The Perfect Weekend in Winterton-on-Sea
It’s Friday evening and the traffic leaving London was bad, but now that’s all forgotten as you arrive at your holiday cottage for a well earned weekend away. Your destination is Winterton-on-Sea, perched on the East Norfolk Coast with a long sandy beach backed by grassy dunes. The perfect place to relax!
After unpacking the car, you decide to explore the local area. Winterton is one of those places where pretty much everything you need is within walking distance. There’s no need to drive anywhere unless you really want to. From your cottage it’s a 5-10 minute stroll down to the beach. On the way you pass the fish & chip shop – maybe that could be a good option for tonight’s meal.
Or perhaps you’ll find something to tempt you on the menu at the Fisherman’s Return in the centre of the village. On summer evenings the tables in front of the 300 year old brick & flint building bask in the sun, with a view of the pretty thatched cottages opposite. And in winter it’s equally good too with a roaring fire inside. The pub is dog friendly and there’s no need to book.
After a good night’s sleep you wake up on Saturday morning raring to go! If you’re feeling energetic we recommend one of the local park runs. At Great Yarmouth they actually run on the beach and it’s supposed to be the hardest park run in the country. Alternatively there are over 200 acres of dunes to explore right on the doorstep.
After all that exertion treat yourself to a cooked breakfast at Poppy’s Tea Room which you’ll find in The Post Office in the centre of the village. They also serve scrumptious cakes, and the tea room is dog friendly too.
For the best view in the area you can climb Winterton-on-Sea church tower on Saturdays throughout the summer. It only costs £3 but be prepared to climb the 144 steps to the top! Children can climb the tower for free, but must be aged eight or over and accompanied by an adult. We’ve climbed it ourselves several times and it’s certainly an experience! The tower is 132 feet tall and is the third highest in Norfolk.
For a special meal out we recommend you book either the Kings Arms at Fleggburgh or The Swan at Ingham. Both have fantastic food and are perfect for a birthday, anniversary or any other celebration.
On Sunday morning you decide to walk off some of last night’s dessert. Norfolk is very flat and there’s a huge choice of walks right on the doorstep without having to drive anywhere. The Burnley Hall circular walk is a good choice and it takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to cover this five mile walk across farmland, dunes and beach. The Winterton Dunes nature reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and there’s a good chance you might see natterjack toads, little terns or grey seals.
Back at Winterton we recommend you book a table at Hermanus for their Sunday carvery which is usually open between midday and 4pm. The bonus is that you won’t have to cook Sunday lunch, and it’s within walking distance too. Whilst you’re there admire the pretty pastel thatched roundhouses, and ogle the stunning sea view!
Before you know it Monday morning is here, but there’s still time for a quick walk on the beach before you leave. If you’re early enough our East Coast sunrises are spectacular. You head back home refreshed by a relaxing weekend away and looking forward to the next visit