Things to do in Winterton-on-Sea - Norfolk

Mill Farm Eco Barn offers their guide to Winterton-on-Sea

Winterton-on-sea village

Winterton-on-sea is an ancient fishing village 8 miles north of Great Yarmouth.

The village is quiet and picturesque and has shops, post office and great dog friendly pub The Fishermen’s Return which is renowned for its hearty food and beer. There is also a fish & chip shop and beach café with great cakes and a children’s playground. 

Winterton beach and dunes

The beautiful sandy beach and dunes stretch for miles in either direction and forms part of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as a national nature reserve.

Winterton-on-sea beach is listed as one of the Rough Guide’s top 30 destinations in the world! See Rough Guide Top 30.

Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round

Seal colony

Visiting the seal colony (4 miles away) in nearby Horsey is a must - park at the Nelson Head pub and enjoy a pint of Woodfordes on your return and even visit the National Trust’s traditional Horsey Windpump. 

The Broads National Park

The Broads, the UKs largest wetland area, are a unique landscape of shallow lakes and rivers renowned for wildlife, and perfect for boating, kayaking walking, cycling and fishing. The ‘magical waterland’ National Park is within 3Km from the barn. See  www.enjoythebroads.com. and www.discoverthebroads.com for more information.

If you visit in the summer we would definitely recommend a trip to How Hill for gardens, tea rooms and boat trips and more.

Lots of our guests also recommended Ross’s Wildlife Boat Trips which leave daily during the summer from Horsey onto Martham Broad just 4 miles away.

Or you could take in the lovely Fairhaven watergarden and take a boat trip across the broads 

Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve is also a great option for families wanting to see the broads. There is a varied events programme throughout the year including family activities on Fridays during school holidays. You can also 'rent a warden' for a perfect behind the scenes wildlife experience.

Walking

It is very possible to enjoy lots of walks direct from the barns to the beach, dunes or Broads. A wide footpath runs directly from the property through arable fields, where it’s possible that you will see marsh harrier, kestrel, skylark, hare and deer.

 More local walks can be found here  For more serious ramblers you can walk part of the local Weavers Way, the Angles Way, or the Wherryman's Way from Norwich to Great Yarmouth taking in the Berney Arms pub.

Bird watching

Winterton’s unique micro-climate, coastal position and range of natural habitats mean there is a diverse variety of resident, summer and winter migrants birds, from snow bunting to hen harrier, cuckoo and nighjars.

Boat and kayak

There is no better way to see the true essence of the Broads than by boat or kayak.  Martham boats, a couple of miles inland, provide boat (sail and motor) and kayak hire at reasonable prices with easy access to the wonderful Hickling Broad and Horsey mere. Or for paddleboarding try the Norfolk Paddle Company in Hickling. If you fancy chartering a wherry (tradional Broads sail boat) you can do so at the Norfolk Wherry Trust, they recommend booking.  If you are less mobile the wonderful Nancy Oldfield Trust will be able to help you and your family get onto the water.

Fishing

Martham Pits is a coarse fish day fishery with permits available from the Martham DIY (and EA rod licence is also required). Trout lakes are around a one hour drive away near Attleborough. There is local sea fishing where you can plug for bass at Sea Palling, or fish for cod, whiting and flat fish at Caister. Fishing trips are possible form Great Yarmouth on the Sea Quest.

Houses and gardens

Home of the unstoppable gardeners, East Ruston gardens are well worth a visit and have a fab tea rooms.

The National Trust gardens of Blickling, Sheringham Park  and Felbrigg Hall  are all delightful.  The closer Horsey Windmill is also worth a visit. 

Historic churches in Winterton (which you can climb in the summer months for a great view), West Somerton and Martham are within easy reach. Visit the grave of Robert Hales and find out more about ‘The Norfolk Giant’ who is buried in West Somerton churchyard.

Norwich

Medieval Norwich, with its cathedral, castle, museums, fine shopping, theatre, nightlife and restaurants is an easy 40 minute drive. It’s worth combining this with a trip to Whitlingham Country Park on the edge of Norwich

Eating out

As well as our excellent local pub in the village The Fisherman’s Returns there are some really lovely local restaurants and café’s. A walk up the coast via the seal colony to the Nelson Head comes highly recommended.

The Gunton Arms is a bit of a drive but well worth it if you enjoy fine dining. This old coaching inn, set in the grounds of a deer park, is now owned by a London art dealer and is renowned for exquisite food. 

Nearer, the award wining Ingham Swan serves wonderful food with a focus on local and seasonal produce in a delightful old Inn.

Going south some of our guests have recommended the Solebay fish company in Southwold.

The Norfolk Mead Hotel is a perfect venue for afternoon tea, booking in advance is essential.

For pubs with a broadside view and children’s play area try the Boat House and Waterside café both on Ormesby Broad, both have good food.

Planet Spice in nearby Ormesby has fantastic authentic Indian cuisine to eat in or take out. The Jasminium in Rollesby provides traditional Thai and Chinese food