The town was developed as a resort in the 1800s and still boasts a variety of charming Victorian attractions. Close to the wide, sandy beach, you’ll find a miniature railway, pleasure pier crazy golf and amusement arcades.
Hunstanton is famous for its floral displays. Don’t miss the stunning Esplanade Gardens, part of the town’s Horticultural Trail, which is particularly impressive in spring and summer. Away from the seafront, Hunstanton’s historic centre has a quiet, village feel. As you explore pretty, narrow streets, you’ll discover stone cottages, traditional pubs and a scattering of interesting independent shops.
One of the town’s most popular attractions is the excellent Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary, where visitors can come face-to-face with an incredible variety of sea creatures, thanks to a ‘diver’s eye viewing tank’ and underwater tunnel. The attraction was recently hit by a tidal surge which forced it to close for ten months, but it has reopened with a bigger selection of creatures than ever, including seals, otters and stingrays.
Striped cliffs on Hunstanton beach
For a fun night out in Hunstanton, watch a show at the renowned Princess Theatre, where an exciting, year-round programme includes comedy, pantomime and drama.
“Spectacular sunsets, towering, striped cliffs and an elegant esplanade make Hunstanton one of Norfolk’s most distinctive seaside resorts.”
Welcoming old pubs, modern restaurants and traditional cafés can all be found in and around Hunstanton. The Ancient Mariner Inn is a lovely village pub, set in a converted barn and stables, with a children’s play area and beer garden overlooking the beach. The pub’s Galley Restaurant serves a range of well-cooked, reasonably priced British classics.
Chives Brasserie is a stylish, modern place, where you can enjoy some of the area’s best Mediterranean cuisine. Also well-worth a visit is The Lion Inn, an atmospheric establishment featuring a delightful garden with views over the Green and Wash.
For a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake, visit the Copper Kettle, a friendly café which is a long-standing favourite among Hunstanton locals. Alternatively, head to The Pavilion for some of the best ice-cream in town.
Some of Norlfolk’s most spectacular scenery is easily reached from Hunstanton. The coastline is dotted with pretty coves and fishing villages, and is a wonderful area for hiking, wildlife-watching and sampling a few local seafood specialities. Also well worth a visit is the lively port and market town of King’s Lynn.