BEST Things to Do in Sheringham in Norfolk
Sheringham in Norfolk is a lovely place to spend a weekend. The combination of quaint old cottages, fishing boats in the harbour and of course a beach to wander along, make Sheringham a must visit destination on the North Norfolk coast.
I braved the eastern winds, that chilled my bones but invigorated my soul, and discovered that there are loads of things to do in Sheringham, Norfolk. Which is surprising for such a small seaside town.
The range of activities and entertainment available could easily fill a week and certainly makes for a fun packed weekend break. So join me and discover the very best things to do in Sheringham.
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Where is Sheringham?
Sheringham is an English coastal town, located in north Norfolk, East Anglia. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to enjoy the simplicity of slow travel moments.
How to get to Sheringham in Norfolk
Reaching Sheringham is part of the adventure. There is a modern trains station so it’s easy to get here by rail. The Bittern Line is your gateway, offering a scenic route from Norwich station through the heart of the Norfolk countryside. Check ticket prices on thetrainline.com.
There are more public transport options with the Coasthopper bus, which has routes along the coastline.
If you’re travelling by road, the A140 from Norwich will lead you to Sheringham.
Best things to do in Sheringham
I love a nostalgic trip to a seaside town and Sheringham really fits the bill for this. Even on a damp and windy early spring day its charm shone through. Here are my favourite things to do when you’re in Sheringham, Norfolk.
North Norfolk Railway and Poppy line steam trains
One of the very best and most unique things to do in Sheringham is to pay a visit to the North Norfolk Railway station. Located in the centre of Sheringham, across from the modern station, is the fantastic restored original railway station.
Drop by and immerse yourself in the 1950s period details, like old luggage, vintage signage and station buildings. It’s a delightful blast of the past.
It’s even possible to experience a ride on the wonderful Poppy line steam trains. The trains run up to Holt and back. You can get off, have a wander then return on another train to Sheringham. Tickets cost from £19.50 for an all-day pass.
Sheringham beach
A trip to the beach has to be top of your list of things to do in Sheringham. As a Blue Flag beach, the waters at Sheringham beach are commendably clean, offering a bracing swim for those bold enough to dip into the crisp North Sea.
However, Sheringham is a tidal beach which means that for part of the day the sea comes in and covers the beach but when the tide is out, the sandy and pebbly beach is huge.
Whilst you’re here, pause under the grand Victorian shelter at the beach’s western end and enjoy the view, not just of the sea but also of the colourful huts that adorn Sheringham beach.
For those typical English days when the sun plays hide and seek, a ‘sauna in a box’ on the beach front offers a warm refuge from the wind.
Sheringham Park
A little way out from the centre lies another of Sheringham’s attractions, the National Trust owned Sheringham Park. Located in Upper Sheringham, only five minutes away on the bus, or a 45-minute walk, this is an impressive space to stroll.
The parkland was landscaped by 18th Century English gardener Humphry Repton. There’s a café, a second-hand book shop and miles of trails to walk.
One of the best routes is the walk back to Sheringham, that takes you through fields to join the Norfolk Coast path at the beach. Don’t miss the expansive views from the ‘gazebo’ – Norfolk’s answer to the Eifel Tower.
Entrance to Sheringham Park is free but there’s a fee to use the car park of £6.50, unless you’re joining the Saturday Park Run, in which case parking is free.
For more gardens in East Anglia, visit Madingley Hall in Cambridge, where the gardens were designed by another prominent English gardener, Capability Brown.
Museums
For a small town Sheringham has a good number of museums. These make for a great family activity. Visit some or all of the following:
- Muckleburgh Military Collection, with a literal tank parekd on the lawn.
- Sheringham Museum at the Mo, to discover the town’s history, including being the unfortunate location where the first World War One Zepplin bomb hit Britain.
- Fishermen’s Lifeboat Museum, to see the Henry Ramey Upcher, Sheringham’s last private lifeboat built in 1894.
- Peter Coke Shell Gallery, fun for anyone who loves to collect shells.
Although not a museum, check out the murals painted on the beachside wall for more free information about life as a fisherman in past and present Sheringham.
