Road Trip Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Read Time: About 17 minutes
Sheringham Park. UncleBucko
The third stop of our campervan road trip itinerary through Norfolk is the Norfolk Coast National Landscape! which covers a whopping 300 miles of coastline, encompassing sandy Blue Flag beaches, salt marshes, tidal mudflats, and vast coastal skies that provide quality sunshine. This delightful strip of coastline was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1968 and is renowned for its exceptional landscapes, rich wildlife, and cultural heritage. The coastline extends from The Wash in the west to the Cromer Ridge in the east, incorporating a diverse range of coastal and inland environments.
With so much to explore, there’s no better way to get down to it than with a campervan hire in Norfolk. Simply follow our flexible guide that allows our readers the freedom to enjoy themselves without the stress of being bogged down by check-out timings and other constraints that come with booking a hotel room. Read on and find ideas for your Norfolk Coast road trip.
- What is The Norfolk Coast Area of Natural Beauty?
- What is The Most Beautiful Part of The Norfolk Coast?
- Can You Drive Around The Norfolk Broads?
- How Long Does it Take to Walk The Norfolk Coast Path?
- What to Do in The Norfolk Broads
- Is Norfolk Good for Camping?
- Camping in and around Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Campsites Near Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Glamping Norfolk North
- Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Campervans
- Holt to The Norfolk Coast National Landscape
What is The Norfolk Coast Area of Natural Beauty?
From shingle spits at the top of the coast to the sandy cliffs further south, the Norfolk AONB has an incredible range of landscapes lined with some of the finest resorts in England. Unlike many conservation areas, the Norfolk Coast is a living, working landscape home to beautiful, tranquil coastal villages that have developed and changed over many centuries in harmony with nature. With their serene atmosphere and picturesque settings, the coast offers a perfect escape for families and nature enthusiasts. The Norfolk Coast Area of Natural Beauty features stunning, protected landscapes and boasts some of the finest coastal scenery in England. A blend of natural beauty essential to flourishing biodiversity, a range of cultural and historical attractions, locations, and a wealth of outdoor activities make it a fantastic base for coastal capers, countryside escapes, and more. Its designation as a protected area ensures the conservation of delicate ecosystems and nature reserves like Blakeney National Nature Reserve and Titchwell Marsh.
Rickels Caravan Site is a gem of a find if you enjoy pitching or parking up on a clean, spacious, well-maintained, adults-only campsite.
The Norfolk Coast AONB extends from the town of Kings Lynn to Winterton-on-Sea. Along the coast are plenty of family-friendly beaches and nature-rich locations, like the vast sands of Holkham Beach, which also serves as a nature reserve. Blakeney Point, another spectacular reserve, enjoys uninterrupted views and hosts various breeding birds plus basking seals. If the scenery is more your cup of tea, soak in the sunset skies at Heacham and Hunstanton. These west-facing towns with the light, wide open sands and colourful seascapes are experienced best at sunset when the shadows emphasise the shapes and natural patterns created by the wind and water.
What is The Most Beautiful Part of The Norfolk Coast?
Blakeney. Natural England
The Norfolk Coast is full of beautiful locations, each offering its appeal; therefore, the most beautiful part is based entirely on personal preference. Holkham Beach and Nature Reserve is consistently regarded as one of the most beautiful areas, and it's easy to see why. Holkham Beach is wide with sweeping sands stretching seemingly endlessly, backed by a gorgeous fringe of dunes and pine woods that only add to its charming atmosphere. This sandy stretch remains relatively untouched and meets the Holkham National Nature Reserve, where salt marshes, dunes, and pinewoods create a beautiful natural home for flora and fauna. Holkham Hall, an 18th-century Palladian-style mansion, rests inland from the beach and is a beautiful estate, well worth a visit. The stunning architecture within elegant grounds adds a cultural feel to an otherwise mostly untamed location.
Other stunning spots include Wells-next-the-Sea, adjacent to Holkham Beach, famed for its colourful beach huts and picturesque harbours. Blakeney Point is a top spot for observing seal colonies and sweeping vistas over salt marshes. Cley Next the Sea, a hotspot for birdwatchers, holds wetlands and reed beds that create a stunning landscape, with the Cley Windmill watching over the landscape.
