A Weekend in Happisburgh: Three Days on the Norfolk Coast

Planning a weekend break in Happisburgh? Here's our suggested three-day itinerary, based on our own experience of the village and surrounding Norfolk coast. From the local pub and wonderful sandy beaches to the Norfolk Broads and Horsey seals, there's plenty to enjoy during a short stay at Church Farm Cottage.

Friday:

If you can get away early and arrive before your check-in, there’s nothing stopping you parking nearby and strolling up to the pub for what is usually a very nice selection of traditional ales and pub grub. If you get lucky you might find a few locals who want to chat, it’s quite a friendly place. Stroll up Blacksmith’s lane past the Wenn Evans community centre, carry on past the church through a little alley and you’re at the pub. Previous years there has been a mini beer festival there, and at one point a coffee shop too.

Happisburgh, or Haysbro (drop the p’s to sound like a local) has seen some changes as there is some erosion and the caravan and car park have moved inland, its not as bad as it portrayed in the media though. Once you’ve enjoyed a pint if its still daylight you can stroll on to the beach for a nice view of sunset. Taking the gravel path past the pub down to the cliff and take a right, then follow the cliff keeping the lighthouse in view, that will lead you to the ramp which operates most of the year apart from a few days when at Spring and Autumn high tides the bottom of it washes away and has to be recut. You can stand at the top and take in the view. Certain time of the year the lighthouse is open and you can scale its many steps. If that’s really your thing, St Mary’s church tower is open a few times a year, both offer spectacular views and are well worth a visit.

Head back to your accommodation and unpack, then its time for fish and chips from the nearest shop at Walcott the next village up, there’s also a local shop there which is bigger than the one at Happisburgh. You can park right against the beach at Walcott which can be quite spectacular. Saturday is going to be quite full on.

Saturday:

Hopefully you had the sense to grab some supplies and are tucking in to a hearty English breakfast, if not its time for a brisk walk to the beach again: Heading Southeast, you’ll eventually find a lifeboat ramp, then venture a few hundred yards inland to Smallsticks cafe for one of the best breakfasts around. You can head back via the cliff which will take you back to the lighthouse then from there and this time follow the road back through the village. There are a fair number of different ways you can walk including some local footpath, or continue along the cliff and back to Church Farm that way after you reach the bunker, once part of RAF Happisburgh I’m told.

Then it’s decision time and this can depend on the time of year. If its warm its either head to the beach again, or take a 15 minute drive to the nearby delights of the Norfolk Broads. The beach is nicely unspoilt, with only the small car park and toilets and and an ice cream van, but none of the tacky seaside stuff. It’s dog-friendly all year round but there’s plenty of space for all kinds of beachgoers. If you choose the Broads, you can hire a day boat, anyone who can drive a car can drive one, and choose how long you want the boat. Expect to take 2-4 hours depending on whether you want to moor up at one of the pubs along the way, its a circular trip, so just try and remember to turn around and come back when half your time is up.. and maybe there’s still time to go the beach when you get back?

Sunday:

Its Sunday and check-out looms, head out for a really early run, its so quiet the back lanes to the south make a great 5k circuit or more if you choose, to burn off all that excess. Or you can run along the beach if you’re feeling adventurous in either direction. Once you’re packed and in the car, its not over. Head South to see the wild seals at Horsey or maybe to Bacton woods for a stroll in the forest with the dogs. Then its off for a Sunday lunch before you finally head home.

Fancy a Weekend in Happisburgh?

Church Farm Cottage is a traditional thatched holiday cottage in the heart of Happisburgh, sleeping up to eight guests, including a maximum of six adults. We're dog-friendly too, with an enclosed garden and the beach just a short walk away.

Check Availability for Your Weekend Break

Staying longer? Have a look at our Weeklong Guide for more ideas.