Pro tip: many of the museums don’t open over the winter so check the opening times before you travel.
Shops in Sheringham
One of my favourite things to do in Sheringham is to spend time browsing the array of independent shops. The butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker are all represented here, plus plenty more.
It’s easy to spend a few hours browsing the nick nacks and gifts on the High Street and Station Road. The year-round Christmas room at Miss Madeline’s, next to The Courtyard, is a personal highlight. Don’t miss a wander up Church Street for more shops and arts and crafts.
As well as gift shops, Sheringham has its fair share of art galleries with paintings and sculptures by local artists.
You can also delight in the traditional seaside town entertainment of the amusement arcades with their 2p machines, and old fashioned sweet shops.
In addition to the independent shops in Sheringham, there’s also a Tesco next to the train station and a Sainsburys supermarket, should you need them.
Restaurants in Sheringham: where to eat
Sheringham has a good selection of restaurants and places to eat. Of course, you’d expect to find fish and chips in a seaside town and Sheringham doesn’t disappoint. There are several places to choose from, including Dave’s Fish Bar and Seafare.
For something more substantial, head to Chai-Yo, where I enjoyed the delicious Thai curry. You can also check out the Quarter Deck or the Lobster Shop for some good food.
In addition to fish bars and restaurants, there are plenty of pubs in Sheringham where you can grab a bite to eat.
Pro tip: during winter many restaurants in Sheringham close at 9pm. So head out early to eat if you’re visiting in the colder months.
Cafés in Sheringham
Take a break at one of Sheringham’s many independent cafés. There a loads to choose from. In particular, I enjoyed the pancakes at Camellia Cottage, which has a pretty courtyard seating area.
For breakfast, head to the Kitchen café where the lovely staff will serve you a hearty English breakfast or some toast and tea if you prefer. The bathroom here is beautifully looked after, always a good sign in my book, and the place is dog-friendly.
If you just want a hot drink, head to the Grey Seal Café. If you’re not sure how much to tip on your trip to Sheringham’s cafés, check out my tip calculator.
Of course, what would a trip to the seaside be without an ice cream? Well, you don’t need to worry in Sheringham as there are loads of outlets, including not just ice cream parlours but also gelato and coffee shops combined. Ellie’s ice cream offer interesting flavours, like honeycomb and almond. Delicious.
Other things to do in Sheringham
If you’re spending more than a day or two in Sheringham, there are more activities to do whilst you’re here:
- Find the Norfolk seals by taking the bus to Morston Quay and joining one of the seal watching boat trips.
- Play a round of golf at Sheringham golf course, right on the cliff edge.
- Enjoy the arts at Sheringham Little Theatre.
- If the sea is just too cold, head to the Reef Leisure Centre for a dip instead.
- Walk the Norfolk Coastal Path to nearby Cromer.
- Get lost in the Priory Maze.
Accommodation in Sheringham, Norfolk
Places to stay in Sheringham sell out very quickly and it’s a popular destination in the spring and summer, so book in advance to secure your first choice.
Luxury
Dales Country House Hotel
The four-star Dales Country House Hotel offers a luxury stay in green parkland. The Victorian grade II Listed building is traditional accommodation located a walk or short drive from Sheringham seafront.
Mid-range
Hooray Henrys
Stay at beautiful Hooray Henry’s for a relaxing break in Sheringham. Rated an impressive 9.1 out of 10 on booking.com this boutique B and B is conveniently located only a short walk from the beach.
Budget
YHA Sheringham
Hire a private room to have your own personal space at the YHA Sheringham. A great option if you’re watching the budget, bedding is impeccably clean and the self-catering facilities are great. Read my full review of my stay at Sheringham YHA for more information.
Wrap up: best things to do in Sheringham, Norfolk
As the sun sets on Sheringham, painting the sky in gold and pink, reflect on a day well-spent. And if you’re wondering where to venture next, the charming seaside town of Cromer and its old-fashioned pier is just a short train ride away.
So, have you packed your spirit of playfulness for your trip to Sheringham? What are you most excited to discover in this coastal gem?