About the area

The North Norfolk coast has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and we think Burnham Overy Staithe is the most beautiful bit of it (not that we’re biased!). The  area is a Mecca for birdwatchers. Cley, Thornham and Titchwell are just along the coast, and Welney, in the Fens, is worth visiting, but to be honest you don’t need to drive anywhere – there is plenty to see from the Overy Staithe and Burnham Norton sea walls.

• along the Bank (the sea wall) to the beach (and from there to Holkham if you have the stamina)
• across the sands or the marshes to Scolt Head Island (at low tide only)
• along the coast road as far as the windmill, then cross a field to reach the footpath along Burnham Norton sea wall
• track from the top of Gong Lane to Overy Town
• track from the windmill back up to the Burnham Market road
• track from the coast road to half-way along the sea wall.

Things to do in Overy Staithe

All the usual seaside pastimes – paddling, swimming, sandcastles, sailing, canoeing, and so on. But remember this is the North Sea, not the Mediterranean, and the estuary is tidal, so do be careful when swimming or boating. Burnham Overy Boathouse offers long- or short-term boat storage, and hires out kayaks in the summer.

Places to visit

Both on the coast and inland, there is a wide choice of activities. For more ideas, visit the tourist information centre in The Maltings, Staithe Street, Wells-next-the-sea, but here is a sample to get you started: Holkham Hall, Walsingham (the Shrine is a famous place of pilgrimage), the Wells-Walsingham Steam Railway and Hunstanton Sealife (both popular with children), Fakenham (especially on Thursdays for the flea-market and auctions), Glandford Shell Museum, Binham Priory, Felbrigg Hall, Houghton Hall, Castle Rising, Castle Acre Priory and historic Kings Lynn, which has several interesting small museums.

Public transport, food and shopping

The Coastliner (Lynxbus 36) leaves from opposite the top of the path for Burnham Market, Hunstanton and Kings Lynn and from the corner opposite the Hero bar/restaurant for Wells and Fakenham.

There are shops, places to eat, a garage and a post office in Burnham Market. Wells-next-the-sea has a good range of shops and you can get money out at the Post Office or the ATM at the bakery or cashback from the supermarket.

There are plenty of pubs and restaurants in the area, starting with the Hero, just across the road, and the Lord Nelson in Burnham Thorpe. Some guests who stayed in July 2022 especially liked the Jolly Sailors in Brancaster and the Tuscan Farm Shop in Burnham Market for sandwiches (payment in cash only).