As our readers know, we love Norfolk. We spent two fabulous summers based in Hemsby, exploring all the attractions and sights in the area. Hemsby is quite unique in that one minute you can be in splendidly silent isolation walking on the beach … and the next minute you can have the sensory overload of the sounds and flashing lights of amusement arcades.
Our time in Hemsby was based at Long Beach Camping and Touring Site … our beloved Betsy touring caravan spent two summers on a seasonal pitch here. Alas, the children outgrew the caravan and it was sold just before lockdown kicked in. We haven’t replaced her – maybe we will one day with a motorhome – so our visits now rely on finding good dog-friendly self-catering accommodation. Richardson’s Holiday Park, located right in the heart of Hemsby, has a range of accommodations and many facilities, including a heated indoor pool. It’s a great base from which to explore the area.
When you visit Hemsby, here’s 5 things we think you should do …
The Beach
The beach at Hemsby is amazing – and vast. Backed by impressive dunes, the beach is a great place for a walk, a picnic, to fly kites, to fish, to build sandcastles … Because the beach is so large, it never gets busy, especially if you head a little way north towards Winterton. If you are lucky – and we often were – you’ll see seals in the sea bobbing up and down close to the shore … if you are walking, they often swim along with you, checking you out!
Hemsby Karting Centre
Oh the fun we’ve had at the Hemsby Karting Centre! Well, not so much for Millie-Mae as she crashed at full speed into a pile of tyres … we still don’t know why she did that! She laughs about it now, but I have to be honest and say I’m a little worried that in 3 years’ time she’ll be old enough for real driving lessons. Gulp.
The karting track is suitably challenging, and long enough for a good race. The karts can go rather fast too. Great fun!
Lost World Adventure Themed Mini Golf
If you want something a little slower paced to the karts, then literally across the road you’ll find the Lost World Adventure Themed Mini Golf – Jurassic Park meets Indiana Jones! There’s 9 entertaining and challenging holes to conquer.
Amusement Arcades
Hemsby has some of the most addictive amusement arcades we’ve ever visited. Save all your 2 pence coins for the machines. You are rewarded in tickets, and over a summer we’d collect 1000s of them. On one memorable visit, we scooped the pool with some of the grab machines …
Hollywood Diner
This red and white American-themed diner is a great place to stop for a drink and snack. We love the décor, and their ice cream is pretty good too!
