Hunstanton, affectionately known as “Sunny Hunny,” is a charming seaside town on the northwest coast of Norfolk. Famous for its stunning sunsets, unique striped cliffs, and family-friendly attractions, it’s a perfect destination for a relaxing holiday. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Getting to Hunstanton
Hunstanton is easily accessible by car or public transport.
- By Car: It’s a 2-hour drive from Cambridge, and around 3 hours from London. Parking is ample in the town, with both free and paid options. If you’re visiting during peak summer months, parking can get crowded near the beach. Arrive early or park in Old Hunstanton and enjoy a scenic walk along the coast to the main town.
- By Train and Bus: The nearest train station is in King’s Lynn, from which regular bus services (such as the Coastliner 36) travel directly to Hunstanton.
Things to Do
1. Relax on the Beach
Hunstanton’s sandy beach is ideal for families, with shallow waters and plenty of space for sunbathing, beach games, and picnics.
2. Explore the Striped Cliffs
The town’s famous red and white striped cliffs are a geological marvel. Take a leisurely walk along the beach to admire these unique formations and spot fossils.
3. Visit the SEA LIFE Centre
This popular family attraction features a wide range of marine creatures, including penguins, seals, and sharks, along with interactive exhibits.
4. Take a Boat Trip
Join an amphibious vehicle tour to explore The Wash, where you can see seals and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.
5. Enjoy the Sunset
Hunstanton is one of the few places on the east coast where you can watch the sun set over the sea. The views are spectacular and make for perfect photo opportunities.
6. Visit Old Hunstanton
This quieter part of town offers charming thatched cottages, a peaceful beach, and the historic ruins of St. Edmund’s Chapel.
7. Play Golf or Crazy Golf
Hunstanton Golf Club offers a challenging links course with sea views, while family-friendly crazy golf courses are scattered around the town.
Where to Stay
Hunstanton offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets:
- Hotels: Treat yourself to a stay at Le Strange Arms Hotel, located right on the seafront, or The Golden Lion Hotel for a touch of history.
- Bed and Breakfasts: Quaint options like The Shellbrooke provide cozy and welcoming stays.
- Holiday Parks: Searles Leisure Resort and Manor Park Holiday Park offer family-friendly facilities, including pools and entertainment.
- Self-Catering: Choose from charming cottages or modern apartments for a home-away-from-home experience.
Where to Eat and Drink
- The Old Boathouse: A lovely spot for fresh seafood and hearty meals.
- The Waterside Bar & Restaurant: Enjoy a drink or meal with views over the seafront.
- Fish and Chips: Don’t miss the classic seaside treat from establishments like Fishers of Hunstanton.
- Norfolk Deli: Perfect for local produce, sandwiches, and sweet treats.
Events and Festivals
- Hunstanton Kite Festival (August): A vibrant event featuring colourful kites, live music, and family-friendly activities.
- Hunstanton Carnival (Summer): A traditional celebration with parades, entertainment, and fireworks.
- Christmas Lights Switch-On (November/December): Experience the festive spirit as the town’s Christmas lights are illuminated.
Tips for Visiting
- Bring Comfortable Shoes: Many attractions involve walking, especially along the cliffs and beaches.
- Check Tide Times: Plan your beach visits around the tides for safety and to maximize your enjoyment.
- Book in Advance: Accommodations and popular attractions can get busy, especially during peak seasons.
- Bring Binoculars: Ideal for seal spotting and birdwatching.
Why Visit Hunstanton?
Hunstanton’s unique combination of natural beauty, seaside charm, and family-friendly activities makes it an unforgettable holiday destination. Whether you’re exploring the iconic cliffs, enjoying the vibrant beach scene, or soaking in a spectacular sunset, Hunstanton offers something for everyone.
Plan your trip to Hunstanton today and discover why it remains a beloved destination on the Norfolk coast!
