10 Reasons Why Visiting Norfolk in Autumn Rivals Summer

24 September 2018

Autumn is here and the tinkly notes of the last ice cream van have faded beyond the horizon. How sad. It was so hot, like what, two weeks ago!? Now the trees are changing, and the first cases of goose bumps are around. Oh no…

…oh well, that’s seasons for you. At Searles we say, bring on autumn – it’s a strong contender for our favourite time of year.

True, summer is hotter, (usually) less rainy and windy – but unless you’re a lizard, dissolvable or light enough to be blown away, that’s fine. Especially since autumn offers a holiday experience that summer can’t – read on.

Norfolk doesn’t close in autumn, nor do we. All is alive and kicking.

In fact, after reading our 10 reasons below, you’ll understand why visiting Norfolk for a family holiday in autumn rivals summer. For some it may even be better.

Bring a jumper though…

1. Empty Beaches

Norfolk genuinely has some of the UK’s best beaches. So, although lovely, they can become a little chaotic in summer. Come autumn, the crowds have disappeared.

You can swap sunbathing for a refreshing walk along a peaceful beach, and afterwards a hot chocolate from a local café. Or for thriftiness, your own flask.

Or you could go for a swim...Brrrr

2. Beautiful Autumn Colours

This is an obvious one.

Norfolk is lucky to have a variety of parks and woodlands that showcase the flaming colours of autumn perfectly. Remember your camera, because there will be many “wish I’d brought…” moments otherwise.

Plus, walking in autumn is invigorating. Whereas walking in summer can be sweaty and frazzling.

Read this Eastern Daily Press blog for inspiration – “Guide to the best places in Norfolk to see autumn leaves in colourful glory”.

3. Autumn is UK Surf Season

Storms forming over the ocean create powerful swells, making autumn the best season for UK surfing.

Historically most surfers travelled to the South West for their expeditions. Cornwall is still a popular destination, for those in the know, however there are other hot spots around the country.

One of these is North Norfolk. When the waves arrive, places like Cromer and Sheringham become surf havens.

If you, or any of your family fancy learning to surf there’s a surf school in Cromer – a brilliant highlight to a North Norfolk family holiday.

4. Autumn is the Best Time for Seals

Seals are funny, cute, mysterious and one of our favourite animals.

At Searles we love them. Our name is almost “seals”, and we even run seal sea tours. We’re fortunate to be on the Wash, an area of the North Norfolk coast with one of the largest seal colonies in the UK.

Before pupping starts in winter, seals head to the beaches, making autumn a brilliant time to see them lazing about. In Norfolk the seal population is booming, and it’s magical for kids (and adults) to watch them in the wild.

5. Quieter Family Attractions

Have you ever thought, when turning up somewhere on a summer bank holiday “hmmm, it’s us and the rest of the world..."

You’re not alone – all parents will have been thinking the same.

Norfolk is packed with family friendly attractions, that are just as fun on a crisp, dry autumn day – only not as busy.

For ideas, visit please click here.

6. Halloween Celebrations

Norfolk is an atmospheric place to celebrate Halloween, with its salt marshes, huge stately homes and ancient woodlands. We won’t say it’s scary though! Or you’ll not visit.

This Halloween there’s an abundance of exciting events for kids and adults alike all over Norfolk. At Searles we recommend “Trick or Tweet” at Pensthorpe and “Halloween at Holkham”. Both include pumpkin carving and sweet eating.

Whilst you could carve a pumpkin in summer, giving a vegetable a spooky face on any day other than October the 31^st might be classed as “worrying”.

7. Bonfire Night & Fireworks

We’ll be honest, in Norfolk we have a fireworks addiction. Any excuse for a display, and we’ll take it. So, you can imagine how serious bonfire night is for us.

Dressing up warm, seeing the sky filled with colourful explosions and writing our names with sparklers is what autumn is all about.

There are many fireworks displays to choose from in Norfolk come bonfire night. At Searles we have amazing fireworks on our doorstep. Hunstanton Bonfire Night is one of the biggest and best in North Norfolk and not be missed. (It’s so fun we’ve made it a special break at Searles).

8. Indoorsy Things More Appealing

In the middle of a baking summer, it can be a relief to be inside. Although part of us feels guilty doing it. It’s British thing – if the sun is out we must be in it, dawn till dusk. Or until lobstered.

In autumn these feelings don’t exist. When the wind howls, and rain lashes – there’s nothing better than taking shelter and getting soaked with history instead. Norfolk is full of wonderful museums and indoorsy things for kids.

For inspiration – check out Visit Norfolk’s Things to Do in Norfolk if it Rains blog.

9. The Migrating Birds

You may have no interest in birds at all. Some people don’t. Know you’ll be missing out though, because autumn is the start of the big migration. Many species on their way south stop (or end) their journey in the wetlands and coastal marshes of Norfolk.

Norfolk is right up there with the best birdwatching spots in the UK, and Snettisham Nature Reserve is where you want to be.

At Snettisham it’s possible to see hundreds of thousands of wading birds in one place. These mega flocks often take off at once, when pushed by the inbound tides, filling the heavens in a colossal feathery plume.

10. Off-season Holiday Deals

The demand for Norfolk holidays is enormous in summer, and then suddenly – poof – it disappears. Or that’s what most leisure resorts experience anyway.

Not at Searles! Searles doesn’t sleep – there are happy families holidaying with us year-round. Norfolk may be quiet in autumn, but here, the party carries on.

Why? Because our holiday offers are too good to pass up. Summer, autumn, winter, spring – it doesn’t matter, you’ll find a super affordable family holiday offer.

See the Searles autumn offers below and take your pick. Don’t hang around though! Our autumn breaks are popular and go like hot cakes. Thanks for reading!