Hunstanton
Hunstanton was purpose-built by local landowner Henry Styleman le Strange in 1846 AD. It is affectionately known locally as “Sunny Hunny” as it has some of the driest sunny weather in England. The town is built mainly in Norfolk carrstone, with many attractive buildings and is 40 miles north-west of Norwich.
There are fabulous beaches in Hunstanton and it has been recognised for its cleanliness, amenities and safety for the last few years.
Hunstanton’s town centre and seafront are both easily accessible to the disabled visitor and the specially designed ‘sensory garden’ offers opportunities to hear, smell and touch the many plants and sculptures.
Hunstanton is a quintessential British seaside town with amusements, fish and chip shops, small fun fair, candy floss, bowls, crazy golf, pitch and putt and pony rides. Wind conditions are often suitable for sailing, windsurfing and kite surfing, so it’s the perfect place for those who enjoy exhilarating outdoor pursuits.
The town boasts an excellent leisure centre offering a well-equipped fitness suite, a tropical pool with slide and giant inflatables, squash, bowls and a soft play area for toddlers.
There is also an aquarium, theatre, ten-pin bowling and a tractor train that transports visitors the length of Hunstanton’s seafront during the summer months.
A World War II amphibian craft takes visitors for a closer look at the seals and birds in their natural habitat from Hunstanton beach.
Interesting facts about Hunstanton
- The town contains several stately Victorian squares and Boston Square provides a view across the Wash to Boston in Lincolnshire, and Boston Stump is visible on a clear day
- In good weather, boats and amphibious vessels from Hunstanton carry visitors out to see the large colony of common seals in the Wash
- Hunstanton Lawn Tennis Tournament started in 1920 and quickly became a popular event attracting entrants from Norfolk and beyond. Today it remains the UK’s largest tennis tournament and arguably the most popular grass tennis tournament in the world. Taking place in August, on 38 grass courts located on the southern edge of Hunstanton, it is an open tournament catering for experienced players down to enthusiastic beginners, from senior veterans to young children
- A lighthouse has been in Hunstanton since 1665, but the present lighthouse was built in 1840. It ceased operating in 1922 and became a private residence
- Hunstanton is famous for its red and white striped cliffs. The stripes are layers of different-coloured rock
Things to do in and around Hunstanton
Located on the west Norfolk coast, the pretty seaside town of Hunstanton that is affectionately known, as “Sunny Hunny”, is famous for its unusual striped cliffs and breath-taking sunsets. It has managed to retain its Victorian charm and is a popular holiday destination attracting many visitors each year. Hunstanton has many attractions and activities including crazy golf, pitch-and-putt, a beautiful beach, an aquarium, a theatre, a leisure centre, gardens, amusements, pony rides, water sports and a great mix of cafes and restaurants, shops and holiday accommodation.
Norfolk Lavender
On the west coast of Norfolk, you will find this popular tourist attraction 3 miles south of Hunstanton on the main A149 road. Founded in 1932, Norfolk Lavender is England’s premier lavender farm, with nearly 100 acres of lavender under cultivation. Renowned worldwide, Norfolk Lavender use their lavender oil to make their own distinctive and popular toiletry products as well as supplying many respected herbalists, doctors and aromatherapists.
Sea Life Hunstanton
Located in the popular Norfolk seaside town of Hunstanton, this Sea Life centre is close to the beach and other amenities and is home to a captivating array of creatures including penguins, otters, sharks, seahorses and crustaceans.
Snettisham Park
Located 14 miles north of King’s Lynn and close to the seaside destinations of Heacham and Hunstanton, Snettisham Park is a 329 acre working farm. Growing wheat for animal feed, malting barley, sugar beet and grass for their ewe flock, herd of red deer, horses and ponies. This popular Norfolk attraction offers visitors the opportunity to take a deer safari and get up close to their herd of red deer, maybe see lambs being born during the lambing season, collect fresh farm eggs, ride ponies and explore their three walking trails.
Princess Theatre Hunstanton
An intimate theatre located in the popular Norfolk seaside town of Hunstanton, it comprises of stalls, front circle, and upper circle, with a seating capacity of 464. Overlooking the green and the beautiful Wash, the theatre hosts a wide programme of entertainment, from live shows, music, comedy, films and more, offering something for everyone.
Useful links
https://www.hunstanton-info.com
Hunstanton town website information
Map of Hunstanton
Accommodation in Hunstanton
The Burrow
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
A fabulous family holiday home in a quiet lane within a two minute walk of the beach and Old Hunstanton Golf Course. The accommodation is spacious and ideal for families holidaying together. There’s a piano and a table tennis table and sheltered gardens surrounding the house.
Sleepy Gull
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
A beautifully presented, well-equipped cottage by the sea in the lovely village of Old Hunstanton. It’s ideal for a family and has its own enclosed garden. Sleepy Gull offers an easy walk down to the beach and local amenities are within easy reach.
