The Beach House guidebook

Vivienne
The Beach House guidebook

Food shopping

Norwich Rd, Caistor-on-Sea, NR30 5JL Good size supermarket selling a wide range of useful homewares, gardening items, as well as food and wine.
20 locals recommend
Lidl
Norwich Road
20 locals recommend
Norwich Rd, Caistor-on-Sea, NR30 5JL Good size supermarket selling a wide range of useful homewares, gardening items, as well as food and wine.
Yarmouth Road, Caistor-on-Sea, NR30 5BT Medium sized store with most things you might need.
10 locals recommend
Tesco Superstore
Yarmouth Road
10 locals recommend
Yarmouth Road, Caistor-on-Sea, NR30 5BT Medium sized store with most things you might need.
113A Beach Road, Scratby, NR29 3PG Lovely croissants, superb range of bread, buns and cakes with hot pastries and coffee to go. Not open on Wednesdays.
Scratby Bakery Ltd
113 A Beach Road
113A Beach Road, Scratby, NR29 3PG Lovely croissants, superb range of bread, buns and cakes with hot pastries and coffee to go. Not open on Wednesdays.
Beach Road, Scratby, NR29 3AJ. Superb mini-supermarket and post office, plus excellent garden centre next door. Great for last-minute emergencies, really well-stocked and open till midnight!
Scratby Post Office
Beach Road
Beach Road, Scratby, NR29 3AJ. Superb mini-supermarket and post office, plus excellent garden centre next door. Great for last-minute emergencies, really well-stocked and open till midnight!
Mill Farm, North Road, Ormesby St. Margaret, NR29 3LE. The farm shop has a great fish counter, Dabs and Crabs, offering a wide range of locally caught fish and local veggies to go with it.
Hirst’s Farm Shop & Cafe
North Road
Mill Farm, North Road, Ormesby St. Margaret, NR29 3LE. The farm shop has a great fish counter, Dabs and Crabs, offering a wide range of locally caught fish and local veggies to go with it.

Activities

Ferries (all licensed by the Maritime Coastguard Agency) depart from Morston Quay and trips to the Seals and Birds last for approximately an hour. Trips run every day throughout the season (1st April until 31st October) and regularly throughout the winter. Limited by tide times departure times change daily. Beans Seal Trips have been a family run business for over 80 years and are a very popular and safe way to enjoy a close up view of the wildlife without disturbance. Fully trained and knowledgeable crew will be on hand during your trip to provide local information and answer any questions.
31 locals recommend
Temple Seal Trips at Blakeney Point
Quay Lane
31 locals recommend
Ferries (all licensed by the Maritime Coastguard Agency) depart from Morston Quay and trips to the Seals and Birds last for approximately an hour. Trips run every day throughout the season (1st April until 31st October) and regularly throughout the winter. Limited by tide times departure times change daily. Beans Seal Trips have been a family run business for over 80 years and are a very popular and safe way to enjoy a close up view of the wildlife without disturbance. Fully trained and knowledgeable crew will be on hand during your trip to provide local information and answer any questions.
The centre is situated between Hoveton and Horning on the A1062 at BeWILDerwood. Cycle route maps showing local attractions, churches, pubs, and tea-rooms are available at each hire point, covering the whole Broads area. There are long routes of 20 miles or over, as well as shorter routes.
8 locals recommend
Broadland Cycle Hire
Horning Road West
8 locals recommend
The centre is situated between Hoveton and Horning on the A1062 at BeWILDerwood. Cycle route maps showing local attractions, churches, pubs, and tea-rooms are available at each hire point, covering the whole Broads area. There are long routes of 20 miles or over, as well as shorter routes.
Canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard hire, guided trails, bushcraft and angling tours throughout the area.
TheCanoeMan Coltishall
28 Wroxham Rd
Canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard hire, guided trails, bushcraft and angling tours throughout the area.
The oldest purpose-built circus theatre in operation.
30 locals recommend
Hippodrome Circus
43A St George's Rd
30 locals recommend
The oldest purpose-built circus theatre in operation.
The Southern Comfort is a double-deck paddle boat purpose-built for the Broads with a capacity of 100 passengers. The luxury river cruiser runs regular trips from the beautiful village of Horning, along the River Bure, through the village and out to Ranworth Broad and back. You will see lovely thatched cottages, windmills and Norfolk's famous reed beds.
6 locals recommend
Mississippi River Boat Ltd
Lower Street
6 locals recommend
The Southern Comfort is a double-deck paddle boat purpose-built for the Broads with a capacity of 100 passengers. The luxury river cruiser runs regular trips from the beautiful village of Horning, along the River Bure, through the village and out to Ranworth Broad and back. You will see lovely thatched cottages, windmills and Norfolk's famous reed beds.
Experience a nostalgic trip by steam on Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge railway which runs between the historic market town of Aylsham and bustling town of Wroxham, at the heart of the Norfolk Broads. The 18 mile round trip runs through the pretty Bure Valley countryside following the meandering River Bure through meadowland and ancient pasture. Along the line are wayside halts serving the picturesque Broadland villages of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall.
26 locals recommend
Bure Valley Railway (Wroxham Station)
Belaugh Road
26 locals recommend
Experience a nostalgic trip by steam on Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge railway which runs between the historic market town of Aylsham and bustling town of Wroxham, at the heart of the Norfolk Broads. The 18 mile round trip runs through the pretty Bure Valley countryside following the meandering River Bure through meadowland and ancient pasture. Along the line are wayside halts serving the picturesque Broadland villages of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall.

