Welcome
Winterton-on-Sea is a beautiful, unspoilt seaside village on the Norfolk coast with direct access to a sandy, dog friendly beach.
The beach backs onto sand dunes which provide stunning walks along the coastline and is the home to wildlife including grey seals which come to the area in winter to raise their pups.
About the village
The local village pub is The Fishermans Return which serves traditional pub food and real ales. It is less than a 2 minute walk from the cottage and is dog-friendly.
Across the road from the cottage you will see the superb Poppy's Team Room and Post Office. It offers inside and outside seating with a range of local produce and essentials. It's not just for afternoon tea, lots of scrummy breakfast served too!
Next to Poppy's you have the Fish and Chip shop, Winterton Fish Bar which is very popular, where you can pre-order (preferred) or just turn up.
Finally, Loomes Store a traditional small grocery store where you can get all the essentials, including logs for the fire and also has a cashpoint inside.
We have provided a map of the area (details below of things to see and do) or you can look on your own google maps where you can filter by type (food, drink, activities, etc.)
Things to See and Do
Visit the Seals
Visit the Seals
Visit the Seals
Horsey Gap is home to one of the largest colonies of Grey Seals in the UK. Numbers have been steadily increasing with over a thousand seal pups born along this beautiful stretch of coastline each year. Even in the summer months, seals can be seen on the beach or swimming along the shoreline.
During the Seal Pup Season, (end of October to the end January) it is important not to disturb the seals or their pups so viewing is from the sand dunes and the designated ‘viewing platforms’ only.
You can drive to Horsey Gap or walk from Winterton up the coast (around an hour). There is parking - It is £3 for up to 2 hours, and £5 for the day. It's around 20 minute walk to reach the seals from Horsey Gap although you are likely to see their heads popping up in the sea as you approach.
DOGS must please be kept on leads at all times when near seals.
The charity ‘Friends of Horsey Seals’, have a dedicated team of volunteers who look out for and protect the grey seals and their pups along the coast at both Horsey and Winterton.
Norfolk Broads
Visit the Seals
Visit the Seals
The Norfolk Broads are a series of rivers and broads or lakes, nestled in the lovely countryside to the eastern side of the county of Norfolk and northern tip of Suffolk. Although the area is called The Norfolk Broads, locally it is known as Broadland which encompasses the rivers and broads that wander over the border from Norfolk into Suffolk.
The Broads are a haven for wildlife and provide many boating experiences, both guided and self-hire.
The nearest Broads to Winterton are Martham Broad, Horsey Mere and Hickling Broad. At Hickling Broad you can hire boats or take organised tours. Further afield are other larger (busier) Broads such as those surrounding Wroxham.
For walking, there is a nice elevated walk next to Barton Broad 2.5 miles.
Near South Walsham Broad you can visit the Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden which has a tearoom, gift shop, bird hides, children's nature trail and plant sales area and various events year round.
Just 10 minutes drive from the Cottage, at Horsey Mere you will also find the Horsey Windpump (National Trust) which offers a fantastic Ross' Wildlife Tour boat trip. Also Hifh
Day Boat Hire at Martham Ferry have a selection of boats you can hire for a few hours or the whole day. At the popular Potter Heigham Herbert Woods have a variety of boat hire options.
For an organised trip on a larger boat you could always try the Mississippi Paddle Boat based in Horning. Or Broad Tours based out of Wroxham.
For more details of other things to see and do in and around the Broads, click here.
For Children
Pubs, Restaurants and Cafés
Pubs, Restaurants and Cafés
Winterton-on-Sea is blessed with a beautiful golden sandy beach (perfect for sandcastles), which is dog-friendly all year round. If you are looking for something with a few more facilities nearby, then you can walk to Hemsby along the beach or dunes (around 45 mins) or a it's a short drive.
Hemsby is a traditional seaside location with fish and chip shops, ice cream van, amusement arcades and children's activities like crazy golf and the Lacon Arms Pub with children's play area.
Near to Hesmby you will find Hirsty's Family Fun Park (open summer holidays 23rd July - 5th September) with a variety of activities for young children.
Goreleston Beach is stunning bay with a huge, wide curving, sandy beach with ramp access plus model yacht pond and children's splashpad. With adjoining shops, cafes, amusements and amenity area, everything you need is close by.
If you head out to Great Yarmouth there are a selection of things to see and do:
- Joyland
- Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
- Greyhound racing at Yarmouth Stadium
More details and a summary of what's on in Great Yarmouth can be found here
In Hoveton, a 30 minute drive, you will find the popular BeWILDerwood treehouse adventure experience. Also in Hoveton is Wroxham Barns which has craft shops and junior farm and fun park.
Any children into dinosaurs will love the ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure (50 minute drive).
If theme parks and thrill rides are what the children are seeking then you should try Pleasurewood Hills a 35 minute drive away.
For a steam train experience, we recommend the Bure Valley Railway which runs between Aylsham and Wroxham.
Paddle boarding and Canoeing can be done locally at Hickling Broad.
Pubs, Restaurants and Cafés
Pubs, Restaurants and Cafés
Pubs, Restaurants and Cafés
The local village pub, The Fishermans Return is a 2 minute walk from the cottage and serves hearty pub food and ales. It has plenty of seating and you don't need to book. It's also dog friendly.
Up on the ridge of the dunes, you may have seen the Round Houses (or the fairy cottages as our daughter calls them). They are part of the Hermanus Holiday village. The restaurant is open to all and located in the complex.
The Kings Arms (above photo) at Fleggburgh is a two AA rosette restaurant, award-winning pub. Booking is essential at this popular venue.
In nearby Horsey down a quiet side-road you can find the Nelson Head. It's a traditional country pub, child and dog friendly with a warm welcome and large open fire. They offer real ale and fresh local food cooked to order.
A quirky restaurant nearby and a favourite with the kids is the Smokehouse Bar and Grill at Ormesby. Also nearby is The Farmers country dining pub.
If you are looking for something a bit more special for an occasion, then you should try Pamela's Restaurant in Great Yarmouth. It's a fine dining experience with cocktails and champagne bar. Booking essential.
If you are looking for a venue on the Broads, then the Boathouse is a gastro-pub with views of the Broads. Another riverside pub is the Ferry Inn at Stokesby which has outside bench seating overlooking the river. Just north of Hickling Broad you can find the Greyhound Inn a traditional village pub in the heart of picturesque Hickling. Very dog friendly.
About 20 minutes north of Winterton, is The Ingham Swan. A 3 AA Rosette, Michelin Recommended Restaurant.
For lunches and fantastic views with rooftop alfresco dining, try the The Fig Bar and Grill in Gorleston-on-Sea. If you are in that area you can also take a seat on the terrace at The Cliff Hotel.
If you are looking for a venue with a large selection of ales, lagers and cider you should try The Lion at Thurne.
Cafés
You will find many cafés when out and about. Here's a small selection in the area:
- Poppy's, literally next door to the cottage. Highly recommended
- Dunes Café Waxham Barn very popular near Horsey beach
- Hirsts Farm Shop and Café (also selling local fresh fish)
- Seal View is right on the beach serving hot and cold food, drinks and Ice cream
- Jay Jay's at the beach Café Gorleston-on-Sea
- Kiah Homebakes Hemsby
- The Waterside Rollesby next to Rollesby Broad