The best way to see this part of Norfolk is on foot, and it starts at the door. Four walks set out from the cottage through the Glaven valley’s woods, commons and lanes, the Norfolk Coast Path runs the length of the coast fifteen minutes away, and there are miles of woodland and parkland walks at Sheringham Park, Felbrigg, Blickling and Holkham.
Good to know
- All four walks from the door, with maps, are on our local walks page.
- The old lane on the Pippin’s Heath walk is muddy and has a ford, so wear boots.
- On the coast, check the tide before walking out across the sands or the marsh.
- Keep dogs on a lead around sheep and cattle, and follow the signs on nature reserves.
Our pick
Holkham
Holkham Beach
North Norfolk has lots of lovely coastal spots, but none more dramatic than Holkham. You walk through a stunning pine forest before emerging onto a huge expanse of sand, and it’s a long, lovely walk down to the dunes and the sea. There’s a café by the car park. Check the tide times before you set out, and keep dogs on leads in the bird nesting season.
Holkham
Holkham Hall
A grand Palladian house in a vast deer park, with walks, cycling, a walled garden and seasonal events.
The coast
Walk the Norfolk Coast Path
The national trail runs the length of the coast. Good stretches from here include Cley to Salthouse across the marshes, Wells beach to Holkham through the pines, and the clifftop walk to Cromer lighthouse.
Visit website for Walk the Norfolk Coast Path (opens in a new tab)
Blickling
Blickling Estate
A Jacobean mansion in beautiful gardens and parkland, cared for by the National Trust.
Around Hunworth
Walks from the cottage
There are beautiful walks for all abilities around the cottage. You’ll find local maps and walking books in the cottage, and more ideas on the National Trust’s Walking in Norfolk pages and at norfolk.gov.uk.
Felbrigg
Felbrigg Hall
A 17th-century country house with a walled garden and miles of woodland walks, spectacular in autumn.
Upper Sheringham
Sheringham Park
National Trust woodland and parkland with viewing towers looking out to the coast. Glorious when the rhododendrons and azaleas flower in late spring, and for autumn colour.
Titchwell
RSPB Titchwell Marsh
The RSPB reserve between the coast road and the sea: reedbeds, saltmarsh and freshwater lagoons where avocets, bearded tits and marsh harriers nest, and a wide sandy beach at the end of the West Bank path. Thousands of birds pass through on migration in spring and autumn. Visitor centre, café and shop.
Glandford
Wiveton Downs
A Dark Sky Discovery Site on the ridge above Glandford, with the top two-star rating: on a clear, moonless night you can see the Milky Way. By day it’s a good short walk. After dark, take a red torch; the ground is uneven.
Kelling
Kelling Heath
Heathland and pine woods on the ridge above Weybourne, purple with heather in August, with views out to sea. Good walking, and a favourite with dogs. Kelling Heath Holiday Park, on the heath, is a Dark Sky Discovery Site.
Holt
Holt Country Park
Nearly 100 acres of woodland on the edge of Holt, with a visitor centre, a waymarked arts trail and a cycle route.
From the journal