'Sunny Hunny' - The Sunset Capital of the UK

Hamiltons RemovalsAs a removals company based in Norfolk, we feel we know the area pretty well. One of our favourite destinations in the county is Hunstanton. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Sunny Hunny’, the town of Hunstanton is a popular seaside resort in West Norfolk. The town has a long history, with late neolithic or early Bronze Age origins dating back to 1500 to 2000BC. Remnants of this history can be found in the ruins of St Edmund’s Chapel, pictured below. The chapel was built in 1272 in memory of England’s first ever patron saint and King of East Anglia, who landed in Hunstanton in 855.?

Hunstanton beach faces west across the Wash, making it the only resort in the east coast of England to face west. This means that the sun actually sets over the sea, creating a truly stunning view each day and earning Hunstanton the unofficial title as the sunset capital of the UK. There are two beaches in Hunstanton: Old Hunstanton and New Hunstanton. The two are however only a mile apart, and easily accessible via a train which runs between the two. New Hunstanton boasts huge sandy beaches, as well as a lively promenade, Hunstanton Pier and Rainbow Park. The Pier is a family entertainment centre, built where the original 1870 Victorian pier once stood, and has many arcade and video games, as well as a bowling alley. Similarly, Rainbow Park has many great fairground rides for children to have fun on. The promenade itself has plenty of?stands to get food, buy souvenirs and get unique gifts, plus there are the Old Lighthouse and beautiful lavender gardens to explore.?

Old Hunstanton is less busy and is surrounded by uniquely striped cliffs instead of a promenade, made up of?carrstone, white chalk and red limestone. The beach itself has many dunes and rock pools, and allows dogs on the beach all year round. And for when you get hungry, there is the Old Town beach Cafe, a brilliant and vegan friendly family owned spot to eat (as well an ice cream kiosk!)

Despite its current popularity, up until the year 1840 there was nothing to find where new Hunstanton now stands. With the popularity of seaside holidays on the rise during the Victorian era, a man named Henry Styleman Le Strange decided to create a new one on this otherwise untouched piece of land. In fact, the first building built, The Golden Lion Hotel, is still going strong today! Hunstanton Heritage Centre is located in the centre of town and here you can learn more about its interesting history.

Hunstanton is also fantastic for exploring out of doors, and incredibly dog friendly with many poplar walk routes, such as Peddars Way, a gorgeous hiking trail around 50 miles in length. There is also the Hunstanton Wolf Trail, which is a great way to learn about St Edmund and his time spent ruling over East Anglia, as well as the legendary appearance of a wolf appearing to guard over his severed head.

The centre is bustling and lively, with over 100 shops. For a bite to eat, there are plenty of options for fish and chips by the sea, including Henry’s of Hunstanton, Sallys Fish and Chips, and Fishers of Hunstanton - all with raving reviews on Tripadvisor, claiming them to be the best fish and chips you will ever try! For a more high-end dining experience, try Chives Wine Bar and Brasserie, or Michelin star restaurant The Neptune.

There is lots to do in Hunstanton, including an abundance of water sports available, such kayaking, windsurfing and kitesurfing. If you love adventure, there are also bikes available at Open Sky Cycles, roller skating, and adventure golf to try. Additionally, you can watch a show at The Princess Theatre (where princess Diana herself brought a young William and harry to watch a performance of Cinderella), or take a stroll around Boston Square Sensory Garden,?a garden which stimulates the senses of touch, sight, smell and sound.?

Hunstanton is also one of the best places in Norfolk to go seal watching, with around 3000 seals living around the Wash, making them one of the largest common seal colonies in the UK, perhaps even in the world. You can see the seals atop the amphibious Wash Monsters, and makes a brilliant day out.