie’s paradise. There are local farm shops and delis, cosy pubs and some absolutely gorgeous fresh fish and chips. Our personal favourites are the White Horse at Brancaster, the Dun Cow at Salthouse and this year Mr Chips in Fakenham is where we pop to get fish and chips for my mum (just writing this makes me feel hungry!)
Get on your bike
Our campsite is a stone’s throw away from the National Cycle Network Route 1.
There is a 12 mile (20km) ride to Wells-next-the-Sea. Just half a mile up the road you can pick up the NCN route 1. This is a pleasant, fairly flat route. The route follows a mixture of quiet country roads and off road cycle paths before finishing at the harbour of this quintessential Norfolk coastal town.
Highlights on the route include Walsingham Abbey and the coastal views as you approach Wells.
More info: GPS Cycle & Walking Routes Fakenham to Wells-next-the-Sea
For those feeling more energetic you can follow the National cycle road 1 in the opposite direction and cycle the 29 miles to Norwich. This follows quiet roads and the beautiful Marriott way.
On and in the water
North Norfolk has great opportunities to get out in and on the water. Windsurfing and kite surfing have become very popular at Hunstanton and Brancaster, and there are numerous sailing clubs offering courses and taster sessions. You can try your hand at paddle boarding from Brancaster Staith or hire a kayak.
Back to nature
North Norfolk is a birdwatcher’s paradise with and they are seldom disappointed. It all starts within a mile of the campsite at Sculthorpe Moor with its diverse range of habitats that attracts all sorts of bird life. Created by the Hawk and Owl Trust to protect and enhance the very special habitat in the Wensum Valley of Norfolk, it includes the valley’s only example of saw sedge wetland, and has breeding marsh harriers, water rails and kingfishers as well as barn owls. Otters use its waterways and the fen is home to many species of dragonfly, butterfly and flowering plants.
More info: Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
The National Wildlife trust at Cley and Salthouse marshes is one of the country’s most popular birdwatching hotspots. Numerous hides give fantastic views across landscapes specifically managed to attract breeding and migrating birds. Snettisham is the place to witness a great wildlife spectacular as big tides cover the mudflats and result in 10s of thousands of wading birds being pushed off their feeding grounds.
RSPB at Titchwell is another camper’s favourite. Big skies, a fabulous sandy beach and bird filled reed beds gets them going back time after time.
Pensthorpe Natural Park combines a host of different habitats providing home for a large variety of species and giving visitors the opportunity to get really close to some of Britain’s most endangered species. Children can use up some energy on the fantastic Wild Rootz adventure play area, build dens or become detectives on the Bug Walk & Stamp Trail. Visit the wonderful gift shop or refuel in their lovely Cafe.
More info: Pensthorpe Natural Park
Seeing the seals
Wander around
If you fancy a wander, a shop or a bit of entertainment there are plenty of towns and villages to keep you entertained.
Burnham Market and Holt have many boutiques. Cromer is a traditional sea side town with its landmark pier housing the lifeboat and pavilion theatre. Hunstanton has something for everyone. The magnificent red and white cliffs, candy floss, fish and chips and even a donkey ride! Sheringham is a seaside town with a fishing industry based on crabs and lobsters. There’s a promenade which runs along the top of the seawall defences providing the perfect place to walk and Cafes and restaurants overlook the beach, providing perfect sea views.