The Warren
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
The Warren is a gorgeous dog-friendly property with a hot tub in the private garden, set back from the road on a private driveway. It is just a few minutes' walk from the beautiful sandy beaches of Old Hunstanton.
Ongar Lodge
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
A stunning conversion of an iconic 1960’s building, with great views of the sea and golf course. It provides contemporary and light accommodation over two floors and has stylish kitchen and bathrooms. It is two minutes’ walk to the sandy beach at Old Hunstanton.
Bramley
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
Just a stroll from Old Hunstanton beach, Bramley is an iconic single-storey property with a mix of contemporary fixtures and retro furnishings.
Blue Skies
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
An attractive modern house on a quiet road just a few minutes walk from the beach, with sea views from the garden and two of the bedrooms. A light and airy, contemporary and comfortable holiday house - Blue Skies is a great place to stay.
The Warren (6)
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
A gorgeous dog-friendly property set in enclosed gardens with a luxurious hot tub. The Warren is just a few minutes' walk from the beautiful sandy beaches of Old Hunstanton.
The Warren (4)
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
A gorgeous dog-friendly property just a few minutes’ walk from the beautiful sandy beaches of Old Hunstanton. Set in enclosed gardens with the added bonus of a lovely hot tub, there is also an award winning links golf course close by.
Pebblesden
Hunstanton, Norfolk
A super three storey modern town house just a hop skip and a jump from the promenade and beach of this popular seaside town; renowned for its wonderful sunsets.
Stone Lodge
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
This beautifully light and airy flint cottage situated in the coastal village of Old Hunstanton is superbly located for a relaxing beach holiday or weekend away. With Old Hunstanton's beach, pubs, restaurants, sandy beaches and water sports all within easy walking distance, you couldn't find a better spot.
Coachman's Cottage
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
A hidden treasure on the private Le Strange estate. Peaceful and oh-so romantic, this charming detached Victorian cottage offers wonderful parkland views with an abundance of wildlife on the doorstep, and is only a five minute drive to the coast. Best of both worlds spring to mind!
The BeeHive
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
WOW! A stunning, romantic Norfolk hideaway just made for two. This oak A-framed barn not only sits in an area of natural beauty, with fabulous views across a stream to water meadows beyond that teems with wildlife, but it's also only a five minute walk to Old Hunstanton's wide-open sandy beach. What more could you want?!
Spindrift
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
This gorgeous high-end luxury detached property just oozes style and sophistication. Located in a fabulously quiet location and within easy walking distance of the sandy beach at Old Hunstanton, which boasts a Links golf course and a Michelin-starred restaurant, this house will excite you from the moment you step inside.
Spindrift (4)
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
This fantastic high-end luxury detached property just oozes style and sophistication. Located in a quiet location and within easy walking distance of the sandy beach at Old Hunstanton, which boasts a Links golf course and a Michelin-starred restaurant, this house will excite you from the moment you step inside. Offered now as a two bedroom option, it's perfect if you want lots of space, all on one level.
Seagull Cottage
Hunstanton, Norfolk
Located smack-bang in the middle of Hunstanton and just a pebble’s throw from the wide sandy beach lies Seagull Cottage, a stylish retreat which looks towards the sea.
Seaspray
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
Seaspray is a fantastic luxury property which just oozes style and sophistication. This detached property is located in a fabulously quiet location, yet within easy walking distance of the sandy beach at Old Hunstanton, which boasts a links golf course and a Michelin-starred restaurant. With a laid back and relaxing feel to it, you can even bring a couple of dogs with you on holiday!
Porch House
Hunstanton, Norfolk
Porch House is a beautiful and spacious pet-friendly detached Victorian Villa with parking, located in a conservation area in the heart of Hunstanton. It is only a stone's throw from the beach and all the local amenities that this popular seaside town has to offer. You might find that you don't use your car at all during your stay!
Blue Skies Apartment
Hunstanton, Norfolk
This smart and spacious first floor apartment, within a traditional carrstone building, is perfectly located on a quiet road very close to all amenities, and comes with sea views.
Chambers
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
Wow, what a location! Chambers is the historic wing of Hunstanton Hall which is moated and hidden away in some of the most beautiful ancient parkland you will find on this part of the coast. Whether you are a history buff, a birdwatcher, walker or simply someone who fancies experiencing the private Le Strange Estate, you will love this listed property which was built in 1879.
Chambers (4)
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
Wow, what a location! Chambers is the historic wing of Hunstanton Hall which is moated and hidden away in some of the most beautiful ancient parkland you will find on this part of the coast. Whether you are a history buff, a birdwatcher, walker or simply someone who fancies experiencing the private Le Strange Estate, you will love this listed property which was built in 1879.
