Best things to do in Norfolk
Winterton-on-Sea sits in one of the quietest, most unspoilt corners of the Norfolk coast. After years of welcoming guests, these are the places I genuinely recommend.
10 min
walk to the beach
1,000+
grey seals in winter
5
walking routes from the door
15 min
to the Broads
One of the best things about staying at Mill Farm is where we are. Winterton-on-Sea sits in one of the quietest, most unspoilt corners of the Norfolk coast — close enough to the Norfolk Coast and Norfolk Broads and everything worth doing, far enough from the crowds to feel like a proper escape.
After years of welcoming guests, these are the places I genuinely recommend.
A note on this part of Norfolk
Spring
East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens in full colour, How Hill’s azaleas, Broads boat trips begin, seal pups still at Horsey into early spring.
Summer
Long beach days, Bewilderwood for families, calm Broads cruising, Sea Palling for paddling and kayaking.
Autumn
How Hill at its best, quieter beaches, migrating birds, peaceful walking weather.
Winter
Seals right on Winterton beach, empty dunes, big skies, log fires and proper coastal quiet.
Winterton beach & dunes — right on your doorstep
Winterton beach is a 10-minute walk from Mill Farm. Wide, sandy and rarely busy even in summer, it’s backed by rolling dunes that are spectacular — great for dogs, children and anyone who needs to breathe.
Walk north toward Horsey and you’ll often have the beach to yourself. In winter, you may even spot seals right on the shoreline.
Sea Palling — calm seas & family-friendly swimming
Just 15 minutes from Mill Farm, Sea Palling offers calmer, sheltered water thanks to the offshore reefs — ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, younger children, and gentler swimming.
A lovely contrast to Winterton’s wild dunes and big skies.
Sea Palling beach sauna
You’ll find the bright pink sauna just over the main ramp onto the beach at Sea Palling — turn left and it’s right there on the sand.
- Car park — Clink Road, Sea Palling, NR12 0AL
- Standard sessions — Saturday & Sunday
- Community hours — 9am–12pm
- Private sessions — 12pm–4pm
- Booking — seapallingbeachsauna.co.uk
A brilliant way to warm up after a swim or paddle, especially outside summer.
Grey seals at Horsey & Winterton
The grey seal colony at Horsey Gap is one of England’s largest. Between November and January, over a thousand seals haul out on the beach to pup — an unforgettable sight.
From October to January, seals often move closer to Winterton itself. Guests have spotted them right on our local beach.
The Norfolk Broads
Martham Ferry Boat Hire
Electric boats for 2–12 people, with loos, kettles and heating. Great for families and groups. Stop for lunch at the Lion at Thurne or take a hamper from Little Dots Holiday Treats.
Ross’s Wildlife Tours
Early morning and evening wildlife trips. Sailing 9.45am to 3.15pm, seven days until October. Pre-book by text only: 07791 526440 before 9.30am on the day.
Electric Eel at How Hill
A peaceful 50-minute electric boat trip to Reedham Water — home to mallards, coots, moorhens, swans, herons and marsh harriers.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Hickling Broad
Two-hour guided water trails to remote hides only accessible by boat, plus a 60-foot tree tower.
How Hill
Beautiful gardens, big Broads views and peaceful walks — especially in spring when the azaleas are out.
Alpaca walking at Edfords Farm
Feed and walk alpacas around a beautiful organic farm. I went myself and chose De Niro as my walking buddy. He was extremely cool. You’ll also meet rare breed sheep, piglets and goats.
Five walking routes from the door
Our free walking guide has five routes of varying lengths, all starting from Mill Farm. Guest favourite: Winterton to Horsey along the dunes, stopping at The Nelson Head for lunch or a pint. Ask for the guide on arrival or before your stay.
Days out with the family
Travelling as a family or a group? Our Threshing Barn sleeps eight and is a short drive from all of these.
Bewilderwood
A magical treetop adventure park — zip lines, jungle bridges, treehouses and storytelling. Brilliant for families in spring and summer.
Thrigby Wildlife Gardens
A lovely, slightly old-school wildlife park with tigers, red pandas, crocodiles and a treetop walkway. Smaller and quieter than the big zoos.
East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens
A must for garden lovers. Award-winning and endlessly surprising. My mum always says there’s something new to discover every visit — I love it so much I have a season ticket.
Marina Centre Aqua Play
Indoor swimming with slides and water features in Great Yarmouth — great when the weather turns. A firm favourite with our guests.
Jump Warehouse
Beautiful gardens, big Broads views and peaceful walks — especially in spring when the azaleas are out.
Sea Life & the Hippodrome Circus
Penguins, sharks and an ocean tunnel — then one of the oldest purpose-built circuses in the world, with an incredible water finale.
Where to eat near Winterton-on-Sea
The Ingham Swan
Seasonal, local, special. Some guests have been back three times in one stay. Perfect for a treat or celebration. Book ahead.
The Fisherman’s Return, Winterton
Benefit from our team’s extensive knowledge and receive tailored advice to meet your unique challenges.
The Lion at Thurne
Ideal if you’re out on the Broads for the day.
The Kings Arms, Fleggburgh
Beautifully presented seasonal dishes, great for a relaxed but special evening.
Accessibility in the local area
Winterton’s dunes and soft sand can be challenging, but there are several fully accessible options nearby. You can also read about our accessible holiday cottages in Norfolk.
Seafronts
- Beach wheelchairs available free to book at Gorleston and Great Yarmouth
- Dogs not permitted on Gorleston beach
- Dogs allowed on parts of Great Yarmouth beach
Nature
- How Hill — good paths and wheelchair-friendly areas
- Strumpshaw Fen — accessible trails and hides
Boating
- Nancy Oldfield Trust — specialises in helping wheelchair users get out on the water
Dining
- The Fisherman’s Return — fully accessible dining room and bar
If you’re travelling with a wheelchair user or have specific needs, just ask — I’m always happy to advise.
A note on this part of Norfolk
No arcades, no crowds, no noise. Just coast, wildlife, good food and enormous skies.
Guests who come here tend to slow down — sometimes without meaning to. By day two the pace changes. That’s what we love about it.
Stay with us
Make a week of it
Three self-catering barns in Winterton-on-Sea, a short walk from the beach. Dog-friendly, EV charging and wheelchair accessible.