Old Hunstanton Beach offers a large sandy beach, sand dunes, and a sense of space. If you’re looking for a Norfolk beach that gives you room and nature, this is a perfect place to start.
Because the beach faces west across The Wash, it is one of the few places on the east coast where you can watch the sun set over the sea. On clear evenings, it is a favourite for photographers and endโofโday strolls.
This stretch of coast feels a world away from busy promenades and arcades. Even on warmer days, it rarely feels crowded, which is a big part of its charm.
The tides here are very tidal, with a big difference between high and low water. At low tide, the sea retreats a long way, revealing firm sand, shallow pools and sandbars, while at higher tides the usable strip narrows considerably. Checking tide times before your visit helps you make the most of your trip.
If you’re visiting with a dog, Old Hunstanton is a real treat. Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round, and its size makes it easy to find quiet stretches, even during the peak season. You do need to be careful of nesting birds in the dunes, especially in spring and early summer.
You will access the beach from Old Hunstanton village, where payโandโdisplay parking and paths lead through the dunes onto the sand. Once you are on the beach, you can walk south towards Hunstanton or north along a more open, duneโbacked stretch.โ
Facilities are mostly in Old Hunstanton and Hunstanton, rather than directly on the beach. Cafes, pubs, shops and toilets can be found in the village and town, making it easy to combine a beach session with a meal or drink before or afterwards.
Old Hunstanton works in every season, but it really shines outside peak summer. Spring and autumn are adorable, with quieter sands, whilst winter walks here can feel almost wild, in the best possible way. If you’re visiting in summer, youwill see more people, but Old Hunstanton Beach is proof that sometimes the quieter places leave the biggest impression.