Glimpse
Hunstanton, Norfolk
A smart, comfortable, brand-new detached carrstone fronted bungalow tucked quietly away on the edge of the pretty Victorian seaside town of Hunstanton. Just minutes away from the coast, Glimpse is a stylish retreat perfect for a small family or a couple seeking a romantic getaway.
Number 10
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
A fabulously renovated contemporary retreat for seven in four bedrooms with sea views, located on the best road in Old Hunstanton and only a five-minute walk to the beach, pub/restaurants, a shop and an award-winning links golf course.
No. 33 Apartment 4
Hunstanton, Norfolk
This fantastic little first-floor apartment has everything you could need for a seaside holiday! A balcony with sea views, stylish interiors and a short five minute walk to Hunstanton beach and the town centre with its shops, restaurants, amusements and water sport facilities.
Bay View Apartment
Hunstanton, Norfolk
A colourful ground floor apartment in a Victorian seaside villa. The accommodation is extremely comfortable with good quality furnishings and fittings.
Number 5
Hunstanton, Norfolk
Contemporary with bespoke styling, 5 Crescent Road is a hidden gem that will delight and surprise. With sea views from the master bedroom, this seaside retreat is ideally placed to give easy access to the this popular Victorian town and the surrounding coastline.
Seaview Cottage
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
A lovely little coastal cottage with a charming seaside theme that offers a very tempting glimpse of the sea from an upper bedroom window. With excellent local amenities, and a beautiful sandy beach only a short walk away, Seaview Cottage is a great all year round bolt hole for couples or a small family for whenever you feel like a break.
St Edmunds View
Hunstanton, Norfolk
St Edmunds View, named after the nearby church and the 12th century Chapel that now stands as a ruin atop the Hunstanton cliffs, is a wonderfully curated home for groups that are looking for elegant accommodation where all guests can enjoy excellent facilities. A truly authentic arts and crafts property, made from the locally quarried red carrstone, that has been lovingly brought into the 21st century through bespoke furnishing and a keen eye for the details.
Flounders End
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
Fabulous beach hut near the golf course, close to the beach cafe but in quiet position.
The Cove
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
The Cove is a fabulous detached family holiday home within sight and sound of the sea at Old Hunstanton. With a large grassy enclosed garden and a first floor balcony from which to watch the sunsets over the sea.
The Hen House (Beach Hut)
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
Beach hut on Old Hunstanton Beach, close to parking, WC's, beach cafe and lifeboat station.
Neptune Cottage
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
A traditional cottage situated in the 16th century smuggling village of Old Hunstanton. Neptune Cottage has been furnished to provide comfortable and stylish accommodation for up to five guests. Just a few minutes’ walk to beach, shops and great places to eat including a Michelin starred restaurant.
Burleigh House Hotel
7 Cliff Terrace Hunstanton Norfolk PE36 6DY
01485 533080
mYminiBreak
72 South Beach Road, Heacham Hunstanton Norfolk PE31 7BB
01485 571635
mYminiBreak
72 South Beach Road, Heacham Hunstanton Norfolk PE31 7BB
01485 571635
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Get startedUpdated November 2026
Hunstanton visitor guide 2026
Current places to eat, stay and visit in and around Hunstanton, plus practical visitor information. Opening times change through the year, so check with the venue before you travel.
Visitor essentials
- Getting there
- There is no railway station in Hunstanton. Take a train to King's Lynn (Great Northern from London King's Cross, about 1 hour 40 minutes) and continue by Lynx Coastliner bus along the coast, or drive about 15 miles north on the A149.
- Parking
- Council car parks include Central, Cliff Top, North Prom, South Prom, Southend, Seagate East and West and Valentine Road, plus a Coach Park for coaches and motorhomes. A 7-day ROVER ticket (GBP 27 March to October, GBP 24 winter) covers council car parks in Hunstanton and Heacham.
- Tourist information
- Hunstanton Tourist Information Point is in the Alive Oasis leisure centre, Central Promenade (PE36 5BD): open 10am-6pm April to September, 10am-2pm October to March, closed in December. Phone enquiries go to King's Lynn TIC on 01553 774297.
- Good to know
- Hunstanton is on the Wash coast and faces west, so sunsets over the sea are a draw. The tractor train along the seafront runs in summer only. For lunch and dinner, the best-reviewed places are in Old Hunstanton and nearby villages such as Ringstead and Snettisham.
What has changed
We have checked this page against current sources. Updates to the information above:
- The centre now presents itself as Sea Life Sanctuary with a seal hospital that has rehabilitated more than 750 pups since 1989, plus otters and Humboldt penguins. The listing shows Monday to Friday opening (11am to 4pm) and weekends closed, so check times before visiting. Source
Where to eat in Hunstanton
The Neptune
Former coaching inn run by the same owners for about twenty years; a one-man kitchen produces highly rated seasonal food.
