Sheringham

Introduction

Sheringham in Norfolk is much more than a day at the seaside! A great place for all ages, with plenty to see and do.

HISTORY
 
The Sheringham mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086) is the village of Upper Sheringham, which has been a farming community for 2000 years. The village of lower Sheringham was little more than a collection of fisherman’s hovels for hundreds of years.

The population of each village in the early 1700s was about 100. Gradually the fishing industry began to thrive and by 1850 there were at least 100 boats working from the beach, catching mainly lobsters and crabs, with the population rising to 800.

In 1901 Lower Sheringham gained independence from Upper Sheringham, mean the town of Sheringham, as we know it today, was born. The main reason for this was the coming of the railways in 1887, when a direct link was provided with London, via Cambridge, giving Sheringham a two fold advantage; Crabs and lobsters caught in the morning, could be in London later that same day, and middle class Londoners discovered the quaint fishing town. As a result fishermen rented out their cottages to visitors, and found that they could earn more money in the summer than they could from the sea in a whole year.
 
In 1889 The Sheringham Hotel on the corner of Weybourne Road and Holt Road was built. The Grand Hotel and The Burlington Hotel were built on the Leas in the 1890’s, but sadly only the Burlington remains as a hotel. Also in the 1890’s the first sewers were laid, gas lamps installed, and the parish church was built.  In 1901 Mary Pimm presented the town clock to Sheringham in memory of her late husband, originally the site housed a water well built in 1862.

Gradually over the years the town has expanded to its present size with a great diversity of shops, eating places, attractions and a great community spirit. Its present population is approximately 8000 and still growing, but it still retains it’s friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
 
GEOGRAPHY
 
Situated on the North Norfolk coast Sheringham located west of Cromer accessible by the A149 coast road.
 
ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
 
Felbrigg Hall – One of the most elegant country houses in East Anglia, with a Georgian interior and amazing Stuart architecture. Felbrigg has a stunning walled garden with orangery and orchards. There are many lakeside and woodland trails to explore. 
 
Amazona Zoo - located just to the south of Cromer, the Zoo is home to a wide range of animals from Tropical South America including Jaguar, Otters, Spider Monkeys and Flamingos. The Zoo is open all day every day.
 
Hilltop Outdoor Centre - set in over 25 acres of rolling wooded valleys and lush pasture, the centre offers an all season experience, Climbing, High Ropes, Archery, Air Rifles, Assault Course, Tree Top Trail, Mountain Bikes, Big Zipper, as well as a panoramic seascape and stunning coastal views over Sheringham. Located on the A148 half a mile east of Sheringham.
 
Priory Maze and Gardens – Traditional hedge maze set in 10 acres including a tea room and nursery. Located between Sheringham and Cromer on the A149.
 
North Norfolk Railway – Offers a 10.5 mile round trip by steam train or vintage diesel train through the Norfolk countryside. To the south of the line are wooded hills and to the north is the sea. The train stops at numerous stations but the largest are Sheringham, Weybourne and Holt. Regular trips throughout the day commencing at 10.30am.
 
Holt Country Park – A 100 acre, green flag winning, woodland with nature trails, children’s play area, observation tower and visitor centre, located one mile south of Holt on the B1149.
 
Letheringsett Watermill – Has an iron waterwheel restored with a vintage Ruston Hornsby oil engine, sells flower and animal feed. Free admission, just to the west of Holt on the A148.
 
The Muckleburgh Collection – A collection of over 200 military vehicles used by the allied armies during and since World War II. It includes tanks, armoured cars and bombs. Located at Weybourne Military Camp on the A149 west of Sheringham.
 
The Henry Ramey Upcher Lifeboat Museum – Tells the story of a private lifeboat in service from 1894 to 1935, located on West Cliff in Sheringham, the museum is free entry.
 
BEACHES
 
Sheringham - Sheringham has a stony beach but at low tide an expanse of sand and rock pools is revealed. The beach retained its prestigious Blue Flag for cleanliness and visitor facilities in 2005 and has toilets, beach huts and a public shower. The beach has easy access to cafés and amusement arcades.
 
Cley-next-the-sea.- The quiet, pebbly beach at Cley seems to stretch endlessly into the distance with stunning views to either side. Much quieter than the well-known beaches of Brancaster and Holkham, you can walk from Cley along the coastal path and the beach is accessible by car. The car park even has a quirky bookshop – not quite what you'd expect to find on a beach in Norfolk!
Wells-next-the-sea -The beach at Wells is approximately a mile from the town. Its a very pleasant walk there, or you a short drive to the beach car park. During the summer you can take the miniature railway. The sandy beach, backed by dunes and pine trees, stretches for miles to the west. Eastwards, the beach continues but can be cut off by the tide. The beach is part of the Holkham Estate and the vast un-spoilt beach and woodland provide ample opportunities to enjoy peace and solitude. Further along are salt marshes. The area is part of a nature reserve and is good for bird-watching.
Weybourne - A significant point on the Norfolk coastline with a steep pebble beach once popular with smugglers.
Overstand - An deserted sandy beach overlooked by a picturesque village on the cliff tops above.