The best walks and hikes around Old Hunstanton

Yes, the area is very welcoming to dogs. The expansive sands of Old Hunstanton Beach are ideal for dogs to run freely, especially at low tide. Many trails, including sections of the Norfolk Coast Path, are suitable for walking with dogs. However, be mindful of restrictions in nature reserves like Holme Dunes during bird nesting season, where dogs may need to be kept on a lead.

The region is excellent for circular hikes. A great option is the Old Hunstanton Lighthouse – Hunstanton Striped Cliffs loop from Old Hunstanton, which is an easy 4.4-mile (7.1 km) route. It provides classic coastal views, taking you past the lighthouse and the famous striped cliffs.

Definitely. The walk along the top of the cliffs from Old Hunstanton towards Hunstanton town is relatively flat, paved, and offers fantastic views, making it perfect for families with children. The wide, sandy beaches at low tide also provide a safe and vast area for a simple family stroll.

There are several car parks available. The Old Hunstanton beach car park is a popular starting point for many coastal walks. For trails heading towards Holme Dunes, you can pre-book parking at the Holme Dunes Visitor Centre. You can also find some on-street parking in villages like Holme-next-the-Sea, but it can be limited during peak times.

The area is a haven for wildlife. The Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve is a key highlight, where you can spot thousands of migrating birds, including avocets and warblers. The wider coastline is great for seeing wading birds and seals. Inland, the NWT Ringstead Downs reserve features a chalk grassland habitat with its own unique flora and fauna.

The hikes are generally not difficult, with most trails being easy to moderate. The terrain is mostly flat, consisting of sandy beaches, coastal paths, and gentle inland tracks. There are over a dozen curated routes, with the majority rated as easy. More challenging options exist, such as the 13-mile (21 km) End of the Peddars Way – Holme Dunes Nature Reserve loop from Holme next the Sea, but the elevation gain is minimal across the region.

This section is famed for its dramatic scenery. Key highlights include the unique, three-tiered red and white chalk cliffs of Hunstanton, the vast sandy beaches, and the wild dune systems. The path also leads through the Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve, offering exceptional birdwatching opportunities.

Yes, but with restrictions. While Hunstanton Hall itself is private, some walking routes pass through the surrounding Hunstanton Park. Public access through the park is typically granted only on Thursdays, offering views of the historic moated hall.

Yes, some inland routes run parallel to the tranquil River Hun. These paths offer a peaceful contrast to the dramatic coastline, taking you through a more rural landscape of leafy glades and fields as the freshwater river makes its way to the sea.

The trails around Old Hunstanton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal scenery, particularly the expansive beaches at low tide and the unique striped cliffs. The well-maintained paths and the variety of landscapes, from coast to quiet inland reserves, are also popular highlights.

Yes, the area is accessible by public transport. Regular bus services connect Hunstanton with King's Lynn, which has a mainline train station. From Hunstanton, you can walk to the start of many trails or catch further services along the coast, allowing you to plan linear walks without needing a car.

For the best views, walk along the beach from Old Hunstanton towards Hunstanton at low tide. This allows you to look up at the full height of the distinctive three-tiered cliffs. Alternatively, the path along the clifftop provides a great vantage point looking down and out to sea. The Old Hunstanton Beach – End of the Peddars Way loop from Old Hunstanton is a great route that incorporates a beach section.