The North Norfolk coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, which are lovely to visit whatever season it is you come and stay.

Whilst you are with us at Mount Amelia you will have unparralled views across The Wash from the house, but if you are feeling a bit more adventurous here is our guide to the best beaches nearby. NB it’s worth checking the tide timetable if you are keen to swim!

Old Hunstanton, a short 10-minute drive away, is great for families and dogs. Our children particularly enjoy clambering up the sandstone rocks that tower over this beach. There is a lovely old lighthouse at one end and also some beautiful beach huts tucked away in the dunes. Further up heading into Hunstanton town itself is where the old Pier used to be and now has donkey and pony rides, a fun fair and all the trappings of a traditional old beachfront.

Further up from here is the stunning and secluded beach of Holme next the Sea. One of our absolute favourites, not least because this is where we got engaged many moons ago, but also because the dunes here are spectacular, as are the array of wildflowers, but also very often in the low season you might find yourselves the only people on it. Popular with horse riders and dogs that need a really good run its worth noting further up the beach is the RSPB at Holme - a birdwatchers paradise.

Brancaster, a 15-minute drive from Mount Amelia, is a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Another family favourite, Brancaster is not only breaktakingly beautiful as the beach seems to stretch on forever, it’s very handy for picnics and beach games as the car park is close by! There is also a little beach shop where you can purchase all important ice creams and inflatable toys.

A few miles further up from here is the spectacular Holkham Bay, a 20-minute drive from the house, which has to be one of Norfolk’s finest beaches. It’s literally vast and really is the perfect place to walk for miles – ideal after you have had a long lunch at The Victoria pub next door, or if you need to blow away some cobwebs.

Wells beach is a 25-minute drive from Mount Amelia, but well worth the extra miles. You approach from the car park through a pine forest, and then depending on which route you choose to go down to the beach you will be greeted with a line of beautifully painted beach huts and a vista that stretches on and on – great for families with small children as there are often small rivulets and streams up and down the beach – ideal for splashing in if small legs can’t make it all the way to the sea (especially at low tide!)

There are many more great beaches to visit further along the coast to explore, including Blakeney, Cley and of course, Cromer – these are a bit more of a drive but always well worth it.

Please always take care to note the tide, it can come in very fast and often takes people unawares.