Following our visit to Norfolk Lavender at Heacham, we started the drive back along the meandering coast road, to enjoy some of the beautiful Norfolk coast and countryside. We stopped in Hunstanton, firstly to admire the gorgeous stretch of golden sands and then further along to visit the Hunstanton Cliffs. The cliffs are known locally for their beautiful striped appearance, composed of layers of red and white chalk, which date back some 110 million years.
Heacham beach, has miles of golden sands stretching before you. It’s a popular holiday resort but there has been a settlement here since Roman times. Throughout the year you can experience the beautiful east coast sunsets, scarlet poppy fields and the spectacular purple lavender fields; it makes it a destination popular with photographers all year round.
Back in the car we drove further down the coast to the red cliffs of Hunstanton. We walked through the Esplanade Gardens where there’s a crazy golf and a childrens’ playground. Beautifully manicured gardens included some herb beds which smelt delicious as you passed by! We had to partake a delicious Norfolk made ice cream whilst sitting by the cliffs, then walked along to admire the amazing cliffs. Nothing beats ice cream on a seaside visit! A dog was enjoying its freedom and splashing in and out of the water. The Wash Monster passed by, an amphibious vehicle that takes you on a choice of sea tours, including one that views the seals.
Back in the car, and you pass the old lighthouse. A pretty white lighthouse, its now holiday accommodation. You can’t stay in the tower itself but you can access it for the views! Continue on and the road takes you through the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This area stretches around the sea from right round the west, north and finally to the east of the Norfolk coast around Trimingham. The saltmarsh is unspoilt since mediaeval times and a rarer global habitat than rainforest. The climate is warmer and moist, ferns flourish in hedgerows and many birds stop to feed here, like an international flypath stretching across the world.
We travel through Burnham Market, Wells-next-the-Sea, Sheringham, Cromer and finally end at home in Bacton. If you have time, stop at each of these wonderful towns, each uniquely different to each other, but all embracing the wonderful laid back atmosphere of rural Norfolk at its best.
