If you’re looking for somewhere to get away then there are not many better places to visit than Hunstanton.
This beautiful seaside town has an array of beautiful beaches and intriguing places to visit. To make the most of your time there, we wanted to find you the 20 best things to do in Hunstanton.
We’ll look at the best activities, things you can do with children along with some grown-up options too. Let’s get started!
Exploring Hunstanton
Hunstanton Cliffs
Perhaps the most striking feature of Hunstanton is the beautiful cliffs on much of its coast. The red and white striped cliffs are a stunning sight due to their size and distinctive color.
You also have the chance to see fossils, as many have been found in the red chalk.
You’re able to stroll along the front of them across ‘Old Hunstanton’ Beach and enjoy the imposing cliffs that were made in the cretaceous period, around 100 million years ago.
It’s a unique feature that you won’t find anywhere else.
Hunstanton Town Centre
While the major attractions will gain plenty of attention, you should also make time to stroll around the town centre.
There are plenty of independent shops to visit in Hunstanton and the town itself is beautiful and very well maintained.
There is also ‘Old Hunstanton’ (the original settlement in the north of the town) which has many interesting niche shops such as Le Strange Old Barns Antiques & Craft Centre. ‘Old Hunstanton’ is much smaller & quiter than its neighbouring counterpart ‘New Hunstanton’.
The Old Lighthouse
Sitting on top of the Hunstanton Cliffs is The Old Lighthouse which is a beautiful building in between the old and new part of the town.
There has been a lighthouse on the site since the 17th century but the current lighthouse was built in 1840 to warn ships in the water of Lynn Deeps.
It ceased to be a functioning lighthouse in 1921 and now offers a beautiful place to stay, as it has been turned into self-catering accommodation.
Even if you’re not staying there, it’s well worth a visit due to the picture-postcard scenery.
Local Beaches
There are many great beaches to be found in and around Hunstanton.
The ‘Old Hunstanton’ beach is the main one and this is where you can find many of the attractions in the area.
It runs for quite a while along the coast so you won’t be too crowded and it’s great for a romantic stroll.
South of Hunstanton is a long line of brilliant beaches as ‘Heachem North’ Beach morphs into ‘Heacham South’ beach and then into ‘Snettisham’ beach.
Along with ‘Holme’ beach to the north of the town, you have plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation in the sand.
Esplanade Gardens
One of the most picturesque places in Hunstanton is the Esplanade Gardens, which are usually in full bloom in the spring and summer.
It’s just off the promenade and is surrounded by activities and shops.
Along with the pretty garden beds, there is also a children’s play area, bowling green and a salad bowl kiosk. There are also public toilets, making it a good rest stop in the middle of your day.
It’s a beautiful place, especially when the sun is shining.
Activities in Hunstanton
Golfing
There are many opportunities for golfing in the Hunstanton area.
To the north of the town is the Hunstanton Golf Club. It’s right on the coast and you can get glorious views over the sea while you’re playing a round.
To the south of the town, you have the Searles Resort Golf & Country Club and the bigger Heacham Manor Golf Club, which is ideal for those at a higher level.
Whatever your playing experience, there are plenty of places where you can get a round in.
Kayaking
If you want to get out onto the water then kayaking is a popular choice in Hunstanton.
You can head out independently but there are also guided tours around the large sandbanks off the coast.
Hunstanton Kayaks has two different types of kayak available with prices of £15 for a single and £30 for a double. The hire includes buoyancy aids and paddles so you feel safe out on the water.
Wetsuits are provided for the colder days or you can just head out in your own clothes when it’s a bit warmer.
Whether you’re a kayaking expert or a novice, its a great way to kill a few hours.
It’s a fun experience and one of the most exciting things to do in Hunstanton.
Sea Tour
If the thought of kayaking makes you a little nervous then you could instead head out on the water with Searles Sea Tours. There is a one-hour ‘seal safari’ tour available for £15 where you’ll be able to see the local seal population up close and personal.
There is also various ‘coastal’ tours available so you will be able to view all coastal areas from out on a boat which is also a fantastic experience.
Adult activities in Hunstanton
Hunstanton Heritage Centre
If you want to learn about the local history of the area then Hunstanton Heritage Centre is the place to go.
It’s a lovely little building where you’ll find everything you need to know about Hunstanton’s past and present. It’s run by volunteers and admission is free.
You’ll be able to delve in to Hunstanton’s ancient past & learn how it was turned into a Victorian resort and how it developed into the beautiful seaside town it is today.
You’ll also be able to see the fossils found in the cliffs along with information on how they were formed.
Princess Theatre
For those wanting to sample the arts, you can do that in the charming Princess Theatre. It’s an intimate 464-seat venue that is a beautiful place to watch any act.
It has stalls, a front circle and an upper circle which all give great views.
There is usually a wide range of acts available with plenty of live music along with pantomime and traditional theatre performances.
If you’re going to be visiting Hunstanton then you should definitely check out what’s on.
