Old Hunstanton

Striped Cliffs, Wide Beaches, and the Start of the Norfolk Coast Path

Old Hunstanton sits at the north-western corner of Norfolk, where the sheltered waters of The Wash meet the beginning of the north Norfolk Coast. With a wide sandy beach, distinctive striped cliffs and open views across the water, it feels noticeably different from the larger seaside town of Hunstanton immediately to the south.

The red and white cliffs are one of the defining features of this part of the coast, rising above a beach that opens out dramatically at low tide. Beyond them, the landscape begins to change. Development gives way to dunes, saltmarsh and nature reserves as the coastline continues towards Holme-next-the-Sea and the wilder landscapes of north Norfolk.

Old Hunstanton is also the starting point of the Norfolk Coast Path. From here, the trail heads east towards Holme, Brancaster, Wells-next-the-Sea and eventually Hopton-on-Sea, following beaches, marshes, dunes and cliffs through the Norfolk Coast National Landscape.

Despite its importance as the beginning of a long-distance trail, Old Hunstanton is somewhere worth slowing down for rather than simply setting off from. The beach, cliffs and surrounding coastal paths make it easy to explore on foot, while nearby Hunstanton provides a larger base with places to stay, shops and transport connections.

Exploring Old Hunstanton

Walking is one of the best ways to understand Old Hunstanton's position in the landscape. Head south and the coast quickly becomes more recognisably seaside as you approach Hunstanton. Head east and the character changes in the opposite direction, towards dunes, open beaches and the nature reserves around Holme.

That transition is what makes Old Hunstanton such an interesting place to begin exploring the Norfolk coast. It can be a destination for a day beside the sea, a base for shorter coastal walks, or the place where a much longer journey along the Norfolk Coast Path begins.