Can You Drive Around The Norfolk Broads?
While it's impossible to drive your campervan on the waterways themselves of course, there are several beautiful routes around the Broads that are ideal for exploring its lovely little villages, welcoming towns and fertile nature reserves. We recommend adding key villages like Wroxham, Horning, and Ludham to your campervan road trip itinerary, as they are easy to access by car and offer the opportunity to park near the waterways and soak in the views, enjoy nature walks, or hop on a boat ride. The more popular road is the A1151, which links Norwich to Wroxham, often called the capital of the Broads. Smaller scenic routes like the B1152 and B1140 are ideal for quiet drives through the countryside, along shimmering rivers, past sleepy villages, panoramic viewpoints, and numerous nature reserves. Our readers can combine beautiful drives with activities like walking and boat trips. We advise caution as the rural roads around the Broads are often narrow or winding, especially during the holiday seasons. Some more remote locations are only accessible by foot or boat paths.
The Norfolk Broads, often just called the Broads, are a network of rivers, lakes, and wetlands located in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk in eastern England. They form part of the UK's largest protected wetland and make for a great day out if you are okay with a quick one-hour and twelve-minute drive. Expect unique wildlife, natural beauty, and exceptional water-based adventures like boating. Here's what you explore in this stunning area covering 300 square kilometres with over 12.5 miles of navigable waterways.
How Long Does it Take to Walk The Norfolk Coast Path?
The North Norfolk Coastal Path is excellent if you want to walk the Norfolk Coast in manageable bits and take in the everchanging vistas throughout the seasons. The long-distance footpath covers most of the AONB coast with close links to inland paths passing through and around many prominent towns nearby. It stretches approximately 84 miles along the beautiful Norfolk coastline. It begins at Hunstanton on the west coast and runs up to Hopto-on-Sea, near the border dividing Norfolk and Suffolk. Tackling the entire length of the Norfolk Coast Path takes an estimated 5 - 7 days to complete; however, this depends on the pace and time spent exploring the attraction route.
The shorter sections of the route include walks from Burnham Overy Staithe to Wells-next-the-Sea, which covers 7 miles and passes through the Holkham National Nature Reserve. The Wells-next-the-Sea to Blakeney route is 8 miles long, a peaceful stroll through salt marshlands and pretty harbours and an excellent route for birdwatchers. Sheringham to Cromer is 9 miles and offers a scenic route with scenic vistas from Beeston Hill and Cromer.
Heacham Beach Holiday Park is the perfect place to sit back and unwind on a relaxing seaside escape, with heaps of impressive sceneries and plenty to do for all ages.
The longer routes aren’t always challenging, yet cover long distances that are best for our readers who don’t mind long treks. Hunstanton to Burnham Overy Staithe is a 15-mile route that is relatively easy and features the famous cliffs of Hunstanton, golden beaches, and picturesque marshland. The Blakeney to Sheringham route features beach walks and coastal cliffs, offering a blend of landscapes and gorgeous vistas of the North Sea. The Cromer to Sea Palling route offers a stunning 1-mile stretch of beaches and dunes, while Sea Palling to Hopton-on-Sea is a quieter, 13-mile section overlooked for other routes.
Uncover a stunning section of England with the diverse landscapes and wildlife that make the Norfolk Coast Area a special place. The variety of landscapes will inspire and excite any nature enthusiast.
There are many marked coastal routes for cycling enthusiasts as well that snake past hidden villages, past historical landmarks and coastal paths. The long distance Peddars Way is great for linking with the Norfolk Coast Path, and boasts stunning views of inland and coastal areas.
What to Do in The Norfolk Broads
Wells-Next-the-Sea. Julia Maudlin
The Broads were created by mediaeval peat diggings that later flooded to form the shallow lakes and waterways, which, over time, became more natural looking while creating a stunning area of interconnected rivers, marshes and broads (or lakes) like Hickling Broad, Ranworth Broad, and Wroxham Broad, which are great destinations for boating, and fishing. The landscape brims with wildlife and creates a habitat for rare species like bitterns, marsh harriers, and the swallowtail butterfly, all endemic to the Broads. Active types can enjoy canoeing, motorboarding, and sailing. For less taxing excursions, take a gentle walk, find a quiet corner in the dappled shade of trees to picnic, or bring your fishing gear for an afternoon of angling.
