Notes from the host
Seal Cottage
Seal Cottage .... nr beaches, seals and Norfolk broads.
Great coastal location ‘in the wilds of Norfolk’ with wonderful walks straight from the cottage to Horsey Mere, on the Norfolk Broads, and Horsey's spectacular seal colony. Great for couples, families and wildlife enthusiasts, Seal Cottage, Horsey, is an idyllic coastal escape.
The cottage is in a wonderful location close to one of Norfolk's largest and most accessible seal colonies. As well as being just a few minutes away from Horsey's beautiful sandy beach, with car park, Horsey Mere on the Norfolk Broads is also close by with its iconic National Trust wind pump. Horsey is known worldwide for its diverse wildlife and nature conservation.
This cosy semi-detached house is the perfect place to come on holiday, relax, explore all the local beaches and enjoy this special unspoilt part of Norfolk. Nearby, from Horsey Staithe, there is a wonderful 'wildlife' boat trip taking you out onto Horsey Mere (April - October). Day boats can also be hired locally.
The cottage has an open-plan kitchen and dining area with a warm yet modern feel. The kitchen is well set up for cooking. Do venture out to pick up some seafood/catch of the day from Hirst’s Farm-shop/ Fishmongers in nearby Ormesby. The cottage has a spacious yet cosy sitting room with a woodburner, plenty of logs and shelves with games, DVDs and books. In both the sitting room and kitchen/breakfast room there is a freeview TV with a built in DVD player. Downstairs there is also a shower room with w/c. Upstairs there are 2 double bedrooms with king size beds, both with good quality mattresses and built in cupboards. The twin bedroom with matching single beds has a chest of drawers. There is also a bathroom with overhead shower attachment.
As well as having a woodburner stove, the cottage is central heated and double glazed throughout so very cosy all year round. It has a large fully enclosed garden. There is also a spacious 'walk in' open covered area ideal for bicycles. At the front there is ample off-street parking for 2 cars.
Horsey coastline is a designated 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. The area is renowned world wide for its diverse wildlife, conservation and rare birds. This is where the European Crane first settled after 400 years of absence in the UK. As well as being popular for bird watchers, remarkably Horsey also has one of the largest and most accessible seal colonies. Last winter there was a record number of seals (over 3,000 seal pups) born on or close to Horsey Gap beach.
From the peaceful cottage garden there are wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and the cranes are often heard or seen flying over, as are a number of other rare birds.
Also from the cottage, there are various footpaths perfect for dog walking. If you walk along the coast you are likely to have a wonderful close view of the seals. Please note that during the seal breeding season (end October - February) viewing is from the sand dunes so as not to disturb the seals or their pups during this important time. Dogs can come too but must please be kept on leads. Dogs are welcome on Horsey beach apart from during this time.
There is a great longer circular walk (1hr45) (right next to the cottage) taking you past the infamous Brograve Mill, Horsey Mere, the iconic National Trust Horsey Windpump and then back along the stunning sandy beach/dunes of Horsey beach.
Horsey has its own pub, The Nelson Head known for its great fish and chips - (and featured as a top 10 in Norfolk in both the Norfolk Magazine - 4th best cosy pub and in The Eastern Daily Press for being one of the most dog friendly). There is also a popular café, Poppylands, a short walk from the cottage. Winterton-on-Sea, with a it’s long sandy beach and Seal view café, is another great coastal destination being just a short drive away. In the other direction is Sea Palling which is normally busier but well worth a family trip.
Great for a beach holiday, for keen wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, birdwatchers, cyclists and walkers. So many wonderful walks and good places to stop off for a bite to eat en-route.
TRAVEL DISTANCES : Norwich Airport 24 miles away
Norwich station 24 miles
Acle station 12 miles
Great Yarmouth 13 miles
Winterton-on sea 5 miles
Sea Palling 3 miles
Cromer 25 miles
Norfolk Broads - Horsey Mere - very close by.
Hickling Broad 7.5 miles.
