Places to explore & things to do
Located right on the coast in the village of Thornham, 4 Malthouse Cottages is the ideal base from which to explore the wonders of north Norfolk.
Thornham sits in the Norfolk coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s just under a mile away from the RSPB reserve at Tichwell. So it’s a true haven for bird-watchers, nature enthusiasts and walkers.
There are an abundance of breath-taking (dog-friendly) beaches on your doorstep, the nearest is Thornham Beach. Plus there’s a wealth of activities to be enjoyed in the local area for all ages.
Beaches
With mile upon mile of sweeping coastline, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to beach days in north Norfolk:
Food & Drink
There’s an abundance of great food and drink to be found locally, from delicious seafood (make sure you try the renowned Cromer crab), to fruits, cheeses, beer and of course turkey. With a smorgasbord of cafes, coffee shops, delis, farm shops, pubs and restaurants, north Norfolk is a foodies’ paradise:
- Thornham Deli.
- Eric’s Fish and Chips, Thornham.
- Drove Orchards farm shop, Hunstanton.
- The Lifeboat Inn, Thornham.
- The Orange Tree, Thornham.
- Titchwell Manor, Titchwell.
- Briarfields Hotel, Titchwell.
- The Ship Hotel, Brancaster.
- The Jolly Sailors, Brancaster.
- The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe.
- The Nest cafe, Burnham Deepdale.
- The White Horse, Holme-next-the-Sea.
- The Neptune restaurant, Hunstanton.
- The Mariner Inn, Hunstanton.
- The Gin Trap Inn, Hunstanton.
- The Duck, Stanhoe.
- The Lord Nelson, Burnham Thorpe.
- Socius, Burnham Market.
Places of Interest
There are various nature reserves, historic sites and stately homes all within easy reach of 4 Malthouse Cottages.
The below list includes some of our recommendations, but it’s by no means exhaustive:
- North Norfolk AONB.
- RSPB Titchwell Marsh.
- Holme Dunes nature reserve.
- National Trust Brancaster Estate.
- Scolt Head Island nature reserve.
- Holkham Hall.
- Creake Abbey.
- Houghton Hall and gardens.
- Walsingham Abbey.
- HM the King’s Sandringham Estate.
Sport & Leisure
If you’re keen to stay active on your holidays, there are plenty of activities to choose from along the north Norfolk coast.
Keen golfers will find the nearest courses at Royal West Norfolk in Brancaster and Hunstanton Golf Club.
Try paddle boarding or kitesurfing at Brancaster Boards or Hunstanton Watersports.
Try your hand at sea fishing with Off the Hook, in Wells-next-the-Sea.
Or if you fancy a flutter, Fakenham Racecourse is only a 30-minute drive from the cottage.
Family Fun
As well as the beaches, nature reserves and historic sites to explore, there are lots of other local places to visit and activities for the whole family to enjoy:
- Holt Country Park.
- North Norfolk Railway.
- Muckleburgh Military Collection.
- Blakeney Point Seal Trips.
- Sea Life Centre, Hunstanton.
- Farmer Fred’s Adventure Play Barn, Hunstanton.
- Holkham ropes course.
- Extreme Adventure, Weasenham.
- Amazona Zoo, Cromer.
- Cromer Pier.
- Sheringham Little Theatre.
- Bewilderwood outdoor adventure park, Hoveton.
- Wells and Walsingham Light Railway.
- Wells Maltings: on-screen entertainment, performances, classes, activities & exhibitions.
- Princess Theatre Hunstanton for a variety of live performances.
Dog-friendly days out
Here are some ideas for dogs walks nearby
Brancaster Beach
Thornham Beach
Old Hunstanton Beach
Burnham Overy Staithe
See www.visitnorfolk.com for details
Brancaster Circular Walks
Barrow Common and Brancaster
Dog Shows
www.thebarkingbugle.co.uk/whats-on-guide/
Binham Priory and Bawsey Country Park
www.thebarkingbugle.co.uk/doggy-tourist-guide/doggy-days-out/