The Neptune
When you get a little hungry in Hunstanton there’s no better place to grab something to eat than ‘The Neptune’.
You do need to book in advance at this restaurant and it is on the expensive side but that’s the price you have to pay for Michelin star quality food.
It’s a beautiful restaurant inside and out which also has accommodation.
It’s comfortable and cozy with friendly service.
The food has been crafted by its skillful chef and is a brilliant place to visit if you want the highest quality food in Norfolk.
Things to do with kids in Hunstanton
Adventure Golf
While there are many great adult golf courses around Hunstanton, there is also the opportunity for some fun mini-golf with the kids at BlackBeards Adventure Golf.
Situated right on the promenade, it’s an 18-hole course that has both pirate and Aztec themes.
It’s a lot of fun to play and is better than many other mini-golf courses that you’ll find in the area.
It’s a fun and cheap way to spend an afternoon with the kids.
It only costs £5.50 for adults and £4 for children 10 and under!
Rainbow Park
Every good seaside resort needs an amusement park and for Hunstanton, that is the Rainbow Park, which is right by the coast. It has a wide selection of amusements that are perfect for both children and adults.
Entry is free with you paying for individual rides, which are usually only a couple of pounds.
There is a selection of thrilling rides along with a range of arcade games.
Along with this, there is plenty of food and drink options for when you get peckish.
Sea Life Hunstanton
Sea Life Hunstanton is probably the main attraction in the town.
Kids will love it but there’s plenty for the adults to enjoy too. There are 10 different zones which all host a wide variety of aquatic animals from seals, otters to rays & starfish.
The best feature, however, is probably the ocean tunnel where you’ll get to see sharks along with their huge green sea turtle called Ernie.
It costs £15.10 for an adult if you book online and £12.75 for children but you can also get a special adult and toddler ticket for £14.
The Wreck Of The Sheraton
Everyone loves a goods shipwreck and you can see one in the shadow of Hunstanton Cliffs. It’s the type of attraction that kids would love but adults can get excited about it too.
What’s even more exciting is that you can also get a great view of the Hunstanton Cliffs.
The wreck itself is of an old steam trawler called the Sheraton which was built as a shipping vessel but repurposed for WWI. It not only survived that but also served in WWII.
Eventually, it was used as a target ship before breaking from its moorings and settling on the beach.
Places to visit near Hunstanton
Sandringham Estate
Sandringham has long played a crucial role in the life of the royal family and is the private home of the Queen. It was acquired by the family in 1862 and has been used ever since; It’s also where both George VI and George V passed away.
Thankfully, there is plenty for the public to enjoy there too.
It has a country park that is open for you to enjoy but also there is the house and gardens, which you can book to visit. This gives you a tour of the house and the 60-acres of gardens.
It’s a must-see if you’re looking for things to do near Hunstanton.
Holkham Hall
Holkham Hall is a stunning stately home that is around 30 minutes east of Hunstanton.
It’s a 25,000-acre estate and the house itself was built in the 18th century in a Palladian style. The hall and the surrounding areas have stunning beauty.
Once you’ve enjoyed looking at the home there is plenty else for you to do including nature trails, a ropes course, boat hire on Holkham lake and there’s even a woodland adventure play area.
It’s a wonderful place to spend a few hours.
RSPB Titchwell Marsh
For those lovers of nature, RSPB Titchwell Marsh is one of the must-see places to visit near Hunstanton. Situated a little to the east of the town, it’s not too far away.
It’s a haven for birds as they can explore the reedbeds, saltmarsh creeks, beaches and lagoons.
It’s great for visitors as you can walk from the car park past the glades which lead to a visitor center and contains a café.
There are many paths for you to enjoy along with stylish and modern viewing areas. There are guides available and you’ll love the peace and warmth you get from being surrounded by stunning nature and wildlife.
Norfolk Lavender
Lavender is one of the most loved smells in the world and Norfolk Lavender is a place where you can appreciate that smell along with seeing swathes of the beautiful plant.
It’s only a couple of miles south of the town, making it very easy to visit.
More than just going there to see lavender, there is also an animal garden where you can see a range of woodland creatures along with more exotic insects and reptiles.
There is also a gift shop and a plant centre for you to enjoy.
Holme Dunes
Another beautiful place near Hunstanton is Holme Dunes which is a scenic marshland area a few miles north east of the Hunstanton.
Here you’ll see a wilderness that includes sand dunes, salt marshes, water meadows and mudflats.
Along with the nature, you may also see military remains from WWII which includes a target railway.
It was also the sight of a Bronze-age sculpture known as Seahenge. This has since been removed for preservation and can now be found in Lynn Museum, which isn’t too far away.
Visit Hunstanton today
As you can see, there are many great things to do in Hunstanton. Whether you are staying with kids or adults, there is plenty to enjoy.
All you need to do now is book your trip and enjoy everything that Hunstanton has to offer!
