recreation
SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPES, fascinating HISTORY, exhilirating SPORT, DIVERSE WILDLIFE - IT CAN ALL BE FOUND IN NORTH NORFOLK.
For ancient history, journey east to the Deep History Coast, which runs from Weybourne to Cart Gap. This 36km stretch covers West Runton beach, where the biggest and best-preserved mammoth skeleton in the world was found, and Happisburgh, the location of a prehistoric flint axe and 850,000-year-old human footprints – the oldest in the world outside the Great Rift Valley in Africa.
North Norfolk has plenty to appeal to history lovers, not least our own building which has stood for five hundred years. The church at the centre of the village, All Saints, is thought to have begun in Norman times, as are many in the surrounding area. Slightly further afield, you’ll find the historic Binham Priory Church and Monastic Precinct, and world-famous pilgrimage destination Walsingham Abbey, both within a 20 mile drive.
Norfolk is also rich in stately homes, and Holkham Hall, Sandringham and Houghton Hall are all close to Thornham. You can spend time exploring the beautifully kept grounds, and take tours to marvel at the spectacular interiors that hide behind the grand walls.
NATURE AND WILDLIFE
Thornham is an ideal getaway for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. Just to the west of the village is Holme Bird Observatory Reserve, where over 300 species of birds have been recorded, along with more than 50 species of flora and many species of dragonflies. Neighbouring to the east is RSPB Titchwell Marsh. It encompasses several different habitats including reedbeds, saltmarsh and freshwater lagoons, so many species of birds call it home, including avocets, bearded tits and marsh harriers.
Blakeney Point Nature Reserve, 20 miles from Thornham, is perhaps North Norfolk’s most popular wildlife reserve, mainly because it’s home to England’s largest colony of Grey Seals. And a little further west you’ll find Kelling Heath, over 200 acres of woodland and heathland, which has Dark Sky Discovery status.
long walks
The Norfolk Coast Path runs virtually past our doorstep, stretching 84 miles (135 km) from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea, through the breathtaking Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). During the summer the hedgerows are in full blossom and the wildflowers are out in all their beauty. Spring and autumn are the main times for seeing migrating birds, and winter gives you a completely different experience.
Also close by is the Peddars Way, which meets the Norfolk Coast Path at neighbouring Holme-next-the-Sea. Both trails are relatively gentle, and take you through a variety of natural landscapes. For anyone looking for an afternoon ramble there are a range of circular walks based around the trails, and the area is served by the Coasthopper bus service.
UNIQUE GOLF COURSES
The Royal West Norfolk Golf Club at nearby Brancaster is ranked the 17th best in England by Golf World, and is a unique links course set between the North Sea and saltmarsh. When planning your game make sure you check the tide times on their website - the club becomes inaccessible twice a day when the sea rises and covers the road! Visitors are welcome, although numbers are strictly limited and only two-balls are allowed.
The Hunstanton Golf Club, a championship links course in Old Hunstanton, is over 125 years old, and sprawls across a landscape of dunes and links grasses. Many holes overlook The Wash, so it’s possible to watch the sun set over the sea as you play.
AN AREA OF NATURAL BEAUTY
RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP
Explore the wonders of North Norfolk, from beach to Broads.