Holiday rentals in Hunstanton

In the 1840s, an amateur artist had a vision of a seaside resort on this stretch of Norfolk coast. He knew what he was doing: As the only part of Britain’s east coast that faces west, Hunstanton’s beach is sheltered from the North Sea winds and enjoys beautiful sunsets. The artist’s legacy is a family-friendly Victorian town with beachside amusements, including a fun fair and a bowling alley. Its original Esplanade Gardens create a pretty trail of horticultural delight that includes the Boston Square Sensory Garden. There’s also a 1920s swimming pool and a 1930s theatre. A shingle beach, whose shallow waters are popular with waterskiers and kitesurfers, leads up to its unique cliffs, striped red and white with Carr stone and chalk. On the other side sits Old Hunstanton, a fishing village that retains its quiet local feel. From here you can start a walk along the Norfolk Coast Path.

The main summer season runs from May to September, and this is when Hunstanton puts on its best show, with plenty of entertainment and events, and long, mostly sunny days, making it an ideal time to stay in one of the area’s holiday cottages. Temperatures peak in July and August, which is also when it becomes busiest; there’s a carnival at the end of June, and a festival of arts in September. If you come in August, you’ll be able to witness some pro-level kite-flying at the town’s Kite Festival and Classic Car Rally, and in July Hunstanton hosts top-level sport: an Open Bowls Tournament that showcases one of the area’s favourite pursuits. From October onwards, the temperature drops and the North Sea can be bracing on the coast throughout winter and spring: if you’re walking the coastal path, come prepared with suitable clothing and waterproofs.

The Lighthouse

The 19th-century lighthouse that sits atop Hunstanton’s cliffs can be reached from a nearby park, or a circular walk from town. During the summer season, there’s even a tractor train to take you there. Enjoy views across the Wash to Lincolnshire, and check out the ruins of the 13th- century chapel built to honour St Edmund.

The Green

This pretty swathe of lawn is the social centre of Hunstanton, drawing foot traffic from the theatre, bowling alley, town hall, and other buildings that encircle it. During summer, its bandstand hosts regular music, and there’s always some upcoming event or car rally to be enjoyed here.

Heacham

Just south of Hunstanton, Heacham has a much older history than its neighbour — its church dates back to 1230 — with a number of village pubs, shops, and restaurants as well as its own quiet beach. You’ll also notice a pleasant fragrance due to the fact that the town is surrounded by Norfolk’s lavender farms.