Short breaks by the sea in Norfolk

Norfolk beach holiday

A short break in Norfolk, at Shangri-la, Waxham, a self-catering holiday cottage, is the perfect way to unwind. Looking for a quick escape or a planned weekend break in Norfolk? We have the ideal place for a midweek or weekend getaway on the beautiful Norfolk coast.

Our midweek breaks are Monday to Friday and our weekend breaks are Friday to Monday. It doesn’t matter if you are coming for a special occasion, a weekend with friends or just a well-deserved few days in the perfect Norfolk retreat, we have loads to do. Our dog friendly Norfolk cottage is the ideal place to stay to explore this beautiful and unspoilt part of Norfolk and is located just behind the sand dunes at one of Norfolk’s best beaches.

Waxham and things to do

Waxham, in east Norfolk, is a uniquely beautiful and historic location where the Norfolk Broads meet the sea with miles of sandy, dune-backed beaches. Here is our guide to things to do, in and around Waxham.

Norfolk Broads

Brograve Mill, Waxham New Cut

The Norfolk Broads, a picturesque network of navigable rivers and lakes, offer an escape into nature. This area was created by flooding old peat works and is known for its diverse wildlife. It's a great spot for boating, birdwatching, and relaxing walks.

Horsey Mere is one of the Broads' quieter spots and is a few miles from Shangri-la. Located away from busier waters, it provides a tranquil setting that is ideal for observing wildlife. Surrounded by reed beds and marshes, Horsey Mere is a haven for rare birds and offers stunning, unspoiled views, making it a perfect example of the region's natural beauty.

To experience the best of Horsey Mere, Ross’ wildlife boat trips can’t be beaten. The tours operate from April to October. More information on how to book is available here.

If you prefer a walk, you can start at Horsey Mere National Trust car park and follow the paths to pass Brograve Mill, which is one of the most bleakly fascinating sights in the Broads. The derelict mill was built by Sir Berney Brograve, who lived at Waxham Hall, the Elizabethan manor house that neighbours Shangri-la. According to folklore, Sir Berney was a terrifying figure who entered into a wager with the Devil who confronted Sir Berney at the mill resulting in its ruin.

Seal on Horsey beach, Norfolk (photo Georgie Gibbon)

Horsey Seals

No trip to Shangri-la is complete without seal watching. During the winter months, Horsey Beach in Norfolk is a popular spot for seal watching. Hundreds of grey seals come ashore to give birth, making it a prime location for observing these magnificent creatures.

This natural spectacle draws wildlife enthusiasts and photographers from across the country. The beach provides a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating marine mammals in their natural habitat, as they nurse their pups and bask along the sandy coastline.

Visitors are advised to keep at a responsible distance to avoid disturbing the seals, with local volunteer wardens often on hand to provide guidance. With the expansion of the colony, large groups will be found just over a kilometre’s walk along the beach from Shangri-la. Visitors to Shangri-la will have the unique experience of hearing the seals call in the night. Information to help planning a visit is available on the Friends of Horsey Seals website.

Richard with crab pot at Sea Palling

Sea fishing at Sea Palling

If you’ve ever fancied catching your own fish for supper, you can take a trip on a fishing boat with local fisherman, Richard. The boat is launched from Sea Palling beach and Richard will take you to the most likely spots where you can catch sea bass and mackerel.

Everything is provided from rods and bait to life jackets. If you don’t catch anything and it’s the right time of year, Richard will take you to one of his pots and provide you will a few crabs or a lobster. Trips to sea the seals can also be booked. The view alone of the Norfolk Coast from out at sea makes this a memorable experience.

More information on Richard’s trips is available here.

Sauna Box on Sea Palling beach

Sauna Box

Enjoy the Sauna Box at Sea Palling Beach, at short walk down the beach from Shangri-la. Situated right on the beach, this innovative concept combines the traditional Finnish sauna with sea views and the opportunity to take a post-sauna dip at the Blue Flag beach.

Crafted from a converted horse box, the Sauna Box is both eco-friendly and stylish, featuring a wood-fired heater and a glass door that faces the sea. Open year-round, it provides a novel way to appreciate the area’s natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for wellness enthusiasts and anyone who wants to try something a bit different. Availability and booking is available here.

Places to eat

Here are a few local places to eat to complete your weekend break in Norfolk:

The Ingham Swan is a fine dining but informal restaurant located in the nearby village of Ingham. The old world charm of the restaurant and the picture perfect setting, is matched by the consistently high standard of the food, much of which is sourced locally. View a sample set menu and book.

A fresh take on fish and chips is available at the Mermaids Catch in Sea Palling. The takeaway menu features some updates on traditional dishes, including a seasonal lobster and chips. The takeaway is connected to the Beach Rock Bistro which offers the best coffee and breakfasts in the area.

The Dunes Cafe is just around the corner from Shangri-la and offers a range of coffee, cakes and light meals. It is set within the historic Waxham barn complex.

The Nelson Head pub is a traditional Norfolk pub. It specialises in a range of small brewery beers and ciders. It has a traditional pub food menu with the fish and chips (eaten on a summer's day in the beer garden) being the best choice.