Local Area Information

Somerton

Somerton comprises of the twin villages of East Somerton and West Somerton, right on the edge of the Norfolk Broads and under a mile from the sea.

West Somerton has a picturesque staithe and a well kept medieval round tower church, one of 124 in Norfolk. The churchyard is the last resting place of Robert Hales, born in the village in 1820, who became known as the 'Somerton Giant'. Robert grew to be 7' 8" tall, weighed over 32 stone and was a celebrity of his time.

East Somerton is a scatter of farms and homes brought within the parish of Winterton centuries ago. It's former church is now an ivy clad ruin in the woods of Burnley Hall beside the bridle path that leads to Winterton and the sea.

East Somerton is ideally situated next to Winterton Dunes National Nature Reserve and the wide unspoilt sandy beaches beyond.

Winterton On Sea

Winterton on Sea is a lovely unspoilt Norfolk coastal village with its roots in fishing and the sea. You will find no amusement arcades or brash shops here, just a wonderful beach and acres of sand dunes with ‘Seal View Cafe’ by the car park. It has a cathedral like church, third tallest in the county, a general shop, fish and chip shop and a P.O. with tea rooms plus pub, The Fisherman’s Return, which both welcome well behaved dogs.

The sand dunes are a nature reserve classified as an area of outstanding natural beauty and is ideal for bird watchers and walkers. Just north of Winterton, at Horsey, a colony of grey seals live and can be regularly seen basking on the beach or popping their heads above the waves. There are thousands on the beach during November to January when the seals return to give birth to their pups.

Martin Dunford, Author, The Rough Guide to Belgium 'It's a place I regularly visit on the Norfolk coast. My children love to run around in the dunes there, the beach is huge and sandy and – big plus – we can take our dog. There's a great café to warm up (or cool off) in afterwards. Oh, and the village has a great pub too. It's heaven.'

Horsey

Recently restored, Horsey Windpump is the youngest and largest windpump to be found in the Norfolk Broads. For those that are able make it to the top, they are rewarded with some of the most spectacular views in the area.

Journey through the history of Horsey Windpump as you climb the stairs through the five floors of this Grade II* listed building. As part of the restoration project, new and engaging interpretation has been installed, bringing to life it's dramatic story.

There are so beautiful walks to explore around Horsey either inland by the rivers or along the National Coastal Path. The coast next to the village, known as Horsey Dunes, is a major wildlife site. During November to January, a colony of Grey Seals arrive on the beaches to give birth to seal pups, watched over by ‘Friends of Horsey Seals.’ They provide an amazing sight for the many wildlife enthusiasts that take time to visit during the winter months.