The lovely coastal village of Blakeney is one of the most enchanting on the North Norfolk Coast. Blakeney started life as a busy medieval commercial port until the estuary began to silt up preventing all but pleasure craft from gaining access. The silting has left a fascinating landscape of marshes, sand hills and mud banks, with many creeks and channels twisting and turning their way through. It is a designated area of natural beauty and home to hundreds of breeds of migrating birds as well as large Common and Grey Seal colonies at Blakeney Point.
The Blakeney National Nature Reserve is one of the largest expanses of undeveloped coastal habitat of its type in Europe. It has long been recognised as a highly important area for its wide range of rare coastal plants and wildlife. The vast areas of unusual habitat such as pristine salt marsh, vegetated shingle and sand dunes, attract a colourful array of wildlife from uncommon sea birds to the seals colonies that prosper on Blakeney Point. Needless to say the area is incredibly popular with nature lovers and birdwatchers. Although there are some restricted areas during the main bird breeding season the nature reserve is largely free to roam.
Seal trips by boat run from Blakeney and the nearby village of Morston out to Blakeney Point and are extremely popular. They range from short trips to see the seals from traditional clinker built boats to longer day trips including landings at Blakeney point and tours of the nature reserve. Blakeney is one of the most picturesque, quintessential coastal villages in the U.K. It is almost entirely unspoilt and has an enormous character that draws people back year after year in all seasons.
Famous for piracy and smuggling in years gone by Blakeney Village has a fascinating history and much of this history can still be seen in the architecture whilst walking around the village.
North Norfolk is famous for its seafood; Local Lobster, Crab, Mussels, Shrimp, Sea Bass and Mackerel are all readily available in season either to cook yourself or to enjoy in one of the fabulous places to eat and drink in the Village. From the traditional coastal pub The Kings Arms to the more gastronomic fayre at The White Horse, visitors are spoilt for choice. The Moorings is a charming cafe by day and a renowned bistro restaurant by night and a short walk away is Wiveton Hall Cafe which is well worth a visit especially for its famous Tapas and BBQ evenings in the summer.
There is a so much to do in and around Blakeney for all ages… gillie crabbing on The Quay delights children and adults alike and there are numerous walks amongst the wonderful scenery of the salt marshes, the coastal path and out towards Cley beach. There are art galleries and a charming gift shop to browse around and a lovely delicatessen selling fresh local produce and freshly baked bread, cakes and pastries… we highly recommend their home made sausage rolls, with or without the red onion marmalade!