There are many sides to Hunstanton. The cheerful nostalgia of its arcades and colourful beach huts; the sandy dunes of Old Hunstanton and ancient striped cliffs rising above the sea. Days can be as simple as fish and chips on the promenade or as indulgent as Michelin-starred dining. Yet whichever side of Hunstanton you fall for, the sunset always steals the show – spilling gold across the Wash and leaving the lighthouse silhouetted against the last light of day.

Selling sunset

Hunstanton is one of the few places on the east coast where you can watch the sun sink over the sea. Its west-facing position looks out across the Wash, turning the water copper, rose and gold as evening settles over the shoreline. Find a place on the promenade, wander towards the cliffs or take a blanket and picnic to the sand at Old Hunstanton. However you choose to watch it, it is the kind of ending that stays with you.

Two different beaches for two different moods

Hunstanton’s main beach has all the spirit of a much-loved seaside town. The promenade carries you past the pier, arcades, funfair rides and stalls, with plenty to keep younger visitors entertained between dips in the sea. The beach itself is broad and easy to reach, while the town’s gardens offer a greener place to pause just above the shore.

Continue north and the coast changes character. Old Hunstanton feels wilder and more spacious, with pale sand, grassy dunes and striped beach huts tucked beneath big open skies. It is made for unhurried walks, sandy paws and afternoons that drift happily towards sundown. Don’t forget to pack the bucket and spades.

Walk the plank

Hunstanton’s distinctive cliffs reveal bands of white chalk, red limestone and brown carrstone, creating one of the most recognisable stretches of shoreline in Norfolk. Above them stands the former lighthouse, looking out across the Wash from its clifftop position. At low tide, a walk along the beach gives you the best view of the colours and textures in the cliff face, with the lighthouse rising above. Always check tide times before setting out and keep well away from the base of the cliffs.

Seaside classics

There is plenty to do when you are ready to brush off the sand. Follow the promenade for traditional funfair rides, amusements and seaside treats, challenge the family to a round of crazy golf or let little imaginations run wild in the nautical-themed playground. Catch a performance at the Princess Theatre, or step into an underwater world at SEA LIFE Hunstanton, home to penguins, otters, sharks and Norfolk’s only seal rescue centre. For something quieter, follow the coast on foot and let the views across the Wash set the pace.

Food glorious food

Hunstanton has plenty to tempt you away from the beach. Begin with breakfast at The Old Town Beach Cafe, pick up freshly wrapped fish and chips from Fishers to eat beside the sea, or pause for a drink at The Golden Lion. As evening draws in, share tapas at Sofia’s, settle down for a relaxed supper at The Ancient Mariner or make an occasion of it at The Neptune, Old Hunstanton’s Michelin-starred restaurant. From breakfast by the dunes to beautifully crafted plates, this corner of the coast knows how to feed you well.

Stay a little longer

Hunstanton is a place that rewards having time on your side. Wake early for a near-empty beach, linger over lunch, wander home with sand still on your shoes and return to the shore when the evening sky begins to glow. Our Hunstanton holiday homes put the beach, town and quieter reaches of Old Hunstanton within easy reach, leaving you free to discover your own favourite side of the coast – and stay for the sunset.