Seaside Resorts & Fishing Villages
- Hunstanton

Hunstanton was the vision of Henry Le Strange, a local landowner, who in 1845 dreamt of building a bathing resort south of the village of Hunstanton referred to as 'New Hunstanton'. Mr Le Strange designed the resort around a distinctive triangular green sloping down towards the sea. In 1862 the railway arrived, making the resort much more popular especially as the station gave direct access onto the seaside promenade. The pier was added in 1870, with a pavilion added in 1890 complete, with a miniature steam railway running up and down to the pavilion. As the demand for the British seaside holiday rose so to did Hunstanton having the unique feature of facing west across The Wash, making it one of the few places on the east coast where the sun sets over the sea.

Like other resorts Hunstanton wanted to appeal to families, hence youngsters were often featured on postcards and marketing material

It is quite difficult to see, but the little girl in the foreground is steppingg off her donkey into the sea. The mother/governess looks quite unperturbed

All Victorian seasides needed to have a pier but the wash is very tidal and hence Hunstaton needed a very long pier. Another requirement was a bandstand on the end of the pier which in turn presented an opportunity to offer the holidaymaker the extra thrill of a train ride to the end of the pier.

Of course the other alternative was a stroll along the prom.

Never short of enterprise, fishing boats can rapidly become pleasure boats for a trip round the "bay".

Not quite Lords and the dress code is a bit formal but hopefully a good time was had by all. On the clifftop to the right is the first major building of New Hunstaton, the Royal Hotel (now the Golden Lion), built In 1848.

This lovely beach scene also shows the railway station with its platform adjacent to the promenade. We can also see behind the station the Sandringham Hotel, owned by the railway company for many years and a prominent part of Hunstanton until its demolition in 1967

A closer view of the railway station (openned in 1862) with the Sandringham Hotel behind. Out of view just to the left is the beach

This appears to be a special occassion with perhaps a royal visitor. However, at its peak thousands of day trippers would visit Hunstanton by trains arriving as frequently as every 10 minutes.

Possibly Heacham station?

We seem to have moved forward to the 1930s looking at the vehicles. Camping has become very popular

Taking a step up in luxury we see some very posh caravans

But this family seems very happy with their spacious tepee style tent

This spacious accommodation also includes a garden

Although for a bit more comfort we could return to the Sandringham.

Seaside Resorts & Fishing Villages - Hunstanton

Seaside Resorts & Fishing Villages
- Hunstanton