There are plenty of pet-friendly beaches to exercise your canine companions, cliffs to clamber up if you enjoy eagle-eye views of the glittering ocean, and beautiful promenades for strolls with your loved ones. Families can enjoy the glorious sun, sea, and sand on large, flat beaches backed by colourful beach huts and green cliffs. But it's not just about natural beauty. Norfolk's Deep History Coast, a treasure trove for history buffs, is perfect for brushing up on history. The beaches between Weybourne and Cart Gap entice anyone interested in hunting for fossils. This rich historical landscape is sure to intrigue and excite any history enthusiast.
There are several piers, like the classic Cromer Pier, a Victorian-era promenade with a theatre, fishing spots, and great views. Hunstanton Pier is ideal for old-school entertainment and gorgeous sunsets.
There’s no reason to come down to the coast and not have your fill of fresh seafood. Norfolk is famous for its delectable culinary offerings, including Brancaster mussels, Cromer crabs, and local oysters. Many pubs serve fresh, locally sourced meals, and the markets stock artisanal goods, local produce and lovely crafts, often handmade.
Explore the delights of the North Norfolk coast and rest your head in a small, exclusive woodland on a romantic, undulating camping field at Dreamy Hollow.
The Norfolk Coast has something for everyone, and presents holiday makers of all ages and abilities with a heady selection of pristine sandy beaches, thriving wildlife, outdoor activities, rich history, and more. Read on as we dive into the best campsites and campervan hire locations on the Norfolk Coast.
Is Norfolk Good for Camping?
Norfolk is a cracking destination for campervan escapes and boasts a range of camping options tucked away in beautiful countryside, plus many more fantastic sites sprinkled around the coast with gorgeous ocean views. Take your pick of diverse landscapes and sceneries, be it coastal camping, quiet escapes near wildlife-rich marshlands, and beautiful inland sites on farmland or deep in the forest. Norfolk’s flat terrain is ideal for walking and cycling, and many campsites enjoy direct access to a range of stunning routes, including the Norfolk Coast Path and Peddars Way.
Book early, as uk campsites near the ocean and the Broads tend to fill up quickly during the peak months. Pack for wind and rain, even in the summer months. Follow guidelines and leave no trace of your stay, especially if you are camping on the ocean, near nature reserves and protected areas.
Camping in and around Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Cromer. Alison Thompson
The Norfolk Coastline, famed for its remarkable natural beauty, is a beautiful base to set up your campervan or motorhome. Uncover a primarily untamed and protected area brimming with wildlife, seaside resorts and gorgeous sandy beaches perfect for paddling, rock pooling and crabbing. Book a campsite in the Norfolk Coast National Landscape, and you’ll have miles of golden sand beaches, nature reserves and salt marshes perfect for bird watching, walking and sunbathing under big skies. Every holiday on the Norfolk coastline is unique, and the best way to experience what the area offers is to stay at a campsite on the Norfolk Coast.
Search for campsites by name, postcode, or town. We also offer a nifty filter feature that helps refine searches based on your camping accommodation preference. Click the tent, touring vehicle, or glamping icon at the start of the page, and our website will provide the best options. If you’re on the road and need a campsite for the night, let the system find the closest camping options based on your location.
The coastal town of Wells, next to the Sea on the Norfolk Coast, enjoys a central position on the Norfolk Coast and is perfect for exploring almost 50 miles of coastline, which also encompasses an AONB. The kids can crab fish off the quay, followed by a tasty staple of fish and chips and perhaps a refreshing ice cream to cool off later. Find campsites in Wells Next the Sea, spend your days lounging on an expansive beach lined with colourful beach huts, and explore the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty from Hunstanton to Cromer. Our campsite locations include campsites in Stanhoe and campsites in Fakenham.