Places to Visit

Hickling Broad is a 600-hectare nature reserve 4 km south-east of Stalham managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. It's the largest area of open water in the Norfolk Broads and is a vast expanse of reed beds, meadows and waterways. One of the best ways to see the amazing wildlife here is to take a boat trip with an expert guide, and to be taken to areas of the Broad only reached by boat. It makes it all the more worthwhile when you know you are visiting areas of this Broad which are inaccessible by foot, especially when you see the views from the 60ft tall watch tower.
32 locals recommend
Hickling Broad
32 locals recommend
Hickling Broad is a 600-hectare nature reserve 4 km south-east of Stalham managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. It's the largest area of open water in the Norfolk Broads and is a vast expanse of reed beds, meadows and waterways. One of the best ways to see the amazing wildlife here is to take a boat trip with an expert guide, and to be taken to areas of the Broad only reached by boat. It makes it all the more worthwhile when you know you are visiting areas of this Broad which are inaccessible by foot, especially when you see the views from the 60ft tall watch tower.
A magnificent Grade 1 thatched Tudor barn, said to be the largest in England, set by the coast at Sea Palling. Well worth a visit, and after a bracing walk along the beach pop into the Dunes Cafe for a light brunch/lunch, or even cake! Best to be early if you can as it can get quite busy during peak times. Outdoor seating available.
18 locals recommend
Waxham Great Barn
18 locals recommend
A magnificent Grade 1 thatched Tudor barn, said to be the largest in England, set by the coast at Sea Palling. Well worth a visit, and after a bracing walk along the beach pop into the Dunes Cafe for a light brunch/lunch, or even cake! Best to be early if you can as it can get quite busy during peak times. Outdoor seating available.
Try climbing the tower at St Helen's Church for spectacular views of the Broad and surrounding area. Great location and lovely village to wander round while you work up an appetite. Church opening times: 9:30am – 5.30pm daily. Book into The Malsters pub for a hearty pub meal or pizza.
St. Helen's Church
Woodbastwick Road
Try climbing the tower at St Helen's Church for spectacular views of the Broad and surrounding area. Great location and lovely village to wander round while you work up an appetite. Church opening times: 9:30am – 5.30pm daily. Book into The Malsters pub for a hearty pub meal or pizza.
A valuable and eclectic art collection owned by Lord Sainsbury, including works by Picasso, Bacon and Degas located in the grounds of the University of East Anglia, Norwich. Hook up with a volunteer guide. They have excellent knowledge and it really makes the visit so much more interesting. There's a nice café / restaurant too.
69 locals recommend
Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
Norfolk Road
69 locals recommend
A valuable and eclectic art collection owned by Lord Sainsbury, including works by Picasso, Bacon and Degas located in the grounds of the University of East Anglia, Norwich. Hook up with a volunteer guide. They have excellent knowledge and it really makes the visit so much more interesting. There's a nice café / restaurant too.
Magnificent 18th-century stately home, constructed in the Neo-Palladian style for the 1st Earl of Leicester. Rolling parkland, and great menu at The Victoria pub. Superb day out.
261 locals recommend
Holkham Hall
Holkham Road
261 locals recommend
Magnificent 18th-century stately home, constructed in the Neo-Palladian style for the 1st Earl of Leicester. Rolling parkland, and great menu at The Victoria pub. Superb day out.
Explore Blickling estate's breathtaking stately home, gardens and park in Norfolk's Bure Meadows, cared for by the National Trust since 1940.
239 locals recommend
Blickling Estate
239 locals recommend
Explore Blickling estate's breathtaking stately home, gardens and park in Norfolk's Bure Meadows, cared for by the National Trust since 1940.
Nature reserve, visitor centre with a café, a shop and panoramic views of surrounding marshes.
33 locals recommend
Cley Marshes Visitor Centre
Coast Road
33 locals recommend
Nature reserve, visitor centre with a café, a shop and panoramic views of surrounding marshes.