The Old Bank Bistro
Small bistro marking its tenth anniversary in 2026, serving five- and seven-course set menus.
The Gin Trap Inn
1668 village inn, part of the Chestnut Group since 2024, serving polished British dishes.
Dune Bar & Kitchen
Relaxed spot just off the beach for pizzas, tacos and cocktails; dogs welcome.
The Ancient Mariner Inn
Beside the beach at Old Hunstanton, with its car park used by nearby visitors.
Caley Hall Hotel Restaurant
Family-run hotel serving bar lunches and an evening menu from local ingredients; book for Sunday lunch.
The Golden Lion
Family-friendly pub overlooking the Green, serving Sunday roasts and afternoon tea.
Where to stay in Hunstanton
The Gin Trap Inn
Thirteen boutique rooms above a village inn a short drive inland.
Caley Hall Hotel
Thirty-six chalet-style rooms around a manor house, about ten minutes' walk from the beach.
The Golden Lion
Twenty-nine en-suite rooms a stone's throw from the beach.
The King William IV Country Inn
Refurbished village inn with rooms and a restaurant, a short drive from Hunstanton.
More things to do around Hunstanton
Sea Life Sanctuary Hunstanton
Seal rescue hospital, otters and penguins; listed hours were 11am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Princess Theatre
Year-round shows, films and live screenings, plus a terrace wine bar with live music.
Old Hunstanton Beach and cliffs
Quieter end of the beach below the striped cliffs, with the ruined St Edmund's Chapel nearby.
Hunstanton in Bloom trail
About 1.5-mile garden trail with 14 stops, including the Esplanade Gardens and Sensory Garden.
Bircham Windmill Tearooms
Clotted-cream teas beside a working windmill about 8 miles from Hunstanton.
Searles Sea Tours
Amphibious 'Wash Monster' trips run from the beach to see seals on the sandbanks.
Listings are independent suggestions, not paid placements. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
Live
Sea, tides and beach conditions at Hunstanton
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Wave, sea temperature and sea-level model data: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0). Tide times are model estimates – for official times see the UK Hydrographic Office EasyTide. Not for navigation. Check RNLI beach safety before swimming.
Live
River levels near Hunstanton
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Source: Environment Agency real-time flood-monitoring data (Open Government Licence).
Local information
Hunstanton in numbers
Top historic buildings in Hunstanton
- Grade II*
- Grade II*
- Grade II*
- Grade II
- Grade II
- Grade II
- Grade II
- Grade II
- Grade II
- Grade II
Food hygiene ratings in Hunstanton
- 5/5
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See all 76 ratings in Hunstanton
Ratings: Food Standards Agency (Open Government Licence).
Wildlife recorded around Hunstanton
The most frequently recorded species within 5 km of Hunstanton since 2022 (31,751 records submitted to the National Biodiversity Network).
Birds
- Woodpigeon
- Black-headed Gull
- Oystercatcher
- Herring Gull
- Blackbird
- Jackdaw
- Robin
- Starling
- Magpie
- Wren
- Curlew
- Dunnock
Other wildlife and plants
- Muntjac
- Grey Squirrel
- Brown Hare
- Hedgehog
- Chinese Water Deer
- Small White
- Rabbit
- Natterjack Toad
- Gatekeeper
- Meadow Brown
- Feral Cat
- Jelly Ear
Source: NBN Atlas – records from Norfolk recorders and conservation groups. Please follow the Countryside Code and keep to paths.
Villages around Hunstanton
- Ringstead 2.1 miles
- Heacham 2.3 miles
- Holme-next-the-Sea 2.4 miles
- Sedgeford 3.7 miles
- Thornham 3.9 miles
- Snettisham 4.3 miles
- Ingoldisthorpe 5.3 miles
- Titchwell 5.3 miles
- Fring 5.5 miles
- Shernborne 5.9 miles
Live weather
Weather in Hunstanton
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Updated every time the page loads · Data: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0)
Hunstanton guide 2026
Where to eat, where to stay and visitor essentials for Hunstanton, checked November 2026.
Getting to Norfolk
- Train: Greater Anglia runs direct trains from London Liverpool Street to Norwich, plus lines to Cromer, Sheringham, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Cambridge. National Rail journey planner
- Road: the A11 (from Cambridge and London) and the A47 (east–west) are the main routes.
- Air: Norwich Airport is 4 miles north of the city.
- Bus: plan local journeys on Traveline.
Useful links
- Visit Norfolk – official tourism site
- Visit the Broads – Broads Authority
- Met Office weather warnings
- RNLI beach safety and tide advice
- National Trust in Norfolk
In an emergency
- 999 – police, fire, ambulance and coastguard
- 111 – NHS urgent medical advice
- 101 – Norfolk Police, non-emergency