Things to do in and around Hunstanton
Published date: September 2019
Located on the west Norfolk coast, the pretty seaside town of Hunstanton that is affectionately known, as “Sunny Hunny”, is famous for its unusual striped cliffs and breath-taking sunsets. It has managed to retain its Victorian charm and is a popular holiday destination attracting many visitors each year. Hunstanton has many attractions and activities including crazy golf, pitch-and-putt, a beautiful beach, an aquarium, a theatre, a leisure centre, gardens, amusements, pony rides, water sports and a great mix of cafes and restaurants, shops and holiday accommodation.
It’s an ideal destination for a day trip, weekend away or for a longer holiday and is close to other places of interest such as The Queen’s Estate, Sandringham, RSPB Titchwell and is 45 miles north west of Norwich.
Things to do in Hunstanton:
Hunstanton Beach
The south beach at Hunstanton is a lovely clean beach that is especially popular during the summer season when all the activities are running. Enjoy pony rides, water sports, a funfair, boat trips to see the seals, walks, it’s rock pools when the tide is out, fossil hunting and playing on the sand. There are plenty of ice cream stalls, fish and chips outlets, rock and candy floss shops and a promenade that is suitable for both pushchairs and wheelchair users. The north beach is much quieter, with moss covered boulders and is dog friendly. If you want to avoid the crowds and see the town’s unique striped cliffs, make your way here.
Hunstanton Town Centre
The town has a good range of independent shops, from clothing and fashion to shoes, food, gifts, beauty, health, household items, pets, sweets, ice creams and toys. There are also many restaurants, cafes and other food outlets offering a vast range of cuisine, from takeaway fish and chips to fine dining.
Alive Oasis Leisure Centre
Alive Oasis Leisure Centre has a well-equipped fitness suite, tropical pool with slide and giant inflatables, table tennis, squash, bowls, a soft play area and a range of sports and activities for people with disabilities. To find out more, please go to their website.
Alive Oasis - Central Promenade, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 5BD
Tel: 01485 534227
Sea Life Hunstanton
This marine aquarium takes visitors on an undersea odyssey and allows them to get close to some amazing sea creatures. There are also jungle beasties and creepy crawlies to see as well as penguins to meet, informative talks and feeding opportunities.
To find out more about Sea Life Hunstanton, including opening hours, admission costs and special events, visit their website.
Sea Life Hunstanton - Southern Promenade, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 5BH
The Princess Theatre
Enjoy a wide variety of entertainment including live shows, music, films, comedy, dance and more. To see what’s currently on at The Princess Theatre in Hunstanton, visit their website or give them a call.
The Princess Theatre - 13 The Green, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 5AH
Tel: 01485 532252
Hunstanton Heritage Centre
Visit the Heritage Centre in Hunstanton which is housed in the old NatWest building on Northgate. Learn about the history of the town, the geology of Hunstanton and its multi coloured striped cliffs, its railway and pier and about the ‘le Strange’ family. It’s free to enter, although donations are most welcome. To find out more, including opening days and hours, events and activities and how to become a volunteer, please visit their website.
Hunstanton Heritage Centre - Northgate, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 6BB
Tel: 01485 534200
Hunstanton Pier
Located on the popular green in Hunstanton, the town’s pier has the latest video games, a full-size bowling alley, restaurant, surf shop and a kiosk selling seaside favourites like ice creams and freshly made doughnuts.
To find out further details about what’s on offer at the pier in Hunstanton, visit their website.
Tel: 01485 534960
Places to eat in Hunstanton
Hunstanton has a wide selection of cuisine, from takeaway fish and chips to fine dining. Here are some places you may like to try…..
The Neptune – Fine Dining
Fine dining restaurant serving modern British food using the best seasonal produce that Norfolk has to offer. Skilfully cooked dishes served in relaxed surroundings, with attentive and friendly service. The Neptune has been awarded 3 AA rosettes and has retained a Michelin star since 2009. Enjoy locally sourced produce, including locally landed fish and Brancaster lobsters, organic pork, local lamb and game and fruit from Drove Orchards. The Neptune also has stylish and comfortable rooms and self-catering accommodation – visit their website to find out more.
The Neptune Restaurant - 85 Old Hunstanton Road, Old Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 6HZ
Tel: 01485 532122
Berni Beans – Tearoom
A lovely little tearoom offering homemade cakes and scones, light lunches and afternoon tea.
Berni Beans - 2 High Street, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 5AF
Tel: 01485 532288
Fishers of Hunstanton – Takeaway and Restaurant
Fishers of Hunstanton have been cooking up good quality fish and chips since the 1960s. Takeaway your food or eat in their restaurant, either way you are sure to find some of the tastiest and freshest fish in the county.
Fishers of Hunstanton - 2-4, Greevegate, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 6BJ
Tel: 01485 532487
Things to do near Hunstanton
The Sandringham Estate
The Sandringham Estate is the much-loved Norfolk retreat of Her Majesty The Queen and is around 9 miles from Hunstanton. Visit parts of the house, gardens, museum and wider grounds and discover Norfolk’s most famous stately home. 240 hectares of woodland and heath are open to the public free of charge all year round and there is a restaurant, shop, plant centre and free parking. There is an entry charge for the house, museum and gardens and further details, including admissions costs and opening hours can be found on their website.
The Sandringham Estate, Sandringham, Norfolk, PE35 6EN
RSPB Titchwell Marsh
Titchwell Marsh is located on the north Norfolk coast and is just under 6 miles from Hunstanton. The reserve’s diverse habitats that include reedbeds, saltmarsh and freshwater lagoons attract an abundance of wildlife, such as bearded tits, avocets, marsh harriers and the elusive bittern. Popular with walkers and bird spotters, visitors can enjoy a wide sandy beach, visitor centre, café, picnic area, viewing points, accessible toilets, baby changing, nature trails and a shop. Entry is free, but there is a charge of £6 per car for non-RSPB members. If you would like further details about Titchwell Marsh, visit their website.
Titchwell Marsh - Main Road, Titchwell, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 8BB
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/titchwell-marsh/