Also known as Sunny Hunny, Hunstanton is an east coast seaside town in Norfolk England. It faces the Wash and is known as the only resort in the east coast where the visitors can see the sun setting over the sea. Hunstantonis renowned worldwide for its geology featuring fossiliferous cliffs that come with strata of reddish limestone at the lower part and the chalk layer at the top, giving it a unique appearance.
History
Started in the 19th century, Hunstanton was known as the New Hunstanton as a way of setting it apart from an old village adjacent to it, from which the name was taken. Over the years, Hunstanton grew and became larger than the village both in population and scale. The name is believed to have come from the River Hun, running to the cost side of the old village. Another theory about the name Hunstanton stated that the name came from the “honeystone” a word that referred to the red Carr stone that was present locally.
In 1840, Henry Styleman Le Strange had a vision to transform Hunstanton and he issued a prospectus for building a coastal holiday village, where people would come to take a stroll along the Hunstanton beach and enjoy the sea breeze and the sight of the sun setting over sea. This was facilitated by the fact that many aristocrats were visiting the town to enjoy sea bathing. The plans were under way in 1946 and the first building, called The New Inn, presently known as the Golden Lion Hotel, was erected. It became the only building between the Lighthouse and Heacham for 16 years. Hunstanton started growing when the railway was developed. Although Henry died before he could see his dream, his sob continued the project and created a Victorian town featuring great buildings, seaside villas and shops.
Getting to Hunstanton
Visitors can easily get to Hunstanton via various means. They can opt for the public transport which will take them to the town. There are a number of bus services that go to the town and back via different routes. It is important that the users check the directions to Hunstanton from the town they are in to ensure that they select the right bus service to Hunstanton. This also applies when they are traveling on their own. Users can skirt through the landscape of the Norfolk using the train or decide to get in via various airlines. Getting around Hunstanton is easy as the clients can opt to use public transport, hire cars or opt to use taxis, which are available in plenty.
Hunstanton Attractions
Visitors to the city will find a wide variety of attractions to see and experience in Hunstanton. Some of them include:
The Hunstanton beach- the lovers of the beach will have something to smile about as they take a walk in Hunstanton beach. They will get to enjoy the spectacular sight of the sin setting over the water, the fine sand beneath their feat as well as other experiences. At the beach they can carry out different activities including crazy golf, donkey rides and paddling among others. They can also get a glimpse of the rock pools to see a variety of seashells and marine life when the tides go out.
The cliffs- Hunstanton is known for the stratified cliffs which gives the visitors a spectacular view. It also shows them a part of the history of Britain. Visitors will get to see the beautiful layers of fossilized materials that consist of a white top layer, a red chalk layer and a base of grey/green Carr stone. The Hunstanton beach is a popular destination for fossil hunters over the years.
The Hunstanton Wash Monster- visitors looking for adventure should try out the Hunstanton wash monster, called ‘Wiley, the washed Monster”. It was manufactured in 1967 to be used by the American forces in Vietnam. It comes with capacity of 60 people and is now used for transporting visitors from Hunstanton beach into the sea. It comes with a speed of 13 knots on land and 8 knots in the sea and has become one of the most interesting and unusual piece of attraction in Hunstanton.
Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary- this is a center set up to cater for the sea animals. It is responsible for caring, treating and taking the animals back to the wild or offering them a home. It has a team of caretakers who take time to care for the sea life at all times of the year. The visitors will get to see different sea animals ranging from seal pups, otters, sharks, penguins and others. They will also get to enjoy various refreshments in the Hunstanton sea life sanctuary and go home with some souvenirs and gifts.
The princess theater- lovers of theatre are not left out as they can visit the Hunstanton princess theatre which was opened in 1932 and was given the name in 981, following the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. It is noted because of the construction in Norfolk Carr stone and its clever design as a live theater and cinema. Not only does Hunstanton Princes Theatre display pantomimes but also live music, festival of arts and drama, while at the same time, it is used as a cinema. Clients will enjoy the Hunstanton sunset, which can be seen from the theatre’s elevated position.
Where to eat and sleep
Visitors will be presented with a wide variety of places where they can sample a wide variety of food and drinks in Hunstanton. They can opt to grab food from the restaurants and drinks at the pub, or take light meal at the cafes and tea rooms. Visitors can also choose various spots in Hunstanton to get their take away foods.
When it comes to Hunstanton accommodation, the visitors will have a variety of options to select from. It will depend with their needs and personal preferences. Some of these Hunstanton accommodation options include:
Hunstanton Bed and breakfast for high quality and comfortable accommodation
Caravan and caravan parks as well as log cabins at different locations in Hunstanton.
Hunstanton Self catering- this is suitable for those who want to be independent.
Guest houses and hotels- they will be presented with variety of facilities to make their stay in Hunstanton comfortable and unique