Vast sandy beaches, wonderful traditional pier with plenty of seaside attractions and famous for Banksy’s Great British Spraycation artwork.
144 locals recommend
Cromer Beach
144 locals recommend
Vast sandy beaches, wonderful traditional pier with plenty of seaside attractions and famous for Banksy’s Great British Spraycation artwork.
Encompassing 200 acres of woodland walks, nature trails, four stunning gardens and one of the largest Wildflower Meadows in Norfolk. Cafe and shop.
20 locals recommend
Pensthorpe Nature Reserve
20 locals recommend
Encompassing 200 acres of woodland walks, nature trails, four stunning gardens and one of the largest Wildflower Meadows in Norfolk. Cafe and shop.
A beautiful, 32 acre modern garden containing many garden rooms with herbaceous borders, gravel gardens, sub-tropical gardens, a box parterre, sunken rose garden, Mediterranean garden, Desert Wash and a large woodland garden.
53 locals recommend
East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden
Vicarage Road
53 locals recommend
A beautiful, 32 acre modern garden containing many garden rooms with herbaceous borders, gravel gardens, sub-tropical gardens, a box parterre, sunken rose garden, Mediterranean garden, Desert Wash and a large woodland garden.
Set in 44 acres of beautiful grounds it’s an awe-inspiring, welcoming building with spectacular architecture, magnificent art and a fascinating history. One of the finest complete Romanesque cathedrals in Europe, with the second tallest spire and largest monastic cloisters in England, the cathedral houses more than a thousand beautiful medieval roof boss sculptures and a plethora of art.
217 locals recommend
Norwich Cathedral
65 The Close
217 locals recommend
Set in 44 acres of beautiful grounds it’s an awe-inspiring, welcoming building with spectacular architecture, magnificent art and a fascinating history. One of the finest complete Romanesque cathedrals in Europe, with the second tallest spire and largest monastic cloisters in England, the cathedral houses more than a thousand beautiful medieval roof boss sculptures and a plethora of art.
Horsey Beach is an unspoilt and beautifully quiet sandy Norfolk beach on the east coast of the UK. Very popular for seal watching in the winter months from November through to February/March.
21 locals recommend
Horsey Beach
21 locals recommend
Horsey Beach is an unspoilt and beautifully quiet sandy Norfolk beach on the east coast of the UK. Very popular for seal watching in the winter months from November through to February/March.
Housed entirely in RAF buildings including the original hardened Grade II listed 1942 radar operations building, the museum has over 20 exhibition rooms and provides a unique window into the history of radar covering the period from WWII to the Cold War.
9 locals recommend
RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
Birds Lane
9 locals recommend
Housed entirely in RAF buildings including the original hardened Grade II listed 1942 radar operations building, the museum has over 20 exhibition rooms and provides a unique window into the history of radar covering the period from WWII to the Cold War.
Built by the Normans as a Royal Palace 900 years ago, a medieval royal fortification bang in the centre of Norwich. The castle was used as a gaol from 1220 to 1887 but is now packed with treasures and art, including archaeological finds and natural history specimens.
204 locals recommend
Norwich Castle
24 Castle Mdw
204 locals recommend
Built by the Normans as a Royal Palace 900 years ago, a medieval royal fortification bang in the centre of Norwich. The castle was used as a gaol from 1220 to 1887 but is now packed with treasures and art, including archaeological finds and natural history specimens.
A selection of rare veteran, vintage, classic, sports and touring automobiles and motorcycles, the collection contains more than 120 cars and 100 bikes.
6 locals recommend
Caister Castle Motor Museum
Castle Lane
6 locals recommend
A selection of rare veteran, vintage, classic, sports and touring automobiles and motorcycles, the collection contains more than 120 cars and 100 bikes.
Discover the people, landscape and wildlife of the Broads and take a boat trip to experience what makes the Norfolk Broads so special.
15 locals recommend
The Museum of the Broads
Staithe Road
15 locals recommend
Discover the people, landscape and wildlife of the Broads and take a boat trip to experience what makes the Norfolk Broads so special.

