East Runton

Narrow country lanes wind down through bracken and gorse to reveal one of Norfolk's most unspoilt stretches of coastline. East Runton sits quietly between the busier resorts of Sheringham and Cromer, a proper seaside village that hasn't lost its soul to mass tourism.

The beach here is something special. Wide expanses of sand appear at low tide, backed by dramatic chalk cliffs that crumble into fascinating rock pools. Local families know this spot well - it's where serious fossil hunters come armed with hammers and eye loupes, searching the foreshore for ancient treasures. The cliffs themselves tell Norfolk's geological story in layers of flint and chalk.

West Runton, just a short stroll along the coast path, houses The Brick Kiln gallery in a converted Victorian building. It's worth the wander for local art that actually captures the spirit of this coastline rather than generic seascapes.

Cromer lies three miles east with its famous pier and crab sandwiches, while Sheringham to the west offers the North Norfolk Railway's steam trains. Both are easily reached by the coastal bus route that runs regularly through East Runton.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense here. Kelling Heath Holiday Park sits inland among heathland and pine woods, offering a proper Norfolk Broads atmosphere. Closer to the coast, several family-run sites like Manor Farm Caravan & Camping provide direct access to cliff-top walks. The location puts you within striking distance of the entire North Norfolk coast - from Wells-next-the-Sea's pine-backed beach to Blakeney's seal colonies - without the premium prices of staying directly in Cromer or Wells.