Autumn in North Norfolk: the 10 best things to do

Enjoy cool, crisp coastal walks on empty beaches

The crowds have gone and it’s time for you to enjoy the vast Norfolk beaches, which you’ll have almost to yourself! Pinewoods Holiday Park is perfectly situated for walks on Wells Beach and Holkham Beach, two Norfolk favourites, with their expansive sands and stunning views.

Warm up with a coffee, tea or hot choc and a sausage (or vegan) roll from Wells Beach Café or The Lookout. It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours this autumn!

Other popular beaches for autumn walks include Brancaster, Burnham Overy Staithe and Cromer.

The waymarked Norfolk coast path runs past us at Pinewoods and is a great way to enjoy a stroll — no map required! Why not walk one direction and take the bus back to your starting point?

Take in the views on a countryside stroll

If the sea breeze gets too much, head inland and enjoy an autumn stroll in parkland or countryside.

Country estates like Holkham, Blickling and Felbrigg offer a number of waymarked walking routes to enjoy within their parkland, or you can explore the marshes at Cley and Blakeney. Sheringham Park is another beautiful spot for walking, and their treetop height tower offers 360° views of the countryside and coast! Where better to see the changing autumn colours?

Alternatively, head off on a longer circular walk to a different village or town, perhaps with a pub pit stop en route! From Pinewoods in Wells, Wighton, Stiffkey and Walsingham are popular places to walk to.

Watch the leaves turning brown and beginning to fall, feel a cool breeze on your face, take in the views and – leading onto our next point – observe the local wildlife.

Observe the wildlife

Yes, while out and about in the countryside or on the coast, autumn is a great time of year for wildlife in North Norfolk, particularly birdlife!

Each September and October, migrating birds start to arrive from Europe or further afield. The Holkham National Nature Reserve, Cley and Salthouse Marshes and RSPB Titchwell are all popular spots for those wanting to watch geese, wading birds and more.

From our holiday park in Wells-next-the-Sea, which overlooks the beautiful Holkham National Nature Reserve, we can see and hear the tens of thousands of Pink Footed Geese which flock here from Iceland and Greenland to feed on the unwanted remains of the sugar beet harvest.

Keep an eye on the Holkham Conservation Team’s Instagram account if you’re interested in what’s here in North Norfolk this season.

Watch the sunset and stargaze

Shorter days mean earlier sunsets — and they can be truly spectacular in North Norfolk in the autumn! We’re known round here for our ‘big skies’ thanks to the relatively flat landscapes, and when that big expanse of blue turns orange, red, golden, pink and purple, it’s always mesmerising!

Following the sunset, the dark skies appear. North Norfolk has some of the darkest skies in the UK, thanks to low levels of light pollution, meaning clear nights offer the opportunity to see impressive displays of the stars and constellations in the Milky Way. There have been several sightings of the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) too!

Go seal spotting

Seal spotting is a popular Norfolk holiday pastime, and late October sees the start of the grey seal colony’s pupping season at Blakeney Point!

Enjoy a boat trip out from Morston – just a short drive or bus ride on the coast road – and observe the seals basking on the beach or popping their heads out of the water.

Just remember to wear warm clothes as it can be rather blustery out there at this time of year!

Find out more about seal spotting at Blakeney Point and elsewhere in Norfolk here.

Take to two wheels

With quieter paths and roads, autumn is a super time to jump onto a bike and get exploring North Norfolk.

Whether bringing your own or hiring bicycles or e-bikes locally, there are plenty of paths and popular routes to enjoy in North Norfolk. Pair your bike ride with any one of the other top things to do on this list and you’re sure to have a fantastic day out.

If you’re not a fan of cycling on roads, choosing a country estate like Holkham or Blickling will mean you run into fewer cars.

Tuck into delicious food in cosy pubs and restaurants

One of the best things to do in North Norfolk is eat, whatever the season! That’s because there are so many fabulous restaurants, pubs and cafés serving up scrumptious, seasonal dishes, making the most of the abundance of local ingredients available.

The Victoria at Holkham is a firm favourite — with its ever-changing menu and lovely log fire, it’s a top choice for a lunch or dinner (and ties in perfectly with a visit to Holkham Hall or a wander on the National Nature Reserve and Holkham Beach).

Take a look at our team’s other favourite places to eat in and near Wells-next-the-Sea here.

Mooch around beautiful villages and market towns

You might not want to be outdoors all day in the autumn months, so head to one or several of Norfolk’s picturesque villages or market towns.

In Wells-next-the-Sea, Burnham Market, Holt and Aylsham, you’ll find plenty of independent shops, galleries and delis to browse. Whether you’re into clothing, homeware, souvenirs or taking local produce home, there’s something for everyone.

And of course, you’ll find cafés and coffee shops along the way to fuel the fun.

On certain days, farmers markets and craft stalls pop up too, with curated collections of talented makers and producers from across the county.

• Holt Market takes place on the first Sunday of each month between April and December
• Creake Abbey Farmers Market is on the first Saturday of each month (except January)
• Holkham are holding a Garden and Outdoor Living Fair on 27th September

Brave an autumn dip!

Enjoy the mental and physical benefits of a quick splash in the sea, if you’re feeling brave enough! It won’t be tropical, that’s for sure, but a short dip can be wonderful. Many locals do this throughout the autumn and winter months, but see how you feel!

Make sure to pack plenty of warm clothes and perhaps a flask of tea or coffee to help you get toasty again as soon as possible. Check tide times, go with someone, and be safe!