Old Hunstanton Lighthouse, Norfolk – Clifftop Landmark at the Start of the Norfolk Coast Path
White lighthouse above striped cliffs marking the start of coastal walking along The Wash
Old Hunstanton Lighthouse stands above the cliffs at the western edge of the Norfolk Coast Path within the Norfolk Coast National Landscape, where self-guided travel, walking routes, coastal landscapes, and open places begin their eastward journey along the North Norfolk coast.
Positioned just beyond Hunstanton, the lighthouse overlooks one of the most distinctive geological features in East Anglia — the layered red and white cliffs that define this stretch of coastline. From here, the land drops sharply toward the beach, opening views across The Wash and out toward the North Sea.
The structure itself is simple but prominent, set back slightly from the cliff edge, where it has guided ships along this shifting coastline since the 19th century. Around it, grassy clifftop paths form the early stages of the Norfolk Coast Path, offering wide views and a clear sense of direction as the route begins to unfold.
This is where the coastal journey properly establishes itself. The inland connection from the Peddars Way lies just behind, while ahead, the trail begins its long passage east through dunes, marsh, and shoreline.
Why Visit Old Hunstanton Lighthouse
- Landmark marking the western start of the Norfolk Coast Path
- Views across The Wash and along the North Norfolk coastline
- Positioned above Hunstanton’s distinctive striped cliffs
- Clear transition point from inland routes to coastal walking
- Open clifftop walking with strong sense of direction
Nearby Connections
- Hunstanton Cliffs – layered cliffs directly below
- Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve – dunes and marshes to the east
- Hunstanton – nearby town with services and access