Old Hunstanton Beach

Best kite surfing beach in the UK

There’s a difference between Old Hunstanton beach which I describe on this page, and Hunstanton beach described over on this page. 

The two are complete opposites.

• Old Hunstanton beach, which you're going to be reading about here, is a sprawling vista of sky and sand as far as the eye can see,
• Hunstanton is a promenade beach with attractions all around and never a dull moment, so two beaches which have something for everyone.

Old Hunstanton beach is one of my favourite Norfolk beaches.  Masses of parking available (machine operated pay system), and empty swathes of sand if you want to get away from it all.  If you only want to walk a tiny little way but also have space around you, then this is perfect for you too.

Family Friendly Beach

You can have it like this photo below (and this was a Sunday afternoon on a bank holiday weekend!)

Or.......

like this  (and this was the same day).  And yes, they are the same Norfolk beach!   It's one of those beaches that never gets too crowded as there's always space to move away should you wish.

Another great family friendly beach is Wells beach, further east along the North Norfolk coast.  

Old Hunstanton beach is literally just up the road from (new) Hunstanton beach, so not very far away at all.  A short drive is all it takes to reach the car park.  

However, when the tide is out you can walk all the way around the fascinating and famous cliffs which mark out Hunstanton from any other beaches in Norfolk, and in the UK.  You’ll see why when you visit, but the cliff is divided very strongly into its 3 layers, red chalk, white chalk and carrstone.  You’ll see many of the houses around this area built of carrstone – in fact the Golden Lion Hotel in the town is a perfect example of a carrstone building.

Golden Lion Hotel, Hunstanton

Famous Hunstanton cliffs

Old Hunstanton beach is part of the Norfolk Coast Path.  You can either walk along the beach itself, or in amongst the dunes and beach huts overlooking the swathes of sand.  It's a fantastic walk along this stunning coast, I can show you more here on the Norfolk Coast Path blog, taking 8 days to walk from Hunstanton to Sea Hopton-on-Sea.  It was magical.

Walking past Old Hunstanton beach on the Norfolk Coast Path

ACCOMMODATION SUGGESTION

If you're looking for a dog friendly "inn with rooms" in Old Hunstanton then look no further than The Lodge.  This is a wonderfully relaxed  inn with renovated rooms, a spacious eating area in the main bar as well as outdoor seating.  

Dog friendly beach

This beach is another great dog friendly beach where you can give your dog a wonderful walk.  In fact it just gets to the stage where you feel you want to walk and walk and not turn around.  There's plenty of space for dogs on Old Hunstanton beach, and you'll definitely come across other dog owners!

Cafes and Delis in Hunstanton

Just along from Old Hunstanton beach, by the Lifeboat Station, is the Old Town Beach Cafe and in Hunstanton there is the Norfolk Deli Cafe

Kite surfing on Old Hunstanton beach

On a cold day when the weather isn’t so conducive to a spot of sunbathing, the kite surfers can be found flying across the waves, loving every minute of it (I presume!). 

Old Hustanton beach, along with Brancaster beach, are perfect, as the strong coastal winds provide the ideal conditions for this thrilling water sport.  

You can find out more about kite surfing and lessons, along with paddle boarding here at Brancaster Boards.

This is supposed to be the best beach in England for kite surfing.  

Le Strange Arms Hotel is also just a short walk away from the beach, this makes for a perfect location for this very popular sport, as well as wind surfing and paddleboarding.

Why pick Old Hunstanton Beach

Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape from the crowds or a fun-filled day at the beach with your dogs, Old Hunstanton beach is a fantastic choice of beach along the Norfolk coast.  With its natural beauty and the fact that it's dog friendly, this is one of Norfolk's seaside gems.