Holkham, Norfolk – Dunes and Estate Parkland on the Norfolk Coast Path

Wide Sands, Pine Woods, and the Norfolk Coast National Landscape

Holkham is a coastal estate and parkland landscape on the north Norfolk coast along the Norfolk Coast Path, set within the Norfolk Coast National Landscape between Burnham Overy Staithe and Wells-next-the-Sea. Walking into this stretch of coast, the route leaves the harbour marshes and moves onto higher ground, following tracks through pine woodland, dunes, and open grazing marsh with long views toward the sea.

The path runs inland of the beach through the Holkham Estate, passing beneath belts of pine and across open parkland before linking to the dunes and shoreline. From here, broad sandy beaches and low dune ridges create a wide, exposed walking environment shaped by wind, tide, and open sky. Terrain remains mostly level, with firm tracks and sandy sections underfoot.

Holkham itself is lightly settled, with facilities centred around the estate entrance and visitor areas rather than a traditional village street. There is parking, seasonal cafés, and visitor amenities, with a wider range of places to eat, drink, and stay available in nearby Wells-next-the-Sea and Burnham Overy Staithe, making this a practical stretch to walk between established stopping points.

Beyond Holkham, the Norfolk Coast Path continues east through pine woods and dunes toward Wells-next-the-Sea, or west across marsh and sea wall toward Burnham Overy Staithe. The landscape remains open and protected, defined by sand, woodland, and wide coastal habitats within the wider National Landscape.