Popular Self Catering Holiday Cottages
Villa Bastilicata Grande
- Guests: 6
- Size: 300m²
- View: Ocean
- Bed Type: 2 Full beds, 2 Queen beds, 2 Tween beds
- Categories: Holiday Parks
- Amenities: Hot tub, Wood-burner
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 2
- Destination: Hunstanton
Seaside Villa Tuscany Maremma
- Guests: 6
- Size: 250m²
- View: Ocean
- Bed Type: 2 Full beds, 2 Queen beds, 2 Tween beds
- Categories: Holiday Parks
- Amenities: Hot tub, Wood-burner
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3
- Destination: Hunstanton
Popular Hotels, Holiday Parks and Campsites
Villa Bastilicata Grande
- Guests: 6
- Size: 300m²
- View: Ocean
- Bed Type: 2 Full beds, 2 Queen beds, 2 Tween beds
- Categories: Holiday Parks
- Amenities: Hot tub, Wood-burner
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 2
- Destination: Hunstanton
Seaside Villa Tuscany Maremma
- Guests: 6
- Size: 250m²
- View: Ocean
- Bed Type: 2 Full beds, 2 Queen beds, 2 Tween beds
- Categories: Holiday Parks
- Amenities: Hot tub, Wood-burner
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3
- Destination: Hunstanton
Popular Attractions
Private Boat Tour
Price: £85 / Once / Per Guest
North Norfolk Champagne Sunset trips .In the warmth of the summer months, these trips are something special. As we head out west while the sun sets, we will find an idyllic spot to anchor the boat and serve a chilled glass of champagne as you sit and watch the sun slowly set over the sea. […]
Seal Watching
Price: £59 / Once / Per Guest
Join a family-run seal trip to Scroby Sands, the UK’s largest grey seal colony. Observe grey seals and common harbour seals in their natural environment. Enjoy a thrilling adventure and support a local business dedicated to showcasing the east coast’s marine life. Depart from Great Yarmouth and head to Scroby Sands. Witness hundreds of seals […]
SEA LIFE Hunstanton
Price: £20 / Per Day / Per Guest
Hunstanton SEA LIFE Sanctuary is Norfolk’s only seal sanctuary open to visitors and is home to over 2,000 creatures, from tiny shrimps to Amazonian Piranhas! Boasting a state of the art marine aquarium taking visitors on a memorable undersea odyssey filled with amazing close encounters with sea creatures of astonishing variety in spectacular ‘high-tech’ displays. […]
True’s Yard Museum
Price: £5 / Per Day / Per Guest
The Museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich maritime heritage of King’s Lynn’s North End, showcasing both its past and present through preserved historic assets. At the heart of the Museum are two late 18th-century cottages, which are Grade II listed buildings, providing a rare glimpse into the lives of […]
Swaffham Museum
Price: £4 / Per Day / Per Guest
The Museum is located in a superb Georgian house built in 1776, following the Great Fire of Swaffham, offering five galleries that tell the stories of the people who lived in Swaffham through the centuries Being an old building, the galleries are arranged on three floors which are accessible by stairs – there is a […]
Kayak Hire
Price: £29.99 / Once / Per Guest
Lifejackets and dry bags are provided as part of this package as well as a basic demo and safety tuition by our qualified paddlesport instructors prior to your launch. Importantly there are no boats to avoid on this section of the beautiful Wensum and you will find yourself amongst Kingfishers, Heron, Swans and dragonflies as […]
Paddleboard Hire
Price: £20 / Once / Per Guest
This paddleboard rental allows you to explore and unwind down the Norfolk broads for 2.5 hours. With two routes available, either head north into the tranquillity of the broads and witness wildlife and beautiful scenery or head south with options of Riverside bars to stop off at and enjoy. With our location on the banks […]
Canadian Canoe Hire
Price: £34.99 / Once / Per Guest
Come explore the Norfolk Broads national park on our 3 person Canadian canoes! Each hire comes with a safety demo and basic tuition taught by our qualified instructors and includes lifejackets and dry bags to ensure your safety whilst on the water. Amongst the tranquillity of the River Wensum is a variety of wildlife such […]
SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth
Price: £20 / Per Day / Per Guest
Explore an incredible underwater world at SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth and get closer than ever before to the creatures and features of the world’s oceans Come face to fin with our rapidly growing juvenile blacktip reef sharks in the 250,000 litre Tropical Ocean Display/tunnel where you can also see an awesome array of creatures and […]
Gravity Norwich (Trampolining)
Price: £13.95 / Once / Per Guest
Let loose as you jump, bounce, hop and dance through the air on our extreme trampolines. During Open Jump, you can use all of the general park activity areas for an intense 60-minute session. From striking a pose in mid-air to defying gravity with huge jumps, there is no better feeling – whatever your moves […]
Practical Information
Accessibility
Hunstanton is committed to being accessible for all visitors. Many attractions, restaurants, and accommodations offer facilities for those with mobility issues.



