Sheringham: A Norfolk Local's Guide

Sheringham's name reflects over 1,000 years of Viking heritage and means "The Ham of Scira's people." This lovely coastal North Norfolk town has grown from ancient Nordic roots to become one of Norfolk's most traditional Victorian seaside towns.

I think Sheringham gets nowhere near enough recognition that it deserves.

The award-winning Blue Flag beach stretches for miles when the tide is low and reveals rock pools around the boulders, and chalk beds renowned for the home of the sweet and juicy Cromer Crabs! The world's longest chalk reef lies just offshore and stretches more than twenty miles.

With lots of local independent shops, a heritage steam railway, and an active fleet of crab and lobster boats, this is a town that has a unique coastal personality.

This is my guide to Sheringham; the best spots for family adventures and hidden local treasures that make Sheringham a must-visit holiday destination for your upcoming travels.

Year-Round Activities in Sheringham

Sheringham comes alive with activity all year round and offers a perfect mix of seaside pleasures, festivities and outdoor adventures.

Sheringham beach is a hub of excitement in summer for everyone, both young and old.  Beach Life events run several days of free activities during the school holidays. 

And the unique combination of sand, shingle and cobbles makes Sheringham beach perfect for any relaxation.

Sheringham is also part of the Deep History Coast which holds significant prehistoric importance due to the discovery of mammoth remains along the cliffs at West Runton.

If you enjoy being outside and in amongst nature, then you’ll find nearly 1,000 acres of fantastically peaceful woodland and cliff tops at the National Trust’s Sheringham Park.

All year round this is a lovely place to visit, but there is another very special time to visit this park and that is in April/May time when the rhododendrons and azaleas are at their peak.

The town's calendar features some really exciting events not to be missed!

• The Viking Festival celebrates ancient traditions with battle re-enactments and a Viking village
• The Potty Festival in July brings Morris dancing and folk music
• Weekly markets happen on Wednesdays from April to November and Saturdays year-round
• A very special 1940s weekend
• The Cromer & Sheringham Crab & Lobster Festival.

Family Adventures and Entertainment

When you’re looking for entertainment in Sheringham you’ll find you have plenty of choices, from theatrical performances to beachside adventures.

Sheringham Little Theatre experiences

The Little Theatre serves as the life-blood of family entertainment with year-round shows and youth programmes. Run by The Little Theatre Society charity, it gives young performers between 6 and 17 a chance to join drama groups that meet weekly, with sessions costing £5.

The theatre's calendar has Easter youth musicals, summer theatre productions, and traditional winter pantomimes. Children can boost their confidence and develop acting skills through workshops filled with games and improvisation.

The theatre also has a cafe called The Hub which is a place to catch up with friends over a coffee and cake.

Kid-friendly beaches and activities

Sheringham becomes a family playground when the tide is low, and fascinating rock pools appear among the boulders at its award-winning Blue Flag beach.

The hard sand makes it perfect for building sandcastles - this is much more than just another seaside destination! You know you'll be safe with lifeguard patrols watching over the beach during the summer season.

If you have a model boat, what better way than to nip up the hill to the boating pond and while away a few hours “messing about on the water”. 

Rainy day entertainment options in Sheringham

Bad weather won’t stop your family fun in Sheringham.

The town's amusement arcades of "Carousel's" and "Grays" will keep everyone entertained. 

And Sheringham’s North Norfolk Railway, also known as the Poppy Line, will literally transport you back in time as the steam locomotives take you on a journey from the middle of the town and through the countryside to the Georgian town of Holt. 

Outdoor Pursuits and Sports

If you're an outdoor sports enthusiasts, then Sheringham's stunning Norfolk coastline provides the perfect setting for you!

Golfing at Sheringham Golf Club

Sheringham Golf Club, 132 years old, stands as proof of classic links golf design. Legendary designer Tom Dunn built this course which ranks 75th in the 2022 National Club Golfer Top 100 Courses in England.

This challenging 18-hole championship course features undulating fairways and strategic bunkers with spectacular North Sea views, along with gorse which occasionally gets in the way of the ball!

You’ll find excellent facilities in the clubhouse, including a well-stocked pro shop and professional coaching services if you feel you need to tweak to your swing! It’s a great course to play on but definitely very tricky if the wind is up!  Give it a go, you won't be disappointed!

If you're a group of friends coming to play here, you may like to look at this article which will give you a fantastic idea for accommodation in Sheringham.

Water sports and beach activities

If you're into paddleboarding on the sea, then The SUP Shack will take care of you.  Instructor sessions cost approx £35 per hour and rent of paddleboards is at £15 for one hour or £20 for two hours. You can paddle on your knees or stand up if it’s not too choppy to explore the coastline and see the reef through the clear waters. In the summer months the shack opens daily from 10am to 4pm.

Cycling and hiking routes

Norfolk has a great network of cycling paths that suit riders of all skill levels, and the area around Sheringham is perfect for this.

You can enjoy the popular route through Sheringham Park that passes the Poppy Line's steam train stations and Kelling Heath before reaching Weybourne Beach. If you’re a mountain biker, you can find challenging trails in the woods, while peaceful country lanes await the more casual rider.

These routes offer something for everyone.  Here are a couple of suggestions:

• A family-friendly 10-mile trip through Sheringham Park to Baconsthorpe Castle
• A coastal explorer route through Weybourne and Salthouse with local eatery stops

These trails take you through ancient oak woodland and sweeping parkland. 

And as for walking, well you have the Norfolk Coast Path!  What better way to experience the coast than on a stunning National Trail.

Accommodation

Sheringham has diverse accommodation choices that will suit every taste and budget.  

You'll find everything from Victorian terraced B&Bs or fisherman’s cottages to properties along the seafront that sit less than 100 metres from the water. Smugglers B&B is one such accommodation that stands out because of its proximity to the beach.

Glaven Valley Holiday Cottages also have a whole array of holiday cottages to choose from in and around Sheringham

If you’re looking for a camping site near Holt, check out mYminiBreak at Holt Hollow 

You can take a look at some more suggestions here.

Transport connections and local travel

Getting around Sheringham is easy thanks to the public transport network.

• From Sheringham station (not to be confused with the North Norfolk Railway), The Bittern Line connects you to Norwich, 
• the Sanders Coasthopper bus service (CH1) takes you to coastal villages between Cromer and Wells-next-the-Sea, while the CH2 runs to North Walsham so there’s lots of choice.

Sheringham: A Year-Round Destination on Norfolk's Coast

Sheringham excels as a coastal destination that perfectly combines its Viking heritage with modern attractions.

I think there’s something special about this Norfolk town in every season - from summer beach activities to winter walks along dramatic clifftops, with shows at the Little Theatre and adventures through rock pools at low tide. A championship golf course challenges golfers, while the chalk reefs tempt paddleboarders.

Sheringham definitely deserves a visit. Its an ideal spot for both short breaks and extended stays.

Browse our website for more articles about Norfolk's hidden gems and find your perfect Sheringham accommodation here on Explore Norfolk UK