Attractions and Places To See around Paston - Top 20

Paston and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit Happisburgh Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in East Anglia, built in 1790. Another significant site is St Margaret's Church, known for its original wall paintings, impressive family tombs, and connections to the historic Paston family letters. The Paston Great Barn is also part of a scenic circular walk exploring the Paston homestead.

Yes, the region offers several natural highlights. You can enjoy delightful strolls along Sidestrand and Trimingham Cliffs, which offer sweeping views of the coast and North Sea and are a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area also features Mundesley Beach, a long sandy beach perfect for relaxation.

The area boasts numerous walking opportunities. The Paston Way is a 22-mile walking trail connecting Cromer and North Walsham, allowing you to discover beautiful medieval churches and coastal views. There's also a 4-mile circular walk exploring Paston church and the Paston Great Barn, with opportunities to spot local wildlife. For more structured routes, you can find various running trails around Paston, including moderate loops like the Stow Mill – Mundesley Beach Huts loop. You can explore these routes further on the Running Trails around Paston guide.

Absolutely. Happisburgh Lighthouse is a fascinating visit for all ages. Mundesley Beach Huts and the sandy beach provide a classic seaside experience. The East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens are also family-friendly, offering diverse garden 'rooms' to explore. Additionally, a shorter, family-friendly walking route is available near the Paston Great Barn, which includes a playpark.

For a traditional seaside experience, head to Mundesley. This village features colored beach huts, a long sandy beach, various eateries, and a pub, making it a popular spot for holidaymakers. The Mundesley Beach Huts are a particularly iconic sight.

Yes, the East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens are a must-see. These 32-acre modern gardens contain a wide variety of 'rooms,' including herbaceous borders, gravel gardens, sub-tropical gardens, a box parterre, a sunken rose garden, a Mediterranean garden, a Desert Wash, and a large woodland garden. They also have two tea rooms for refreshments.

Cyclists can find a variety of routes in the area. For road cycling, options include the Two Rivers Cycle Route from Bacton to Sea Palling, or longer loops like the Happisburgh Lighthouse – Sea Palling Beach loop. Mountain biking trails are also available, such as the route along the North Walsham Canal to Bacton Wood. You can find detailed information on these and more in the Road Cycling Routes around Paston guide and the MTB Trails around Paston guide.

Yes, there are options for refreshments. The Kingfisher Cafe & Ice Cream Parlour is highly recommended for snacks, meals, and ice cream. Mundesley village, near the beach, also offers various eateries and a pub. The East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens have two tea rooms serving cakes and lunches.

The Paston Way is a significant 22-mile walking trail that connects Cromer and North Walsham. It allows visitors to explore beautiful medieval churches, some of which were moved brick by brick from cliff tops to save them from the sea. The walk meanders through quiet lanes, picturesque towns, vast arable fields, and provides views of the North Sea, with chances to spot seals on beach stretches. An extended trail covers 29.5 miles to visit all 14 churches. More details can be found on Visit North Norfolk.

On walks around Paston, particularly on the circular route near the Paston Great Barn, you might spot kestrels, peregrine falcons, and deer. The coastal areas, such as the Paston Way, also offer chances to see seals on beach stretches.

Sidestrand and Trimingham Cliffs are special due to their stunning clifftop footpath, offering sweeping views of the coast and North Sea. They are also a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, rich in invertebrate fossils dating back to the late Cretaceous period, making them interesting for both nature lovers and those with an interest in geology.

The East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens are typically open from March until October, making these months the best time to visit and enjoy the full bloom and variety of their extensive garden 'rooms'.