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There are a vast
number of Norfolk villages neighbouring Hunstanton and many prominent Norfolk attractions
are
within a short drive. If you have the time,
they are all worth a visit so plan your time here
carefully.
Internationally renowned, Norfolk Lavender Ltd is at the
gateway to Heacham, where 100 acres of lavender are
cultivated each year. More than 150,000
visitors a year are welcomed to the Visitor Centre
at Caley Mill which houses the National Collection
of Lavenders as well as rose and herb gardens.
Enjoying a cream tea and the beautiful grounds is a
great way to spend a lovely afternoon.
If you
wish to venture further afield just cross the A149
into Heacham Village where you will find a selection
of shops, pubs, restaurants and a cafe plus the
beautiful Church of St Mary the Virgin.
Next door to Heacham is the village of Snettisham,
home to a unique deer safari park and working farm.
Park Farm is a great day out for the family and the
farm's orchard is a joy for picnics.
The spire of
St Mary's Church in Snettisham is very distinctive
and the stained glass windows are an attractive
sight should you stop and take a look to and from
Park Farm. Snettisham's summer programme
includes the reknowned "SnetFest" so keep a look out
for the dates on the Key Calendar of Events.
Another highlight of Snettisham's summer is the Norton Light
Railway which is run privately over several weekends
on the school summer holidays (including August Bank Holiday) to
raise funds for numerous charities. Well worth
a visit, especially if you have children. The
RSPB reserve at Snettisham is very popular with bird
watchers.
Ringstead, another Norfolk village and heart of the
famous
Peddars Way, is also near Hunstanton. A
real attraction for the serious
walker or rambler. There are many local
village open garden events during the summer. However, Ringstead's Open Gardens is a particularly
enjoyable event because the layout of the village
allows easy travelling from one garden to
another. Browsing for antiques and treasures
is an enjoyable way to pass the time in Ringstead's
hidden antique shops and the gardener will find the
local garden centre a pleasure.
In the opposite direction, is the Norfolk village of Sedgeford which has its own
archaeological dig. The Sedgeford
Historical and Archaeological Research Project, one
of the largest archaeological research and training
projects in Great Britain, welcomes interested
visitors for at least one week each summer.
Head towards King's
Lynn along the A149 and you will find Sandringham
Estate is surprisingly close to Hunstanton. Here you
can enjoy (free) walks and picnics in the lush
forests surrounding Sandringham and, of course,
there is the house itself.
Norfolk in general is a bird watchers paradise year round.
Well known for both the quality and
quantity of birds attracted to the varying habitats
within Norfolk's boundary, all levels of bird watchers
delight in the peace and tranquility of
the RSPB reserves at Titchwell, Snettisham and Holme
which are all close to Hunstanton. The stunning
scenery found at these local havens sooths away all
the stresses and strains of modern day living and is
a real escape.
The RSPB
operates an extensive programme of events all year
round at each of these bird sanctuaries. For
more information about the bird reserves click for
Snettisham RSPB Reserve and
Titchwell RSPB Reserve.
