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NORTH NORFOLK COAST (INCLUDING SEAL-WATCHING)

Guided day tour from Cambridge

Adult £109.00/Student £99.00/Child £89.00

Maximum 16 passengers

TOURS RUN APRIL-SEPTEMBER

The north Norfolk coast is the nearest coastline to Cambridge, just 100km to the north-east of the city. But despite being so close it's off-the-beaten-track and receives relatively few visitors. It has a beautiful, quiet, unspoilt and unpopulated coastline of wide sandy beaches, sand dunes and low-lying wetlands. There are few places quite like it!

 

The Norfolk coast is one of the most important places in Europe for migrating seabirds stopping over as they journey from their wintering habitats further south to their summer breeding grounds in the Arctic. Norfolk is also home to the UK's largest colonies of Common and Grey Seals. On this tour we will take a boat trip along a tidal estuary out to the open sea to where the seals gather.

 

But it's not just countryside and wildlife; the coast is dotted with many quaint sleepy villages with handicraft shops and peaceful, relaxing cafes. It's fabulous walking country so bring sturdy footwear and a warm, waterproof jacket.

 

PLAN FOR THE DAY

 

Please note: The following itinerary changes in accordance with the timing of the seal-watching boat tour which can only run at high tide. Please consider the itinerary below as an example itinerary only.

 

0800 We depart from Cambridge for the journey, first east towards Newmarket and then north-east through Thetford Forest to north Norfolk. 

 

1000 Our first stop is in the small, charming Georgian town of Holt with its quaint streets, elegant buildings and bustling shops. Time for a morning coffee in one of the many cafes across the town.

 

1130 We make the short trip to the coast at Morston to take a 1-hour boat trip along the tidal estuary into open water and to the seal colony at Blakeney Point. The boat will take us within just a few metres of the seals as they rest undisturbed on the sand. Other more inquisitive seals swim up to the boat for a closer inspection: are we the exhibit or are they? Even if it's mid-summer the boat offers little protection from the wind and rain so please bring a warm, waterproof and windproof jacket.

 

1230 After returning back to the harbour, we travel a few miles along the coast to Wells-next-the-sea for lunch.

 

1300 Wells is a harbour town and on the quayside there are numerous food options: why not sample the very fresh fish and chips!

 

1415 After lunch we travel west along the coast road once again, through quaint sleepy villages, to Holkham. On arrival we head through the pine forests and then on to the sand dunes and the vast expanse of beach down to the seashore. When the tide is out it can take 20 minutes walking to reach the sea! Then a great chance to slip off those boots and wade in the shallows... be warned, The North Sea is not the Caribbean!

 

1545 Finally we visit the village of Burnham Market with its quaint high street, upmarket shops and pubs and cafes. 

 

1630 Depart from Burnham Market for the journey back home through The King's Sandringham estate and then through the flatlands of the Fens past the cathedral city of Ely.

 

1830 Arrive back in central Cambridge

 

 

INCLUDED

 

  • Return travel from Cambridge
  • Boat trip to watch the seals 
  • Services of experienced tour guide

NOT INCLUDED

 

  • Meals
  • Entry fees to attractions (unless stated)

DEPARTURE POINTS

 

Depart at 8am, return at 6.30pm from/to the main entrance to Parkside Swimming Pool, Gonville Place, Parker's Piece. Times for all other departure points will vary - please check your e-ticket for the correct departure time.

 

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