Blakeney Harbour

Blakeney Harbour

Perfectly situated between Sheringham and Wells-next-the-Sea, Blakeney Harbour is most famous for its seal watching trips and fishing heritage.  Originally a medieval commercial port, Blakeney Harbour was famous for transporting spices and Oriental cloth along its waterways – maybe even a smuggler or two!  These days it is a great spot for watching fishing boats come in and out of its quayside, and for walks along its salt marshes.

Blakeney is well known for its stunning natural beauty.  Many areas here have been protected as nature reserves by the National Trust since the 1920’s.  Every year the skies and landscapes are visited by migrating birds from all over the world when Blakeney’s large sandbanks are often dotted with bird watchers and nature lovers.  Many people come here trying to spot one of the 270 different bird species that land there annually.

Blakeney Point

Blakeney Point’s Coastal walk is 4 miles of shingle beach to the spit that leads you down to the sand dunes near Lifeboat House.  Peppered with unusual flora and fauna, this is a great way to spend a day and forget about the world.  Experts and amateurs alike enjoy spotting a wide range of plants, bugs, birds and creatures that call Blakeney home.  Seasonal dog restrictions are in place to protect wildlife during their various breeding seasons. If you take a dog onto the reserve you are advised to check with The National Trust before visiting to avoid disappointment.

The village is full of pretty flint and whitewashed houses, a beautifully restored village church and a collection of shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and inns to suit all tastes. Blakeney is perfect for a summer family holiday or a winter retreat and is an excellent showcase for North Norfolk rural living.

Seal Trips

If you wish to go on a Seal watching trip, head down to the Blakeney Harbour quayside.  On the quay, you can purchase tickets for one of the boat excursions to the colony.  The trips actually depart from Morston Quay, just a short drive or a pleasant walk away, as it is closer to the colony.

Blakeney Guildhall

For a dose of history, free entry to Blakeney Guildhall with its 15th Century undercroft.  The undercroft would have been the basement of a merchant house used to store cargo from the busy port.  Climb the hill which is adjacent to the Guildhall and you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Harbour.

After all that, if you need to quench your thirst Blakeney Harbour has that covered. The harbour and town have a number of local hotels and pubs that also offer great food.  Due to the proximity of nearby fishing, you will be hard pushed to find fresher and more delicious seafood anywhere.

If al fresco dining is more for your taste then Blakeney’s green, called The Pastures, is perfect for a summer’s day picnic or an evening of stargazing.  Whilst wandering, look out for the 3-ton marker stone which was placed by the villagers to mark the Millennium.  Once you have found the stone make sure you read the message on it.

Options

If you wish to explore a little further out, take a trip to Wiveton Hall which is midway between Blakeney and Cley Next the Sea.  You’ll need to book the tea room in peak season as it is very popular since Normal for Norfolk was filmed there.  You can refuel on freshly baked cakes or main meals before heading out to pick your own fruit from the fruit farm and look out over the coastline before heading back to Blakeney.

Further information

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