Happisburgh, Norfolk – Clifftop Coast on the Norfolk Coast Path

Low cliffs, open farmland, and wide North Sea views beside a historic lighthouse

Happisburgh sits directly on the Norfolk Coast Path along the east Norfolk coast between Mundesley and Sea Palling. The trail follows the cliff edge past the village and its lighthouse before continuing across open farmland and low coastal ground toward Sea Palling, keeping close to the shoreline with broad views over the North Sea.

The settlement stands on soft, eroding cliffs above sand and shingle. Underfoot, progress is mostly firm and level along grassy clifftop paths, compacted earth tracks, and short roadside sections through the village. Beach access is possible at lower tide, though the official route remains on higher ground due to tides and ongoing coastal erosion.

Happisburgh is small and quiet, centred around its distinctive red-and-white striped lighthouse and scattered cottages. Facilities are limited, giving the area a remote feel compared with larger seaside towns. The surrounding landscape opens into fields and big skies, with long stretches of undeveloped coast and few interruptions along the horizon.

From the village, the Norfolk Coast Path heads west toward Mundesley and Overstrand, following the cliffs back toward Cromer, or east toward Sea Palling and Winterton-on-Sea, where sandy beaches and coastal defences become more prominent along the shoreline. The terrain remains mostly flat with gentle undulations, creating a steady and continuous section of coast.