From Lighthouses to Village Legends
The Norfolk coast is known for its wide beaches and big skies, but it’s also steeped in history. Around Winterton-on-Sea and its neighbouring villages, you’ll find fascinating stories of lighthouses, lifeboats, medieval churches, and coastal traditions that have shaped life here for centuries.
Winterton-on-Sea: Lifeboats and Lighthouse Beams
Winterton’s heritage is tied to the sea. For hundreds of years, brave crews launched lifeboats from here to rescue sailors in trouble, often in treacherous conditions. Although the lifeboat station closed in 1925, the stories live on in local archives and village memory. Just inland, the old Winterton Lighthouse, built in the 1600s, once guided ships through dangerous waters. Decommissioned in the 1920s, it remains a striking local landmark — a reminder of the coast’s role in maritime safety.
Somerton: Medieval Roots and Rural Life
The village of East Somerton is a quiet spot with deep roots. St Mary’s Church, with parts dating back to the 13th century, is worth a visit for its medieval tower and peaceful churchyard. Walking around Somerton gives a sense of how Norfolk villages would have looked centuries ago, with narrow lanes and fields stretching towards the Broads.
Hemsby: A Tale of Two Histories
Today, Hemsby is known for its holiday parks and amusements, but its history goes back much further. The village once relied on fishing and farming, and its church, St Mary the Virgin, has Norman origins. Old Hemsby village, set back from the lively Beach Road, offers a quieter glimpse of this heritage, with traditional cottages and village greens tucked away from the bustle.
Fleggburgh: A Market Town in Miniature
Further inland lies Fleggburgh, once a small but thriving market village. Its name comes from the Viking word for “fortified place,” and the area is dotted with historic moated sites. St Margaret’s Church is a highlight, with its round tower — one of Norfolk’s many unique medieval church designs. The village has long been a crossroads between the coast and the Broads, making it an interesting stop for history lovers.
Happisburgh: The Village at the Edge
No history tour of this stretch of coast would be complete without Happisburgh (pronounced “Hays-borough”). Famous for its red-and-white striped lighthouse — the oldest working one in the UK — Happisburgh is also an archaeological treasure. Here, some of the earliest human footprints in Europe were discovered, dating back nearly a million years. Walking the clifftop paths, you’ll feel both the weight of history and the power of the sea, which continues to shape the coastline.
Explore History, then Relax
From medieval churches and Viking place names to lighthouses and lifeboat lore, the villages around Winterton offer a rich tapestry of history. Staying in one of our holiday cottages means you can explore these stories by day and return to a cosy, comfortable base by night. For guests who love history as much as coastal beauty, this part of Norfolk is the perfect blend.