The charming coastal village of Happisburgh, just a three-hour drive from the capital, is a must-visit spot before it succumbs to coastal erosion and disappears into the sea.
Happisburgh is a picturesque village on the Norfolk coast, but the beauty spot is fighting an everlasting battle with erosion – and the encroaching North Sea. In March 1999, the relentless advance of the North Sea led to the destruction of numerous bungalows in Happisburgh.
Efforts have been made since then to curb it, but many of the coastal defences are now in a state of disrepair, according to the British Geological Survey. It says: “Coastal defences built at Happisburgh have slowed down the rate of retreat. However, large sections are now in disrepair. Sea-level rise and climate change, including increased storminess, may also increase the rate of erosion.”
The latest victim is now a cliff-top car park, which teeters metres from the edge which was threatened with closure in December last year.
Visitors should not miss Mundesley Beach, identifiable by the postcode NR11 8BQ. The beach features a raised promenade lined with colourful beach huts and offers stunning cliff views. However, tourists are advised to keep a safe distance from the edge due to the ongoing erosion, reports MyLondon.
Additionally, the beach is home to what is believed to be the UK’s smallest museum – the Mundesley Maritime Museum. A short 15-minute drive from Happisburgh will take you to Dilham Hall Canoe Hire, located on Oak Road, Dilham, North Walsham, Norfolk, NR28 9PW.
The activity allows you to navigate along the farm’s two-mile private canal, where you might spot wildlife such as otters and kingfishers. The farm’s website states that a morning session runs from 9.30am to 11.30am, while afternoon sessions are from noon to 6pm.
Morning rates are £26 for a three-man vessel, which rises to £42.50 in the afternoon. A double kayak costs £26 in the morning, increasing to £42 in the afternoon.
Naturally, you’ll get hungry during your stay, and The Old Mill Cafe Bar is the perfect place to refuel. Located on Norwich Road, Hoveton, Wroxham, NR12 8DA, it boasts a five-star rating on TripAdvisor and serves dishes like jacket potatoes and baguettes.
The journey via public transport takes approximately three hours and 45 minutes from central London. Alternatively, driving from London via the M11 and A11 takes around two hours and 45 minutes.
There are numerous accommodation options nearby, including Seals Bacton, located 2.1 miles from Happisburgh in Bacton.
