Covering approximately 400 square miles on the far eastern corner of the country, North Norfolk boasts some of the most beautiful coastline in Blighty and is often referred to as Chelsea on Sea. Restaurants, galleries, cafes and shops of all kinds attract a well-heeled crowd, including many celebrities and affluent sophisticates.
The region is replete with pretty villages, busy, vibrant market towns, beautiful, white, sandy beaches and more unadulterated countryside than you can poke a stick at. Many of the villages have affordable, charming holiday lets, available throughout the year and most are fully equipped, so you can lock the doors and avoid human contact, if you so desire.
Much of the region is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the terrain varies from pine forests, salt marshes and mudflats through to gloriously long beaches, such as those at Wells, Holkham and Brancaster. These wide beaches are perfect for romantic walks at dusk, in the warmer months and even better for bracing, encounters with the elements in winter, holding you loved one close.
The many picturesque towns and villages are ideal destinations for a day trip and even better as the home base for your honeymoon. Famous historical ports, such as Cromer and Sheringham, ooze Victorian charm and provide a relaxed seaside pace, for those who really want to chill. If you’re so inclined, the water is perfectly fine and safe for swimmers.
Honeymooners will be spoilt for choice, with towns like Wells, Holt, Cley and Blakeney, offering something different for everybody, from wildlife and scenic boat trips, to the joys of café society in beautiful, relaxed settings. You could even try your hand at crabbing if you have a stomach for that sort of thing.
Bird fanciers will love North Norfolk, which forms part of the largest coastal nature reserve in England and Wales. Make sure you trek hand-in-hand along The Peddars Way, one of the most famous paths in the country. Running from Thetford to Cromer, it offers incredible views of the coast and the countryside.
The North Sea pounds mercilessly along the coast and you’ll see many made-made defences, including the shingle bank at Salthouse Marshes, on the coast. You can lie in every morning and listen to ocean’s ebb and flow or you can venture out into the elements and feel the force of nature beating in unison with your spouse’s heart, as contemplate the power of true love and a lifetime of experiences to come.
England's largest County, North Yorkshire, offers stunning, diverse scenery, myriad, romantic, historic towns and village and unmatched heritage and ancient architecture. For honeymooners, there’s so much to see and enjoy, but a peaceful stay on the coast is perhaps the best way to enjoy this magnificent county.
One of North Norfolk’s coastal gems is Robin Hood's Bay, just south of Whitby. This charming little fishing hamlet clings to the coast and remains largely unspoiled by the onslaught of time, trends and commerce. Access by car to the village, is limited to certain times of the day for pick-up and drop-off purposes only, so you won’t be disturbed by the dull roar of traffic in this tranquil, quaint paradise. You’ll have to park your car in the designated car park at the top of the hill, before you reach the village.
You can remain tucked away in this tiny snug of a fishing village or you can venture North to Whitby, with its stunning Abbey ruins, high up on a ridge overlooking the coast. Either way, there’s plenty to enjoy. Robin Hood's Bay has ample attractions, including arts and crafts shops, old-world pubs, fine restaurants, a museum, horse riding and magnificent coastal trekking facilities.
You’ll be spoiled for choice of accommodation, with a wonderful B&Bs, holiday lets and small hotels. There’s a very small local population, so you won’t feel crowded in. There’s a pace and serenity here, like nowhere else I’ve been and every view is picture postcard quality. The tidal range is quite impressive, so you’ll need to pick your moments for loved-up beach rambling. Holiday let properties vary in size, quality and price, but they universally lack nothing in charm, featuring cozy rooms, with low ceilings and sympathetically updated amenities, which rarely interfere with the original style and patina of the buildings.
The town’s tiny streets have a maze like appearance and rumor has it there is a network of subterranean passageways linking the houses, which fits perfectly with its tradition of smuggling. Walks around the village are a must, as the place positively oozes charm. No two buildings look the same and the steep hill, upon which the village perches, provides ample exercise for those bent on exploring.
The only drawback with Robin Hood’s Bay is the distinct possibility you’ll never want to leave. As you and your newly conjoined ‘other half’ ponder your lot together, you’ll be able to rest assured that your honeymoon memories will be nothing short of wonderful.
