Sheringham in North Norfolk is the perfect blend of seaside charm, rich history and activities for all ages. Considering visiting? Here are a few Sheringham attractions you won’t want to miss…
Stroll along Sheringham beach and promenade
Sheringham’s two sandy beaches are both Blue Flag beaches. While they’re pebbly at the edge, wait until the tide is out and you’ll have vast expanses of golden sand to explore.
The shallow water makes these beaches perfect for family days out. There are plenty of facilities nearby too – toilets, cafes, restaurants and car parking. You’ll find lifeguards on patrol during the summer months. Walk along the promenade and you’ll enjoy great views and beach huts, some of which you can hire.
Ride The Poppy Line
The North Norfolk Railway – known as The Poppy Line because of the wild poppies that grow in the area – runs between Sheringham and Holt. Enjoy the 5.5-mile journey (approximately 25 minutes) by either steam or diesel train, passing some beautiful scenery along the way!
The route is almost entirely volunteer-staffed, and the railway offers both regular tickets for unlimited day travel, as well as special events throughout the year. Although we didn’t have the opportunity to use the railway this time, we parked next to Sheringham Station and enjoyed watching the trains arrive and depart.
Visit Sheringham’s museums
Sheringham Museum is the town’s main museum, telling the story of Sheringham and its people. As well as various boats (including four lifeboats!), its exhibits also include the first zeppelin bomb to fall on the UK, works by local artists, and more. Tickets cost £5.50 for adults, £2.50 for children under 16.
Slightly more tucked away are The Fishermen’s Lifeboat Museum and The Peter Shell Coke Gallery. You’ll find both in the same building, and entry is free (donations welcomed).
In the former, you’ll find Sheringham’s last private lifeboat – The Henry Ramey Upcher. Its home is the original boat shed where it resided, and the volunteers on-site will happily tell you the lifeboat’s story.
The Shell Gallery may only be a small building, but its contents are incredible. You’ll marvel at nearly 200 exhibits, which playwright and actor Peter Coke created himself using shells he collected from around the globe.
Visit the local parks and gardens
On our list to visit next time is Sheringham Park: a 1000-acre Humphry Repton-designed National Trust property with parkland, woodland, cliffs, a beach and more. It’s well-known for its collection of rhododendrons and azaleas – as well as its treetop-height gazebo, which you can climb for stunning views of the coast and countryside.
We were also keen to visit the Priory Maze & Gardens, but they weren’t yet open for the season when we were in the area. There are various garden areas to explore (and a play area for the kids) – plus a 7-foot high maze: can you find your way out?
This hedge maze is asymmetrical. Instead of trying to get to the middle, you’re trying to find your way to the other end! Apparently, though, there’s a viewing platform so you can try and plot your course out…
Indulge in some great food and drink
Sadly we didn’t make as much as we could of Sheringham’s food and drink offerings. A rather large hotel breakfast before we visited filled us up quite a lot!
If you’re after lunch options, though, the dirty fries from Fat Ted’s Streat Food looked incredible. Dave’s Fish Bar seems to be the place to go for fish and chips, and we tried incredible takeaway coffees from Grey Seal Coffee – fantastic local specialty coffee roasters.
Want a sweet treat? There are two great businesses owned by the same lady. You’ll find tempting cookies, brownies, blondies and more at the pink-fronted Winibees Bakery on the High Street, while just down the road, enjoy a build-your-own crumble pot from Crumble Crib (read our review here!)
If you’re visiting Sheringham by car, you’ll find plenty of places to park within walking distance of the town’s main sights. Travelling by train? You’ll get there directly from Norwich in just under an hour.
Sheringham is somewhere that would be great to visit all year round. In summer, there’s the beach and plenty of events. In spring, enjoy the displays of rhododendrons in bloom. In winter, enjoy the Christmas events on the North Norfolk Railway.
Whether you’re after outdoor fun, culture or pure relaxation, Sheringham delivers. Have you visited before? I’d love to see your top tips in the comments!