Sheringham and surrounds

We're looking to take a trip to the North Norfolk coast and I was wondering if anyone's been to Sheringham?  There looks to be some nice B&Bs there and is by the coast.  Maybe it's better to head east down the coast or further west?  We don't know Norfolk at all but have always heard how nice it's meant to be along there.

Also, is it daft to try and go in January?  Will it be gale force winds and awful weather?  Are there alternatives if the weather is particularly bad?  I understand Holt and Cromer are around there, not sure what they're like?  Any advice is much appreciated!

Oh, is Norwich a long way away or is it possible to get there in a reasonable amount of time?

Thanks

Sheringham is fairly pleasant, with all the usual shops and facilities you would expect in a British seaside resort.   The little "loop" from the main drag down to the central beach area is the typical narrow street with lots of snack bars, cafes, beachwear stores, etc.  Expect a fair portion of that area to be closed in January though.

The north Norfolk countryside around Sheringham and Cromer is quite scenic, and although it's not exactly mountainous, it often surprises visitors who believe that the whole of Norfolk is completely flat.

Cromer is only a short drive east from Sheringham.   The coast road between the two towns is very much caravan country (vacation trailers), with lots of holiday parks.   Personally, I'm not that enthusiastic about Cromer itself, and in my opinion it's much less attractive than Sheringham or other resorts south of here, such as Hemsby and Gt. Yarmouth.   It does have the attraction of the old pier though, which also has a theatre where you might be able to catch a show.

If you're interested in old steam trains, or if you would just enjoy the ride through the countryside, the North Norfolk Railway runs a few miles down to Holt.

As for the weather, I can't deny that it's not exactly a draw to this part of the country in winter.  It can be blustery and cold ("bracing" is the term usually used in the travel folders, which translates to anything between "cold but invigorating" and "you'd better hold on tight!").   We can get some surprisingly calm and sunny days though, if a little chilly, but it's very much the luck of the draw when you're facing the North Sea.   Even though it might not seem like it after a day of non-stop rain, this part of England actually has one of the lowest rainfall figures in the country.

From Cromer, it's a about half an hour by car to Norwich, straight down the main road (A140).  Outside of peak holiday times, the roads are seldom busy compared to many other parts of the country.    About halfway along the route you pass through Aylsham, where there's another tourist railway (narrow-gauge this time) which gives a pleasant trip through the Norfolk countryside.

Have a look in my gallery for a few photos around the area (check the Norfolk and Bure Valley Railway directories):

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/gallery/index.php?cat=12155

Some more links for you:

http://www.sheringhamtown.co.uk/
http://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/
http://www.thisiscromer.co.uk/
http://www.cromer-pier.com/
http://www.bvrw.co.uk/
http://www.visitnorwich.co.uk/
http://www.steamtraingalleries.co.uk/north_norfolk.html
The railway's own site seems to be down at the moment:
Site now working:  http://www.nnrailway.co.uk/

Thanks very much for the information, Paul.  While going to the seaside in winter hasn't put us off before I'm half wondering if it'd be better to wait until Spring.

The pictures look interesting, quite a big beach at Gt Yarmouth!

Say, are places like Burnham Market or Hunstanton much different?  Or are they similar seaside towns/villages?  I notice that Hunstanton is further in, not so much on the North Sea, maybe it wouldn't be so bracing, although I wouldn't bet on it!

I don't think I've ever been to Burnham Market, and I've only ever passed through Hunstanton about once and can't really remember much, so I can't really comment on them.     

Spring is certainly a better time on the Norfolk coast in many ways, not just because of the better weather but also because places start to open up more.   The beach districts of many seaside resorts can often feel like small ghost towns in the middle of winter.

Yes, Great Yarmouth has a very long, wide beach.  It's the major resort on the east coast, with an extensive parade along the seafront with dozens of amusement arcades, hotels, restaurants, fun-of-the-fair kiddy rides, burger stands, etc.   Brittania Pier also has a theatre, along with a bar/pub, children's rides, the usual fairground-style stalls, and so on.   Think Coney Island.   The north end of town is quieter though, still with wide, expansive beaches, but the surroundings are more garden walks, quieter hotels, and expensive seaside houses. 

Gt. Yarmouth is really the place to go if you want to the hectic fun-of-the-fair seaside atmosphere.  Cromer and Sheringham are much more restrained, almost "gentile" places by comparison.   

If you're staying around Sheringham area though, Great Yarmouth is well within reach of a day trip.

While going to the seaside in winter hasn't put us off before I'm half wondering if it'd be better to wait until Spring.

One of my best holidays EVER was a week up near Whitby at New Years. It was snowing even. It was absolutely gorgeous, we had the whole place to ourselves, and the locals thought it was very curious indeed that a bunch of yanks were there at that time of year - made for some great pub conversations!!

Cromer and Sheringham are much more restrained, almost "gentile" places by comparison.   

Jews beware!     

Jews beware!     

Shoot, did I say gentile?   That'll teach me to proofread more carefully before posting!   

I meant "genteel," of course.    

Note to self: Put brain in gear before letting brake off fingers......