A fantastic foodie hotspot on the coast
11 mins to Hunstanton
30 mins to Fakenham
Thornham may just be the quintessential Norfolk coastal bolthole. With plenty of brick and flint cottages and larger period homes just a short walk from the water’s edge and nature reserve, dig a little deeper and you’ll also discover it is a fantastic foodie hotspot with a clutch of award winning pubs and eateries, along with a boutique retail park. Once a largely forgotten village on the run between Hunstanton and Burnham Market, over the past decade Thornham has evolved into a chic stop.
Thornham
Historically a centre of trade and seafaring, the village was used by the Romans and saw fierce conflict between smugglers over the centuries until the harbour silted up in the early 20th century. Many of the traditional fishermen’s cottages have been gentrified with a soft palette and contemporary coastal style and life now moves at a calmer pace.
Start the day with a slow brunch at Thornham Deli before picking up some nibbles at the food counter or browsing its quirky lifestyle store. Then, continue your retail therapy a little further along the coast road at Drove Orchards, which seems to have something fresh each season. Or take it easy and fill your basket at the Farm Shop – with a small meat counter, deli, bakery and pantry selection, plus a satellite of Gurneys Fish Shop next door, dinner’s sorted.
Drove Orchards is also home to the original, award winning Eric’s Fish and Chips and Eric’s Pizza, located in a neighbouring Yurt, where traditional dishes have been given a contemporary spin. But if you are looking for good pub grub, head to The Lifeboat, The Chequers Inn or The Orange Tree pubs – all located within this small but prominent village. While some stumble upon Thornham by accident while touring the coastline, there are many who have decided to make it a place to call home.
