Leave the car behind and discover the natural beauty of the north Norfolk coast…
Jump aboard the Coasthopper Bus Service which travels along the north Norfolk coast between King’s Lynn and Mundesley. It’s a great way to visit the villages and seaside towns along the glorious north Norfolk coast.
There’s no need to rush – you can discover this beautiful part of Norfolk at your own pace. It’s the smart way to explore this beautiful part of Norfolk.
Note that 2 different bus companies operate the Coasthopper service, east and west of Wells-next-the-Sea. These bus services, combined, cover an long stretch of diverse coastline, with beautiful places to explore – and enjoy fine food and drink.
Timetable info and enquiries
For timetable information and general enquiries, follow the links below. See also the Traveline website.
Norfolk County Council established this popular coastal bus service in 1996 (initially in conjunction with the bus operator Norfolk Green). The Coasthopper was the first regular bus service along this part of Norfolk for many years. In April 2018 the service switched from previous operator Stagecoach to Sanders (in combination with King’s Lynn based Lynx). It’s an invaluable service for the residents of the communities which the bus runs through.
The bus service runs in both directions – east and west along the north Norfolk coast. It’s a great way for visitors to enjoy this wonderful part of the county. When you catch the Coasthopper, there’s no need to worry about where to park the car or whether you have coins for the car park.
Salthouse
A greener way to travel
Ride the Coasthopper and you can treat yourselves to a pub lunch with a bottle of wine or some cold lager! The Ship Inn, Weybourne
Ride the Coasthopper and you can treat yourselves to a pub lunch with a bottle of wine or some cold lager! The Ship Inn, Weybourne
By setting up this alternative way to travel along the north Norfolk coast, Norfolk County Council are discouraging car dependency.
The council is keen to limit the high volume of traffic on the coast and surrounding roads. Using public transport helps to keep the small, quaint villages on the north Norfolk coast relatively traffic free.
Plus there’s the added advantage that by abandoning your car, you’ll be able to enjoy a glass or two of wine (or whatever tipple you prefer).
Towns and villages to explore
Hunstanton
A Victorian seaside town built in 1846, known locally as ‘Hunston’. The town is renowned for its unique striped cliffs. Enjoy the spectacular sunset over the sea because Hunstanton is the only town on the east coast which faces west.
Catch a train to the lighthouse, explore rock pools, play a game of crazy-golf or simply take a stroll through Old Hunstanton and enjoy looking at the beautiful flower displays, traditional cottages and quaint pubs.
The famous striped cliffs of Hunstanton
Thornham
Located 4 miles from Hunstanton, next to the RSPB – Titchwell Nature Reserve and close to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve. A wildlife and bird watchers paradise, both places offer visitors unrivalled views of the Norfolk countryside and wildlife.
Thornham is a really pretty and quiet north Norfolk village that’s away from the hustle and bustle of modern life; it’s also home to the multi-award winning restaurant, The Orange Tree.
Bittern stalking prey in the shallow margins of a reed lined lake
Burnham Overy Staithe
Between Burnham Market and the Holkham Estate is Burnham Overy Staithe. Once formed from salt marshes between dry land and sand dunes, it’s been reclaimed and now forms freshwater meadows.
Catch a ferry (summer season and in good sailing conditions only) to Scott Head Island National Nature Reserve – an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Enjoy this largely undisturbed island and to spot common and arctic terns, wildfowl and waders.
This part of Norfolk is run and maintained by Natural England, an independent public body responsible for managing national nature reserves, ancient woodlands and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Burnham Overy Staithe provides an excellent path to follow to the dunes and beach
Salthouse
A small village located 4 miles from Holt and 5.5 miles from Sheringham. It’s made up of salt marshes and the surrounding countryside is within a Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Salthouse is made up of 66 hectares of marshland and areas of small pools. The marshes and its wildlife are the responsibility of the Norfolk Widlife Trust.
It’s another great spot to enjoy nature and a great place to see birds such as shore larks, marsh harriers, lapland buntings, barn owls, snow bunting and little egret.
The 500 year old church of St. Nicholas is also worth a visit. It’s a grand church that’s recently had it’s nave and chancel rebuilt. It frequently hosts art exhibitions during summer months.
Salthouse (view east towards Sheringham)
Travel from Norwich to the coast
In addition to using the Coasthopper service you can travel by train from Norwich on the Bittern Line to the north Norfolk seaside town of Sheringham.
It’s a cost effective way to travel between Norwich and Sheringham to explore the Norfolk Broads, Cromer and the many other towns and villages at a relaxed pace.
The Bittern Ranger ticket
For one days’ unlimited travel on the Bittern Line, save money and time and consider purchasing a Bittern Ranger ticket.
