About the area

The North Norfolk coast has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and we think Burnham Overy Staithe is the most beautiful bit of it (not that we’re biased!). The  area is a Mecca for birdwatchers. Cley, Thornham and Titchwell are just along the coast, and Welney, in the Fens, is worth visiting, but to be honest you don’t need to drive anywhere – there is plenty to see from the Overy Staithe and Burnham Norton sea walls.

There are a number of walks in and around Overy Staithe:

• along the Bank (the sea wall) to the beach (and from there to Holkham if you have the stamina)
• across the sands or the marshes to Scolt Head Island (at low tide only)
• along the coast road as far as the windmill, then cross a field to reach the footpath along Burnham Norton sea wall
• track from the top of Gong Lane to Overy Town
• track from the windmill back up to the Burnham Market road
• track from the coast road to half-way along the sea wall.

Things to do in Overy Staithe

All the usual seaside pastimes – paddling, swimming, sandcastles, sailing, canoeing, and so on. But remember this is the North Sea, not the Mediterranean, and the estuary is tidal, so do be careful when swimming or boating. Burnham Overy Boathouse offers long- or short-term boat storage, and hires out kayaks in the summer.

Places to visit

Both on the coast and inland, there is a wide choice of activities. For more ideas, visit the tourist information centre in The Maltings, Staithe Street, Wells-next-the-sea, but here is a sample to get you started: Holkham Hall, Walsingham (the Shrine is a famous place of pilgrimage), the Wells-Walsingham Steam Railway and Hunstanton Sealife (both popular with children), Fakenham (especially on Thursdays for the flea-market and auctions), Glandford Shell Museum, Binham Priory, Felbrigg Hall, Houghton Hall, Castle Rising, Castle Acre Priory and historic Kings Lynn, which has several interesting small museums.

Public transport, food and shopping

The Coastliner (Lynxbus 36) leaves from opposite the top of the path for Burnham Market, Hunstanton and Kings Lynn and from the corner opposite the Hero bar/restaurant for Wells and Fakenham.

There are shops, places to eat, a garage and a post office in Burnham Market. Wells-next-the-sea has a good range of shops and you can get money out at the Post Office or the ATM at the bakery or cashback from the supermarket.

There are plenty of pubs and restaurants in the area, starting with the Hero, just across the road, and the Lord Nelson in Burnham Thorpe.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a good Internet connection?

Yes. There is fibre-optic Internet access with WiFi throughout the house.

Is there a TV?

No, but the TV licence is paid up, so if you bring your own device you can watch freeview services online.

What’s the mobile signal like?

As of 2022, there is a mobile signal in the house, but it might not be good enough for conversations. There is a landline phone for guests’ use: calls of up to an hour to UK landlines are free on the call plan, which also includes a certain number of mobile minutes per month. The first five pounds’-worth of call charges are on the house.

Is there public transport?

Yes. The Coastliner (Lynxbus 36) running from Kings Lynn to Fakenham stops a few yards from the end of the path, in both directions.

Is there bike storage?

You can store bikes in the utility room and/or toolshed, both of which lock, or in the yard.

Where can we park?

Suaeda Cottage has no private parking. You can park on the coast road during the day, but after nightfall it’s better to move the car to a less busy spot. Parking on the staithe is possible at low tide, but don’t forget to move your car before the tide comes in.

Do you accept pets?

We welcome up to two friendly dogs (non-dangerous breeds only) on request. Please don’t allow your dogs on beds, and make sure they aren’t left alone in the house or garden (for their safety and to avoid any damage).

What’s the policy on smoking?

Guests are asked not to smoke or vape in the house. If you smoke in the garden, please dispose responsibly of cigarette-ends (i.e. stub them out, then throw away in black bin).

What time do we check in and out?

You can arrive any time from 4.00 p.m. – there is a keysafe, so no need to worry about arriving late after a long drive. You’ll need to leave by 10.00 a.m. at the latest.

Is there garden furniture?

There’s a bench against the east wall that gets the morning sunshine, plus a small seat and table. As of spring 2023, there should be a folding table and chairs to enable guests to eat outside.

Is there a barbecue?

There is no barbecue, and guests are requested not to have barbecues for environmental reasons (both local and global!).

Where can we dry our washing?

There are clothes lines and pegs for the yard, an outdoor drying rack and drying racks to go over the bath.

Is there an iron and ironing board?

Yes.

Is there a hairdryer?

No.

What linen do you provide?

We provide bedlinen for four, hand towels and kitchen/dining room items, but not bath or beach towels.

Are there waterproof mattress protectors?

We can put them on the twin beds, but please ask in advance.

What if we run out of hot water?

Switch on the booster tank – but please don’t forget to switch it off again later.

What do we do if something goes wrong?

Please contact us before you contact a plumber, electrician, locksmith, etc.

What if we have an emergency?

We provide an information sheet that should have the numbers you need. For minor injuries, there are basic first aid items in the cottage.

What is there to do if it rains?

Inside: write postcards (we provide guests with some of our own), read, do jigsaw puzzles, play games, bake cakes, paint pictures, talk to each other! Out and about: visit museums (there are several good ones in Kings Lynn), stately homes (Holkham Hall is the nearest), Hunstanton Sealife, Walsingham (even if not everything is indoors), etc. or try a new activity (some of our guests went glass-blowing in Burnham Thorpe).