The unspoilt beaches of the Norfolk Coast are one of the area’s main attractions, drawing holiday-makers to a bucket-and-spade paradise. The coastal scenery is also a big attraction for resident and migrating birds. Our Sheringham holiday cottages are the ideal location to stay if you’re interested in exploring the town, walking the coastal paths or watching the local wildlife.

The history of Sheringham

The settlement’s history is closely linked to the rich fishing grounds of the North Sea, and eight boats still operate from the town. In the 19th and early-20th centuries, aided by the arrival of the railway, the town was a major supplier of crab and lobster to the London fish markets.

Places to visit in Sheringham

The town itself has a great selection of specialist shops centred around a traditional high street, where enthusiasts may find second-hand books, antiques, fishing equipment, and a collection of arts, crafts and model-making materials. The Sheringham Little Theatre hosts a variety of productions throughout the year, with a popular summer repertoire.

The Mo is Sheringham’s museum, and its prize exhibit is one of the original sail-powered lifeboats that worked the dangerous North Sea and saved countless lives. As you might expect from its coastal position, many of the exhibits relate to the working life of the town and although there is no harbour there are many interesting collections of fishing boats and equipment, including the tractor that was needed in order to launch the lifeboats.

The original lifeboat station, Oddfellows Hall, can be found on Lifeboat Plain. Replaced by the modern day lifeboat station to the west of the town, Oddfellows Hall found itself re-purposed in various guises as a gathering place, a craft centre, home of a model village, and a shoe factory. The building was refurbished in 2007 and has been brought back into use by the community.

The hill near Sheringham is known as Beeston Bump and during the Second World War was home to one of Britain’s top secret Y-stations. The Norfolk Coast Path runs to the top of the Bump where the remains of the Y-station’s foundations can be seen.

Sheringham benefits from a good selection of excellent pubs that include The Crown Inn, The Two Lifeboats and The Lobster. What better way to refresh yourself after a summer stroll along the beach, or to revive yourself after a bracing winter walk along the promenade than with some of the good food and real ales on offer.

The town is protected from the sea by a concrete wall which doubles up as a promenade. The eastern end of the wall is found below Beeston Bump, at either end the wall is replaced by the more familiar system of wooden groynes.

If you are interested in exploring beyond Sheringham, the North Norfolk Railway runs a steam train service to the nearby town of Holt.