Holme Dunes Nature Reserve

Dunes, saltmarsh and coastal landscapes

Holme Dunes Nature Reserve is one of the most distinctive coastal landscapes within the Norfolk Coast National Landscape. Located between Holme-next-the-Sea and Thornham, the reserve brings together sand dunes, grazing marsh, freshwater pools, reedbeds and saltmarsh in a landscape shaped by tides, wildlife and the changing coastline.

The mixture of habitats supports migratory birds, waders, wildfowl and other wildlife throughout the year. The landscape changes noticeably with the seasons and tides, with open beaches, coastal vegetation and wide skies giving this part of the Norfolk coast a distinctly wild character.

The reserve lies close to the point where the Peddars Way reaches the Norfolk Coast and meets the Norfolk Coast Path. For long-distance walkers, this marks the transition from the inland landscapes of Breckland and rural Norfolk to dunes, saltmarsh and the open shoreline of The Wash, while the Norfolk Coast Path continues east along the coast.

Footpaths and coastal routes connect Holme Dunes with Holme-next-the-Sea, Old Hunstanton, Thornham and the surrounding coastline. The reserve can be explored independently on shorter walks or incorporated into longer routes, with nearby villages providing bases for exploring the beaches, nature reserves and coastal landscapes of western Norfolk.

For walkers exploring Holme Dunes Nature Reserve and this western section of the Norfolk Coast, Le Strange Arms Hotel provides a nearby beachside base in Old Hunstanton. The Norfolk Coast Path connects Old Hunstanton with Holme-next-the-Sea and the reserve, making the hotel well placed for exploring this stretch of coast on foot.

Overview

Type: Nature Reserve
County: Norfolk
Region: East of England
National Landscape: Norfolk Coast National Landscape
Landscape: Dunes, saltmarsh, grazing marsh, freshwater pools and reedbeds
Key Trails: Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path
Best For: Wildlife, birdwatching, dunes, coastal landscapes and walking