Stiffkey and the North Norfolk Coast

The village has lots of buildings made of the knobbly grey flints characteristic of the area and follows the course of the River Stiffkey. It has a good pub – the Red Lion – an out of the ordinary village stores and a church where a former vicar, Harold Davidson is buried. This popular vicar of Stiffkey was a colourful character who caused a national scandal in the 1930’s, and had a tragic but sensational end in 1937 when he was mauled by a lion called Freddy in a cage at Skegness!

Here are some of the things that I like to do when I’m spending time at the cottage…

Messing about on the beach: in summer, check the tide times and walk across the marshes to Stiffkey beach – you’re likely to have it almost to yourself – or go along the coast to Burnham Overy-Staithe and take the little ferry over to Scolt Head Island.

Crabbing: everyone loves crabbing whether you’re five or 50! There are crab lines in the cottage – all you need is some bacon as bait. Try catching your crabs from the quays where the boats tie up at Morston.

Walking the marshes: I think the stretch between Wells and Morston is wonderful at any time of the year

Pottering in the local towns: Wells is a traditional seaside town – fish and chips on the harbour wall are a real treat. Holt is a favourite too – great galleries and antique shops.

Eating: there is some fantastic local seafood – mussels in season are delicious – and great local beers and ciders to discover.