The picturesque village of Burnham Deepdale is a lovely spot for camping and enjoying an exceptional location on the Norfolk Coast and AONB. Set up camp here and explore the wild sceneries of the Salt Marshes on a misty spring morning. Take long walks on the Norfolk Coast Path, or watch migratory birds in autumn. Spend the evening lazing on the grass near your pitch and admire the star-sprinkled sky as a crackling campfire creates a cosy atmosphere. Discover your passion for camping with our campsites in Burnham Deepdale. With 250 campsites within 30 miles of Burnham Deepdale, you’ll have a wealth of options at your fingertips. Our campsite locations include campsites in South Creake, campsites in Hunstanton, campsites in Heacham and campsites in Wighton.
Burnk down at Burnham Thorpe, a lovely inland village famed as the birthplace of Horatio Nelson and a stone’s throw from Burnham Market. Uncover an exciting array of attractions and activities paired with excellent eateries and effortless access to the surrounding settlements. Set up camp in open green surroundings with flint cottages and cosy pubs, and wake up to birdsong, fresh air, and sweeping rural views. Wander from the countryside to stunning beaches with scenic coastal walks on the North Norfolk Coastline when you book a campsite in Burnham on Thorpe. Our campsite locations include campsites in Burnham Market and campsites in Stiffkey.
Campsites Near Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Whether you’re looking for endless skies and extensive horizons stretching over golden shores or want to explore a web of walking paths and waterways, the Norfolk Coast is a fantastic location for a camping holiday. The Old Street Farm in Melton Constable is a quiet site tucked away in fertile countryside with fresh eggs available for breakfast and a short walk from the nearest pub. Pretty Potters Farm is perfect for countryside stays within easy reach of Norfolk beaches. Read on to see why these campsites may be perfect for you. Fakenham Fairways in Fakenham is a lovely family-run site ideal for seaside escapes. Read on for more details.
Old Street Farm in Melton Constable
Old Street Farm, Melton Constable
Escape to the heart of the Norfolk countryside at the peaceful Old Street Farm, a peaceful site with free-range chickens who keep a respectful distance and friendly visits from the owner’s friendly cocker spaniel. The coast is an easy 6-mile distance, and the charming Georgian town of Holt is 3 miles away. Old Street Farm is a 5-van Caravan and Motorhome Club Site with electric meters and plenty of space for well-behaved dogs. The site does not have toilets or showers, but the electricity meters and water supply are reliable. Several excellent pubs and restaurants are nearby, including The Pigs pub, a stroll away.
Fakenham Fairways in Fakenham
Fakenham Fairways, Fakenham
Fakenham Fairways is a fantastic family base with spacious pitches for tents, small campervans, motorhomes and caravans. The site has several grass and hardstanding bases on a mowed field, shielded by mature hedgerows and leafy trees from strong winds and the outside world. Excellent amenities include free showers, a separate ladies' and gents' washroom, a freezer, a washing-up area, and more. The kids can frolic and lark on the spacious play area, run around, cycle, and enjoy a freedom not found at home. Fakenham Fairways rests in the heart of the North Norfolk countryside and boasts a top-notch golfing facility.
Potters Farm Campsite in Wighton
Potters Farm Campsite, Wighton
Potters Farm is a fantastic location outside Wells-next-the-Sea, an ideal 10-minute troll from the nearest pub, with generous pitches on a clean farm. Stretch out on your pitch with the added privacy of thick hedges surrounding the field. Campers are ideally located to explore the village pub and the ocean, a quick stroll away. The owners have equipped the site with a barn area for evening chats, plus toilets and showers with ample hot water. Guests are also welcome to cook breakfast and supper on a firepit and enjoy the most of being in the great outdoors.
Glamping Norfolk North
Glamping is a great way to explore the outdoors while enjoying the comforts of a roof overhead, electricity, a bed, and often, heating. Pine Cones Caravan and Camping near King's Lynn rests inland from the golden beaches of Heacham and Hunstanton and offers campers and glampers a fantastic base for stretching out and relaxing pre or post-adventure. The site boasts 16 luxury bathrooms, internet access, a launderette, access to an on-site shop and the freedom to enjoy barbecues when needed. The Pine Views camping pods are pet-friendly and come equipped with heating, a fridge, car parking, a cooker, Wi-Fi, a kettle, and a toaster. Gas and electricity are also included. The site also offers an array of pitches, so feel free to rumble by in your camper.
If you’ve been hankering after a rural getaway, set your sights on the peaceful Hunstanton Camping & Glamping with mYminiBreak.
