8 things to do in Hunstanton after visiting the beach

When you're on holiday by the coast, there's a temptation to spend the whole time on the beach. Something about the combination of sun, sea and sand calls to us! But however good it might be for a few days, it’d be a shame not to explore the local area a little bit at least.

So if you are bored of the beach here are our top 8 things to do in Hunstanton.

1. Sea Life Sanctuary

The Sea Life Sanctuary here is home to a huge variety of wonderful creatures - from rescued seals and large sharks right down to tiny marine life in the interactive rockpool. There are family favourites like turtles, crabs, seahorses, otters and Humboldt penguins. Fascinating feeding talks take place twice-daily in each of the areas - we’d recommend seeing the penguin and otter feeds, as both of these species really love to play and have fun.

The sanctuary is open daily from 10am and tickets on the door cost £14.40 - or book online in advance and save a whopping 30%.

2. Striped Cliffs

You don't have to wander far from the beach to visit the striped cliffs of Hunstanton - and the cliffs are full of fossils! They're a visual treat too, with horizontal stripes of rock in shades of red and white.

The best way to look for fossils here is to keep away from the base of the cliffs (rocks could fall at any time) and look at the rocks on the beach using a geological hammer. Make sure to wear protective eye gear!

3. Princess Theatre

For a long time the Princess Theatre operated as a Cinema, before opening in 1981 as the theatre we see in Hunstanton today. In fact its reopening was celebrated with a concert starring The Wurzels!

Nowadays the theatre hosts many productions, from shows and plays to musicals and comedians. See the upcoming shows on the website to coincide your camping trip with a theatre visit.

4. Norfolk Coast Path

Those of you who enjoy walking will find plenty to explore on the Norfolk Coast Path and Peddar’s Way. The two paths join at nearby Holme-next-the-Sea.

You can follow the Norfolk Cost Path in one direction to the popular seaside town of Cromer, and Peddars Way in the other direction all the way to Suffolk. You could also take a minor detour to encompass Hunstanton Lighthouse - the former lighthouse is now privately owned but is still a majestic sight.

5. Horticultural Trail

A walk that suits people of all ages and abilities is the Horticultural Trail . It's only 1.5 miles long, but leads you past the very best parts of Hunstanton’s horticulture. Sights include the Rotary Gardens, the Esplanade Gardens, Boston Square Sensory Garden and many more. The route starts at the Tourist Information Centre.

6. Amusements

Along the South Promenade by the beach you will find many traditional shops and amusements - including a Fun Fair! Rainbow Park has rides suitable for all ages, from a carousel, teacup ride and helter skelter to full-on thrill rides such as ‘G Force’ and ‘The Cage’, so you’re sure to find something to keep everyone amused.

Further along the promenade is Blackbeard’s adventure crazy golf. Another fun day out for the whole family, there are two 9-hole courses - one with a pirate theme and one with an Aztec theme.

7. Sandringham

A 20-minute drive from the centre of Hunstanton is the Sandringham Estate. The house sits in 24 hectares of beautiful garden scenery, just part of the 8,000 hectare estate.

The house itself has been a home to the British monarchy since 1862. Tickets prices for adults are £12 or £8 for the garden only. Children between the ages of 5 and 15 are £6 or £4.50 for the garden only. There are concession prices for students and seniors.

It’s also worth knowing that 240 hectares of woodland and heath make up the Country Park, which is open to the public free of charge!

8. King’s Lynn

Half an hour’s drive south-west from Hunstanton, King’s Lynn is an historic town and easy to spend a day in. The charming buildings here include Greyfriars Tower, the town’s very own leaning tower! Once part of an ancient monastery, this 93 feet monument and surrounding gardens have recently been restored and are free to visit.

There are many things to see and do after you’ve been to the beach - not forgetting that Hunstanton itself is a pretty seaside town. Our list of suggestions is only the starting point to your fun-filled holiday!

Explore these campsites in Hunstanton to find a great place to stay.