A seaside town that’s often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours has been named among the prettiest in the UK in a surprise recommendation by travel editors.

With Wells-next-the-Sea and its sought-after postcode and classic seaside charm on one side, and Snettisham with its wild beaches and RSPB land on the other, it’s rare to see this spot make any must-visit list. However, the town’s beautiful beaches and family-friendly vibe have been hailed as one of the best in the UK in recent rankings.

Hunstanton, nicknamed Sunny Hunny thanks to its west-facing location giving it more sunshine than other local towns, has made it onto Time Out’s list of the 21 prettiest seaside towns in the UK.  

Its position on Norfolk’s tidal location The Wash also means it’s the only spot in the east of England where you can see the sun rise and set, so you’ll often see people strolling along the promenade in the early hours to watch the sun come up. 

The long promenade takes you alongside Hunstanton’s impressive stretch of flat, sandy beach. Hunstanton’s beach is so wide that when it’s low tide, the sea can be up to 800 metres from the promenade. Head north to Old Hunstanton and the beach becomes quieter and more rugged, with the promenade going from flat terrain to following the famous striped cliffs. On this part of the beach you’ll see the wreck of a 1907 fishing boat, the Steam Trawler Sheraton, and will spot the charming Coastguard Lookout lighthouse. 

Close to the town centre is Hunstanton Pier, which has amusements, bowling, and fish and chip shops for a classic seaside day out. Along Cliff Parade you’ll also find the Hunstanton Heritage Gardens, a pretty green area with palm trees, fountains, and a gazebo. Visiting in spring means you can see the gardens in bloom, although year-round there are markets and outdoor events going on.

Kids, or the young at heart, will also love a visit to World of Fun, which claims to be Britain’s largest joke shop. It’s packed with prank items, as well as quirky souvenirs, fancy dress costumes, and beach items such as buckets and spades. The town has a high street area with lots of independent shops, including lots of unique places to pick up gifts to take home.

Families will also love the Hunstanton SEA LIFE Sanctuary. If you’ve not managed to spot a seal in the wild along the Norfolk coast, you can see one up close in their seal hospital where they rescue and rehabilitate these injured mammals. 

It wouldn’t be a day at the seaside without fish and chips on the beach, and one chippy in town has achieved national recognition. Fishers of Hunstanton often features in rankings of the UK’s best spots for seaside fish and chips. On rainy days, you can sit inside the restaurant, or you can order a takeaway and enjoy your chunky chips on the beach. 

Sunny days are perfect for exploring the Norfolk Coast Path. The path begins in Hunstanton and stretches along the coast all the way to Hopton-on-Sea, taking in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Most people don’t tackle the entire 83-mile stretch, so one shorter route to try is the circular walk from Old Hunstanton to Holme Dunes. Walking along the coast and River Hun, it’s a great combination of countryside and coast in a flat five mile route.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com