King's Lynn Caravan and Camping Park is another lovely spot for camping on the fringes of town and offers campers peaceful stays on a ten-acre parkland with eco-friendly amenities and a convenient spot only a five-minute drive from a 24-hour supermarket. The toilets rest in lick houses, and guests can enjoy free hot showers, a launderette, internet access, and a handy food shop stocking essentials. Take your pick from a four-person elite pod, a two-bedroom pod for six, or a range of spacious pitches with or without electric metres. Large groups can book a two - or three-bedroom with various comforts, including a verandah, cooking equipment, duvets, pillows, double glazing, a DVD player and more.
Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Campervans
Mundesley. Colin
If you love getting out and about, consider changing up your mundane hotel or hostel stay for the freedom of a campervan hire, to drive whenever the urge takes hold. What better way to explore miles of coastline and countryside? Explore some of Britain's best breathtaking views using our North Norfolk guide. Find your perfect campervan in South Creake, a lovely village tucked into a valley just 6 miles from the coast. Uncover a wealth of wildlife with your campervan rental in Stiffkey and explore a top salt marsh in England. Take look at our Norfolk Coast National Landscape campervan page for more campervans with in the Natural Landscape.
You can search for campsites by postcode or name or use our county map to find campervans in all counties around the UK. Let the system do the hard work—add your dates and questions and let private owners provide the most competitive fares.
Located in rural Norfolk, South Creake is close to the Norfolk coastline and wonderfully uncrowded due to the lack of transport links into the village. There are many campsites and caravan parks in the surrounding area, and the landscape is mainly made up of open countryside and farmland, ensuring big skies and endless horizons, whichever way you decide to steer your vehicle. Find campervans in South Creake and drive to Hunstanton and Fakenham, or explore the lovely Norfolk countryside - the choice is yours 44 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of South Creake. Our South Creake campervan hire locations include campervans for hire in Burnham Market, campervans for hire in Wighton and campervans for hire in Wells Next the Sea.
Age: 25-70
Travel: Local Area Only
Gearbox: Manual
Gorgeous Good Thing is perfect for those adventuring sorts who want a good time in the great outdoors. Our classic camper is a head-turner, and her vintage interior will make camping under the stars a real treat.
Stiffkey, a beautiful coastal village, is a wonderful place to kick-start your campervan adventure. What better way to get a taste of the beauty in store than by exploring the settlement in an Outstanding Natural Beauty area? The village holds one of the best salt marshes in the UK for wildlife watching, and it is near the Blakeney National Nature Reserve. Find campervans in Stiffkey and explore a pristine, wildlife-rich corner on the Norfolk Coast with 37 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Stiffkey. Our campervan hire locations in Stiffkey include campervans for hire in Holt, campervans for hire in Burnham Thorpe, campervans for hire in Melton Constable and campervans for hire in Fakenham.
The small village of Stanhoe is a peaceful spot to begin your campervan escape. Surrounded by unspoiled countryside with abundant wildlife, the town is well-located for exploring both the coast and the rural surroundings. Stargazers can find a campervan in Stanhoe and may consider parking for the night as the village has no street lights, ensuring a clear view of a starry sky. With 47 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Stanhoe, you’re spoiled for choice. Our campervan hire locations in Stanhoe include campervans for hire in Burnham Deepdale, campervans for hire in Snettisham, campervans for hire in Heacham and campervans for hire in Hunstanton.
Age: 25-70
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Manual
Our Van Bertie is a new conversion. He can sleep four and has a duel-power fridge, gas hob, sink and leisure battery. . Bertie also features an entire leather interior, climate control, and Apple Car Play.
Holt to The Norfolk Coast National Landscape
Have we convinced you to go on a campervan or motorhome road trip through the Norfolk National Landscape? We certainly hope so! Starting your journey will be all the easier with our flexible guide, handy campervan hire options and our recommended campsites in Norfolk. Rent a campervan in a few clicks, pack our bags, set up ‘Out of Office’ and hit the road. We’re not done with our A Perfect Campervan Itinerary for Discovering the History, Nature and Coastal Charm of Norfolk, and we have a big hitter coming up - Hunstanton. Come by next week for our soon-to-be-published adventure through another stunning seaside town.
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