Area guides

Hunstanton

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Sunny Hunny - a popular seaside town

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Hunstanton
11 mins to Thornham
13 mins to Titchwell
14 mins to Sandringham Estate
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Who wouldn’t want a place by the sea? Hunstanton is a traditional, unspoilt coastal town, the perfect spot to enjoy a walk on the beach and a tasty fish and chip supper, but for those lucky enough to call it home, this Victorian gem has so much more to offer.

Hunstanton

Established in 1846 by Henry Le Strange as a bathing resort designed in a Victorian Gothic style, the esteemed townsman wisely led the development of a railway from King’s Lynn to enable day-trippers to reach the ‘new town’ – a canny investment as the route was later to become the most profitable in the country.

Holidaymakers still Mecca to Hunstanton, many staying at Searles Leisure Resort which opened as a caravan park in 1936. Wile away an afternoon on the water with a boat trip on its Wash Monster, ride the carousel at the fairground or keep it traditional and feed the penny slots at the arcades. The town’s Princess Theatre, renamed in the 80s in honour of Lady Diana Spencer, features a year-round programme of live performances, film screenings plus a seasonal panto. Golfers of all ages can try their hand with a mini golf course and pitch and putt on the cliff-top, plus a renowned Links course in neighbouring Old Hunstanton.

Facing west across The Wash, ‘sunny Hunny’ as the locals fondly call it, is famous for its incredible sunsets and in the summer months it’s customary to head to the green, beach or one of the Victorian squares to watch the daylight slowly fade.

Impressive Victorian and Edwardian properties line the squares and surrounding streets, which have been added to over the years with more contemporary homes, apartments and supported accommodation for later life living. With a primary and secondary school, Smithdon High, which is a Grade II listed building, plus a co-educational prep school, Glebe House School, there is an excellent choice of education within the town. Other amenities include a GP surgery and Post Office, plus a leisure pool and gym at The Oasis, which overlooks the sea – grab an early morning workout and watch the skyline come to life.

Two of the supermarket stalwarts, Tesco and Sainsbury are in town, with a Lidl just five minutes away on the A149 at Heacham, but a fantastic local greengrocer and award winning deli are the place to stock up on brilliant ingredients and tasty treats from artisan makers. Naturally as a holiday destination, there are plenty of places to start the day with a full English, treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea at Berni Beans, or unwind at wine bar Chives.

With a renewed sense of vigour in recent years, Hunstanton is a place that attracts young families, professionals and entrepreneurs alike, along with those looking to enjoy their golden years and life at a slower pace. Find out why this is the perfect spot to discover your coastal bolthole.

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