Eating Out

Great pub with excellent food and good choice of beers
19 locals recommend
Fishermans Return
The Lane
19 locals recommend
Great pub with excellent food and good choice of beers
Easy walking distance for pub food, reasonably priced.
Whites Lounge Bar (WLB) (café bar next to caravan park)
85 Beach Rd
Easy walking distance for pub food, reasonably priced.
Allegedly the best burgers, ribs and steaks within a 10 mile radius. Great for meat lovers and really generous portions.
14 locals recommend
The Smokehouse Restaurant
Yarmouth Road
14 locals recommend
Allegedly the best burgers, ribs and steaks within a 10 mile radius. Great for meat lovers and really generous portions.
Beautiful location by Ormesby Broad. Country pub and gastro dining. Guests highly recommend.
33 locals recommend
The Boathouse
Eels Foot Road
33 locals recommend
Beautiful location by Ormesby Broad. Country pub and gastro dining. Guests highly recommend.
Order takeaway and delivery to the house, if you don't feel like moving!
Trisha's Chippy
133 California Road
Order takeaway and delivery to the house, if you don't feel like moving!
One of Norwich's fine dining restaurants. High end Italian cooking. Excellent service combined with a lovely, modern décor and great atmosphere.
7 locals recommend
Benoli
5 Orford St
7 locals recommend
One of Norwich's fine dining restaurants. High end Italian cooking. Excellent service combined with a lovely, modern décor and great atmosphere.
Coffee Lounge, homemade cakes, alcohol licensed, serving everything from all day breakfasts, sandwiches, paninis, pizzas and other homemade meals and desserts.
Angelo's Cafe
98 California Road
Coffee Lounge, homemade cakes, alcohol licensed, serving everything from all day breakfasts, sandwiches, paninis, pizzas and other homemade meals and desserts.
A seasonal menu for food lovers, and bar classics, the menu has a lot of ingredients grown on site as well as using local produce.
15 locals recommend
Kings Arms Fleggburgh
Main Road
15 locals recommend
A seasonal menu for food lovers, and bar classics, the menu has a lot of ingredients grown on site as well as using local produce.
Superb range of options of you like Indian food. Short drive to Ormesby St. Margaret, but you may have to wait if you’ve ordered a take-away as they get very busy.
Planet Spice
2 Filby Ln
Superb range of options of you like Indian food. Short drive to Ormesby St. Margaret, but you may have to wait if you’ve ordered a take-away as they get very busy.
This former picture house, built in 1911, has been labelled a great place for live bands and food. Every inch is plastered with vintage signs, lights or memorabilia. Dinner comes courtesy of a rota of street vendors. Great evening experience in the heart of Great Yarmouth. Open from 12noon to midnight Wednesday to Sunday.
The Empire
This former picture house, built in 1911, has been labelled a great place for live bands and food. Every inch is plastered with vintage signs, lights or memorabilia. Dinner comes courtesy of a rota of street vendors. Great evening experience in the heart of Great Yarmouth. Open from 12noon to midnight Wednesday to Sunday.
If you're visiting Norwich and want to feel pampered, Farmyard bistro for lunch is a lovely stop. Consistently good food with varied menu and great service.
11 locals recommend
Farmyard Restaurant
23 St Benedicts St
11 locals recommend
If you're visiting Norwich and want to feel pampered, Farmyard bistro for lunch is a lovely stop. Consistently good food with varied menu and great service.
Consistently good pub food in a nice location along the River Bure.
8 locals recommend
Acle Bridge Inn
Acle Bridge
8 locals recommend
Consistently good pub food in a nice location along the River Bure.
Clippesby Hall is an independently run holiday park open to non-residents. BASECAMP, the cafe/restaurant offers cakes and scones, full English breakfasts, light lunches, gourmet burgers, speciality pizzas, fish and chips and Sunday roasts.
Clippesby Hall
Clippesby Hall is an independently run holiday park open to non-residents. BASECAMP, the cafe/restaurant offers cakes and scones, full English breakfasts, light lunches, gourmet burgers, speciality pizzas, fish and chips and Sunday roasts.
Family pub and restaurant, watch the world go by on the River Ant, sitting along the moorings at Long Dyke. Sells craft ales and was East Norfolk CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2019.
8 locals recommend
The Lion at Thurne
The Street
8 locals recommend
Family pub and restaurant, watch the world go by on the River Ant, sitting along the moorings at Long Dyke. Sells craft ales and was East Norfolk CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2019.
Recommended by the Eastern Daily Press as one of the top places to eat Sunday lunch. “Great roast dinners as you would enjoy them at home”.
Jolly Farmers
10 West Rd
Recommended by the Eastern Daily Press as one of the top places to eat Sunday lunch. “Great roast dinners as you would enjoy them at home”.
“Another great British Carvery,” according to the Great Yarmouth Mercury. Also home to live music and karaoke every Sunday. With four wide screens it’s a good place to watch all the action on Sky Sports and BT Sport.
Burgh Hall Holiday Park
“Another great British Carvery,” according to the Great Yarmouth Mercury. Also home to live music and karaoke every Sunday. With four wide screens it’s a good place to watch all the action on Sky Sports and BT Sport.
Traditional British menu reasonably priced
East Coast Family Restaurant (Scratby)
Traditional British menu reasonably priced
Haven’t tried it personally but they advertise a Sunday roast 12noon to 5pm. Some great reviews on TripAdvisor.
The Bell Public House
The Street
Haven’t tried it personally but they advertise a Sunday roast 12noon to 5pm. Some great reviews on TripAdvisor.