Ruth
27 April 2023
Nestled in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and boasting its own National Nature Reserve, Blakeney is a brilliant destination if you’re looking for a holiday surrounded by unspoilt landscapes and under giant skies.
We’ve picked five of our favourite things to do in Blakeney to whet your appetite for a stay in this beloved coastal village.
From days out on the water coming face to face with nature, to dining on Michelin-star meals, there’s so much to enjoy on a holiday to Blakeney.
Blakeney boat trips
We couldn’t begin our guide of the best things to do in Blakeney any other way than with the animals that this village is famous for: the Blakeney seals.
Blakeney Point is home to the largest grey seal colony in the UK, making Blakeney one of the best places to see seals in the UK. These seals draw people in from all over the country, but it’s important to see them in a responsible way, so as not to disturb their habitats and breeding.
One of the best ways to see seals in Blakeney is on a boat trip from Morston Quay. These boats take you close enough to see these beautiful creatures up close, but stay at a safe enough distance to ensure that they are undisturbed.
Three great boat trips in Blakeney
- Beans Seal Trips – see the seals before landing on Blakeney Point, home to many migratory birds
- Bishops Boats Seal Trips – this boat stays around Blakeney Point and the water leading up to it, allowing you to see the seals and terns
- Temple Seal Trips – another boat trip allowing you to see the seals, before taking you for a walk around Blakeney Point
Blakeney pubs
There’s nothing quite like retreating to a cosy pub after a long coastal walk.
Luckily, Blakeney is blessed with both some brilliant pubs and some invigorating walking routes (we’ll explore those further in a minute).
We’ve rounded up three of our favourite Blakeney pubs where you can sip some Norfolk ale – Woodforde’s, Norfolk Brewhouse and Brancaster Brewery are all great names to look out for – and take a load off after exploring the Blakeney coast.
Three great pubs in Blakeney
- The King’s Arms – serving Woodforde’s real ales, this traditional pub also has a beer garden with swings for the kids
- The White Horse – set just off the quay, this pretty gastropub offers a range of Adnams ales from across the border in Suffolk
- Blakeney House – the bar at this grand Victorian house serves Moongazer ales from Hindringham and has a large cocktail menu too
Blakeney food and drink
Situated between the salty sea of the Norfolk coast and the lush green fields of the countryside, Blakeney is surrounded by some of the county’s best environments for producing some delicious food.
Whether you want to sample the fruits of the sea or the soil, Blakeney has plenty of places to eat within the village and nearby, with mouthwatering menus packed with local produce.
From delicious delis to upmarket Michelin Star restaurants, where will you visit first?
Three great places to eat in Blakeney
- Wiveton Hall Café – set on the edge of the marshes looking out towards the sea, the popular café at the 17th-century hall showcases Norfolk bread, cheese, meat and seafood
- Morston Hall – 2 miles from Blakeney, this Michelin-star restaurant is one of the best in Norfolk and specialises in seasonal produce from the Norfolk coastline
Blakeney walks
With the entire National Trust-owned Blakeney National Nature Reserve on the doorstep, Blakeney is a great base if you dream of a holiday filled with breathtaking coastal walks.
As well as this, the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path run right through Blakeney, offering long-distance walks spanning the entire coastline.
We’ve chosen three of our favourites, taking in an abundance of wildlife, coastal landscapes and epic views.
Three great walks in Blakeney
- Blakeney Point coastal walk (7 miles) – this walk takes you along shingle and sand dunes to Blakeney Point, rich in wildlife and coastal views
- Blakeney Freshes wildlife walk (3 miles) – explore the 160 hectares of freshwater marsh, home to breeding birds, on this gentle circular walk
- Blakeney to Stiffkey (4 miles) – wander along the coast path, alongside saltmarshes and under a giant sky to the village of Stiffkey (pronounced Stewky)
Blakeney days out
Credit: David Williams
North Norfolk offers a whole host of great days out for all ages, whether you’re looking to explore historic sites, have fun with the kids or visit or keep everyone entertained on a rainy day.
Blakeney is well-placed to visit so many of North Norfolk’s top attractions, so it’s easy to fill a whole holiday!
To help narrow it down, we’ve picked three great days out close to Blakeney; come rain or shine, there’s something fun to explore on your holiday.
Three great days out near Blakeney
- Wiveton Hall – before visiting the aforementioned café, why not take a tour around the garden of this 17th-century hall, led by the charismatic Desmond?
- Muckleburgh Military Collection – on the site of a former Royal Artillery Anti-Aircraft training camp, this seasonal museum boasts a large range of tanks and is a great day out for all ages.
- The Shell Museum – one of the most unique days out in Norfolk, this is the oldest purpose-built museum in Norfolk and showcases shells, fossils, pottery and more
Stay with us in Blakeney
With so much to see and do on your doorstep, Blakeney is a brilliant base for a holiday surrounded by nature on the North Norfolk coast.
We have a wide range of cottages to choose from, from cosy coastal cottages near the sea to large countryside homes offering rest and relaxation. Click the button below to find your perfect holiday in Blakeney.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.