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Riverbank

North Norfolk

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Riverbank nestles in the hamlet of Hunworth, North Norfolk, 2 miles south of Holt.

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Blakeney Point Seal Trips with Beans Boats

Perfect for: Romantic getaways, Family breaks, Wildlife lovers

One of the UK's largest grey seal colonies, Blakeney Point offers an unforgettable experience year-round, but spring (March–May) is magical as new pups begin to appear.

What to expect: Daily boat departures from Morston Quay; 1–2 hour trips with excellent seal-spotting odds
Best for: Couples seeking romantic wildlife experiences; families with children 5+
Tip: Spring is less crowded than summer; wrap up warm and bring waterproofs
Website: https://www.beansboattrips.co.uk
Booking: https://www.beansboattrips.co.uk/booking
Alternative: Seal Trips (also from Morston): https://www.sealtrips.co.uk

Holkham Beach & National Nature Reserve

Perfect for: All visitors (families, couples, special occasions)

Consistently voted the UK's best beach, Holkham stretches for miles of unspoilt sand backed by iconic Scots pine woods planted in the 1880s.

What to expect: Huge, sweeping golden sands; pine woodland walks; wildlife spotting (spoonbills, marsh harriers); tide-watching
Spring highlights: Orchids bloom in Orchid Valley (west of the pines); migratory birds arrive; perfect walking conditions
Parking: £3.60–£13.50 (2–4+ hours); EV charging available (£0.57/kW)
Facilities: The Lookout café (light refreshments), toilets in pinewoods (spring–autumn), accessible parking
Key info: Tide times crucial—check before visiting to avoid getting cut off. Dogs on leads 1 April–31 August to protect nesting birds
Website: https://www.holkham.co.uk/visit/holkham-beach-nature-reserve/
Distance from Riverbank: ~20 minutes drive

Cley Marshes Nature Reserve (Norfolk Wildlife Trust)

Perfect for: Birdwatchers, Romantic nature lovers, Special occasions

One of the UK's finest nature reserves (established 1926), Cley is a haven for migratory and resident birds. Spring migration brings warblers, waders, and occasional rarities.

What to expect: Reed beds, saline lagoons, grazing marshes, shingle beach; multiple bird hides; visitor centre with café
Spring birds: Sedge warblers, marsh harriers, spoonbills (increasingly common), waders returning from winter
Admission: £5 at visitor centre (includes exhibition, binoculars available for loan)
Facilities: Visitor centre café, toilets, viewing windows, bird identification guides
Website: https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves-and-wildlife/reserves/cley-marshes
Distance from Riverbank: ~10 minutes drive

Norfolk Coast Path Walks

Perfect for: Active couples, Family walks, Spring fitness

The 63-mile Norfolk Coast Path National Trail runs from Hunstanton to Sea Palling through designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Spring is ideal—mild temperatures, wildflowers, and fewer crowds than summer.

Popular spring circular walks (download detailed routes from Visit North Norfolk):

1. Wells Beach to Holkham Beach & back (~5 miles)
   - Sandy beaches, beach huts, pine woods
   - Suitable for families; check tides before starting

2. Blakeney Point from Morston Quay (~6.4 km round trip)
   - Sand dunes, lifeboat house, seal spotting
   - Soft sand makes it harder underfoot; not pushchair-friendly
   - Stay clear of roped-off breeding areas

3. Cley & Salthouse Marshes walk (~4–6 miles)
- Marshes, reed beds, beach; excellent birdwatching
- Start from Cley visitor centre

4. Cromer Lighthouse Circular Walk (~4.7 km)
- Clifftop views, lighthouse, beach access
- 236 steps to climb; suitable for fit walkers; family-friendly with reasonable fitness level

5. West Runton Cliffs walk
   - Chalk cliffs, fossil spotting, beach access
   - Mix of sand and shingle; rock pools at low tide
   - Snorkelling on the chalk reef in warmer months

Free resource: Visit North Norfolk interactive map & downloadable trail guides
Website: https://www.visitnorthnorfolk.com/see-and-do/walking

Sheringham Park (National Trust)

Perfect for: Family walks, Peaceful getaways, Spring flowers

One of Norfolk's best parks, with woodland walks, rhododendrons in spring, and observation towers offering coastal views.

What to expect: 100-acre woodland estate, woodland trails, open parkland, seasonal flowers
Spring highlight: Azaleas and rhododendrons in peak bloom (April–May)
Parking & admission: Pay & display car park
Facilities: Café, shop, accessible routes
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheringham-park
Distance from Riverbank:** ~15 minutes to Sheringham; park access easily walkable

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