Visiting Bumblebarn and want a day out, on the doorstep, that’s budget friendly? Such a thing does exist! I’ve outlined my favourite little route here for you to follow, or pick things from as you wish.
This route includes free parking, three optional toilet stops, plenty of café/coffee options OR works equally well for picnics, and you only need a pocket full of coins.
A favourite day out for myself and my kids, this route starts at The Leas, Sheringham, where you’ll find free parking and toilets.
Why not start off by walking west along the coast path? It’s a short stroll up Skelding hill where you can see the old coastguard lookout where Sheringham Coastwatch operates. At 170ft above sea level you should be able to see for miles (if it’s a clear day!) Check out the golf course behind you (legend has it Hugh Grant comes by helicopter to play at Sheringham, can you spot a celeb?).
Unless you want to walk all the way to Weybourne, turn back and head east. First you’ll come to the Victorian model boating lake, then you can stroll through the gardens, over the little bridge and through the flowers to peer in the fish pond. Head down under the archway, (past the loos), stop to admire the sea and then take a left, heading west again along the promenade.
At the end of the prom you’ll find Sheringham Lifeboat Station, a working station with an Atlantic 85 RIB which is always ready to go if there’s an emergency. You can go in and see the lifeboat and tractor, as well as read about the RNLI and chat to the lovely volunteers there about it. There is a small gift shop and donations can be made to the RNLI. The Station is open 10 – 4 daily.
When you’re done there, head east again back along the prom. Feel free to stop off on the beach (We recommend Sheringham East Beach as it is manned by lifeguards between 10am and 6pm from 1st July to 3rd September).
If the tide is in you’ll only see the pebble bank, but when it’s out there will be smooth flat sand. If you’re keen on coastal geography, the groynes and sea defences are interesting to look out for! Along the prom you’ll find cafes and eateries, useful if you haven’t packed a picnic or just fancy a coffee or an ice cream.
As you near where the town high street meets the prom you’ll spot an array of fishing boats and walk over a bridge above where they are kept. Behind here is the Fisherman’s Lifeboat Museum, a small museum telling the story of the lifeboats of Sheringham through the ages. Next door is the Peter Coke Shell Museum which houses a stunning range of shell sculptures, as well as the story of Peter Coke, their creator. Both of these museums ask for a donation to enter and are open 11 – 3 daily (where possible, as they are staffed by volunteers). Neither take a long time to get around, but they’re definitely worth a visit.
Next up you’ll find the prom splits, with a path going up to town and one going down and continuing along the prom. On the big wall here you’ll find a huge and wonderful mural, painted by David Barber, of a Stone Age North Norfolk complete with Mammoths.
Around the next corner you’ll find the Mo, Sheringham Museum. This is a low cost museum (Adults £5, Children under 16 £2.50) and tells the story of the town and its people through beautiful displays packed with interesting things to see, hear and do. Don’t miss the chalk reef aquarium tank, and climbing to the top of the glass tower to see the view!
You can pass the Mo and continue along the prom, where you’ll find more public toilets (decorated as beach huts!) and “The Tank” which is decorated with more murals. There are lots of beach huts to look at (my kids like reading their names and picking their favourites!). The prom eventually drops away to the beach and if you keep going you’ll end up in West Runton (not a bad thing, but a fair walk!).
On the way back, why not pop up the prom where it joins the town and spend a few pennies in some of the amusement arcades? It’s a classic English seaside town activity and lots of fun for a few coins! Opposite the arcades there are more public toilets too, as well as plenty of options for ice cream, rock and candy floss.
If you want you can walk back through the town, following the road away from the sea and turning right after St Peters Church to head back to the Leas. This gives you the option to peruse the shops and visit the Steam Train station which is about a 5-10 minute walk from the prom.
Alternatively you can go the way you came by heading west along the prom and going back up the slope and under the archway to the Leas.
By now I expect you to be all tuckered out from the fresh sea air and ready to return to Bumblebarn for some chill time, but if not then just head back to the beach for sandcastle building, swimming, paddling, snorkelling, ball games, rockpooling and sunbathing! There’s always something to do!
Beckie x
