Are you thinking about visiting Blakeney for your next staycation? If you’re on the fence, it’s definitely worth a visit. Being a National Area of Outstanding Beauty, it’s a stunning place to stay with plenty of local things to see and do during your trip. Not only is the village quaint and picturesque, but it’s also the perfect location for exploring the North Norfolk coast. For dog owners it’s a pooches paradise, as there are many walks in the area to discover – it’s a good thing that we’re a dog-friendly Norfolk hotel!

Keep reading for our Norfolk hotel’s guide of 10 things to do in Blakeney. 

 

  • Visit Blakeney Point 

Blakeney Point is a three-mile stretch of shingle and is one of Norfolk’s iconic landmarks. Here you’ll find many species of nesting birds, wildlife and even seals if you’re lucky! You can access the Point by foot via Cley Beach Car Park, which is a 7-minute drive from the hotel. Alternatively, you can catch a boat from Morton Quay which is 10 minutes away by car. Once you get to The Point, keep your eyes peeled for the blue lifeboat house for a good photo opportunity! 

 

Seal head in water

 

  • Take a boat trip to see the seals 

As we’ve mentioned previously, Blakeney Point is a well-known colony for Common and Grey Seals. In recent year’s it’s actually been the biggest colony in England! There are many companies who organise daily boat trips out to see them in their natural environment. The best time of year to see the Common Seals and their pups is throughout summer, as they have their young between June and August. The Grey Seals can be seen from November-January, however, these months will be much colder, especially on a boat. 

Beans Boats is the best way to get up close with the Blakeney Seals. The boat will travel up through the Morston Marshes to arrive at Blakeney Point, circling around a few times so you get the best view of the seals. Each trip costs £20 for adults, is dog friendly and lasts an hour. 

Plan your trip over on Beans Boats website.

 

  • Explore the Sandringham Estate 

For an extra touch of class during your visit to Blakeney, you can go visit the Sandringham Estate – home to the Royal Family. The house is open to the public between April – October, and features nine ground-floor rooms including the Dining Room and the Ballroom. The estate also boasts 60-acre gardens that have been developed in turn by each monarch since 1863. 

To discover more about ticket prices and to book your visit, please visit the Sandringham Estate website.

 

  • Explore Blakeney village

We might be biased, but the village of Blakeney is one of the most quintessential coastal villages in the UK – making it a great place for an afternoon wander.  Traditionally, it was a medieval commercial port transporting spices and cloth. Today, it’s a popular tourist spot thanks to the pretty flint cottages and spectacular views of the coast. Our Blakeney hotel is located on the edge of the village, meaning it’s a prime location for exploring all that it has to offer. 

 

Old fashioned on bar

  • Enjoy a drink at our Hotel bar

There’s nothing better than a refreshing drink after a long day of exploring Blakeney. Our hotel has it’s own bar and restaurant on site, with an abundance of cold and hot drinks on offer. Kick back and relax indoors in our newly refurbished bar area, or choose to sit outside in our courtyard and enjoy the fresh air.

Discover more about food and drink at Blakeney Manor by visiting our page.

 

  • Discover the Blakeney National Nature Reserve

The Blakeney National Nature Reserve truly is the heart of Blakeney. It boasts wide open spaces and stunning views of the North Norfolk coastline. Along with the Blakeney Point, there’s also approximately 160 hectares of freshwater grazing marsh to view, that’s an important area for breeding birds. When exploring, take care to respect signs and fenced off areas so you don’t disturb any of the nests. 

To learn more, visit the Blakeney National Trust Website.

 

  • Enjoy an afternoon tea at our Hotel

Nothing quite says you’re on holiday like a bit of indulgence, and afternoon tea is the perfect British treat. Here at Blakeney Manor Hotel, we offer a delicious afternoon tea featuring finger sandwiches, a selection of cakes and scones. We also have the option to upgrade to a prosecco or champagne package too for a touch of extra sparkle. 

Our afternoon teas start at £20 per person. You can view our menu and book your spot over on our Afternoon Tea webpage.  

 

  • Take a trip to Holt Country Park 

If you are visiting with a car, then a trip to Holt Country Park is a must – especially if you have a dog. The park contains 100 acres of woodland to explore along with an array of beautiful wildflowers and butterflies in summer. So why not pack yourself a picnic and get lost in the woods?

Car parking costs £2.50 for the full day. Discover more about Holt Country Park over on their website. 

 

  • Hike around the Blakeney Point Coastal Walk

For those of you who love walking, then the Blakeney Point Coastal Walk would be just your cup of tea! The walk itself is around four miles long, so is ideal for beginners as well as more advanced walkers. The walk will take you to the sand dunes near the Lifeboat House, which is home to a variety of unusual plants and wildlife. It’s worth mentioning that the walk isn’t suitable for dogs, and while it can be accessed at all states of the tide, it’s easier to walk at low tide. 

For the full route including start and end points, please visit the National Trust Website. 

 

Red steam train

  • Visit the North Norfolk Railway

The North Norfolk Railway is a traditional heritage steam railway line that runs between the towns of Sheringham and Holt. It offers a different way to view the Norfolk countryside, as well as being a breathtaking experience for all ages. You can either book a normal ticket to ride on the steam train or choose to book one of their events. Some of these include things like a gin-tasting experience or even a murder mystery night on the train. 

 

To plan your trip, check out the North Norfolk Railways website.

Blakeney is a beautiful area to visit at any time of the year, but if you’re looking to explore some of the local beauty spots then we’d recommend coming in Spring/Summer as the weather will be much warmer. 

Our hotel is located in the perfect location for discovering our little village of Blakeney. All of the staff here at the hotel have an excellent knowledge of the local area, so are always on hand to help with any further questions you might have throughout your stay.

Tempted to book your stay with us after reading our blog? You can browse our offers or check availability and book on our webpage.