Ollands Farm Barn, Happisburgh

Happisburgh is a historic village on the north-east coast of Norfolk. Pronounced “Haze-bruh”, and spelt ‘Hapesburg’ in the Domesday Book, the name means ‘Haep’s Town’. Despite much publicity about Happisburgh and coastal erosion, the village has an exciting long term future.

The historic village of Happisburgh with a secluded sandy beach, sits on the Deep History Coast and has a fascinating history showing the earliest signs of humans in Britain. The constantly changing coastline, its 18th century lighthouse and 15th century church makes Happisburgh a fascinating place to explore.

Happisburgh is home to the oldest working light in the county and the only independently operated lighthouse in the UK. Saved as a working light by the local community, it is maintained and operated entirely by voluntary contributions. The famous red and white striped lighthouse was built in 1790 and offers wonderful views of the coast and countryside. In the summer, it is open to visitors on occasional Sundays.

From the beach, you can walk as far as Sea Palling taking in wonderful views and there are miles of coastal paths to walk and footpaths in the surrounding area. Happisburgh is known for its coastal erosion which is constantly changing the landscape of the coastline. This erosion has lead to some discoveries that date back millions of years.

Flint tools and early fossilised human footprints were discovered dating back at least 850,000 years which signified the oldest evidence of humans in Northern Europe and the oldest human footprints outside of Africa! These finds, as well as the mammoth skeleton in West Runton, have earned the Norfolk coastline the name, the Deep History Coast. Happisburgh is on the Deep History Coast Discovery Trail and has its own Discovery Point.

Further along the coast, you’ll reach Sea Palling and its Blue Flag beach and if you follow your nose even further you’ll get to Happisburgh and its iconic lighthouse.  Sometimes the only other mammals you’ll come across are the coastline’s famous Grey Seals. Do remember to look up for a glimpse of Norfolk’s wonderful birdlife, such as kestrels, skylarks, and little terns.

Great Yarmouth is a lively resort with an endless list of entertainment and places to eat – not forgetting the Pleasure Beach with its infamous Snail ride, a nine acre amusement park, the Time and Tide Museum and the brilliant Hippodrome Circus – one of the last purpose built circus buildings in the UK. Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens is a must if you love animals, and Pettitts Animal Adventure Park has something to do with children of all ages.

The bustling market town of Norwich is about 45 minutes away with its picturesque lanes, buzzy market, cultural displays and dining treats. And of course there are our two famous Cathedrals and Norwich Castle, which was built by the Normans as a Palace over 900 years ago. It is now a  museum and art gallery where children can discover more about East Anglia’s own Queen Boudicca.  The Museum of Norwich is packed full of exhibitions and interactive displays, or why not enjoy taking the hop-on-hop-off bus to see the city.

Wroxham – the heart of the broads, is the perfect place for boat tours, day boat hire, shopping, or to visit Wroxham Barns – a family adventure park with rides, animals, shopping, dining, a maize maze, and so much more.