A weekend in Hunstanton

Striped cliffs and the only west-facing beach on the east coast

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Hunstanton, nicknamed Sunny Hunny, is a traditional seaside resort on the north-west Norfolk coast, famous for its candy-striped cliffs of red chalk and white limestone. It is unusual because it faces west, so the sun sets over the sea.

It has a sandy beach, a fairground and a sea life centre, and is a gateway to the nature reserves and royal estate at Sandringham.

Best forBeach days, Families, Dog owners, Walkers

Best time to goMay to September for the beach and fairground. Spring and autumn suit coastal walks and wildlife.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£240–£430, excluding travel

Getting thereNorwich: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Hunstanton

Plan your weekend in Hunstanton

Top attractions in Hunstanton

The striped cliffs

Cliffs of white chalk, red chalk and carrstone, with fossils and rock pools at low tide.

Hunstanton beach

A wide sandy beach with beach huts and a gently shelving sea.

Old Hunstanton lighthouse ruins

A ruined lighthouse and a beautiful stretch of coast to the north.

Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary

A family attraction with seals and sea creatures.

Holme Dunes

A nature reserve and beach just along the coast, with birdwatching trails.

Best things to do in Hunstanton

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

A day at Holkham Beach

Holkham Beach is one of the largest and most beautiful beaches in England, a vast sweep of sand backed by dunes and pine woods within a national nature reserve. Allow a half day to a full day.

Blakeney Point seal trip

Blakeney Point is a long sand and shingle spit on the north Norfolk coast, and a nature reserve with large colonies of grey and common seals. Allow about 1 to 2 hours.

North Norfolk Railway (the Poppy Line)

The North Norfolk Railway, known as the Poppy Line, runs heritage steam and diesel trains about five miles through woodland and heath between Sheringham and Holt, passing the coast at Weybourne. Allow about 1 to 2 hours.

Best areas to stay in Hunstanton

Hunstanton town

Close to the beach, shops and fairground.

Old Hunstanton

Quieter, with a village feel and golf links.

Heacham or Holme

Coastal villages nearby.

Best hotels in Hunstanton

Prices for a double room in Hunstanton typically fall around £60–£100 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Hunstanton

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Hunstanton

May to September for the beach and fairground. Spring and autumn suit coastal walks and wildlife.

Seasons that suit Hunstanton well: summer, spring, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Hunstanton

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£60–£100
Food and drink, per day for two	£45–£70
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£240–£430

Budget-friendly destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Hunstanton

From Norwich: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
From Cambridge: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
From London: About 3 hours by car, or by train to King's Lynn and then a bus.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Hunstanton

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Hunstanton town.
Saturday: Start with The striped cliffs, then Hunstanton beach. In the afternoon, head to Old Hunstanton lighthouse ruins.
Sunday: Visit Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary or Holme Dunes, then head home.

Packing list for Hunstanton

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Beach and coast gear Walking gear Wet-weather gear

Good to know

The beach has some seasonal dog restrictions, so check signs.
Tides go out a long way, so keep an eye on the sea.
Parking by the seafront is busy at weekends.

Hunstanton weekend FAQs

Is Hunstanton good for families?

Yes. It has a beach, fairground and Sea Life centre, and is great value.

Why is it called Sunny Hunny?

It faces west across The Wash, so it gets evening sun, and the nickname is long-standing.

More weekend ideas

Norfolk coastNorfolk

Wide sandy beaches, salt marshes and seal trips

NorwichNorfolk

A medieval city of cobbled lanes, a castle and a cathedral

CambridgeCambridgeshire

Historic colleges, riverside lawns and punting on the Cam

LincolnLincolnshire

A hilltop cathedral city with a medieval castle

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from London · Best weekend breaks from Birmingham and the Midlands · Best coastal weekend breaks in the UK · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.