A video shared on TikTok has highlighted the charms of Sheringham, a traditional seaside town on the North Norfolk coast that one visitor described as a place 'where time slowed down'.
The town, with a population of 7,100 according to the 2021 census, sits just an hour's drive north of Norwich. It offers an award-winning beach, historic attractions, independent shops, local food, and scenic walks.
The longest chalk reef in the world
Offshore, the Cromer Shoal Chalk Reef runs along the coast and is described by North Norfolk tourism authorities as the longest chalk reef in the world, stretching for around 20 miles.
Despite its modest size, visitors often say they feel as though they have stepped back in time upon arriving in the town.
A traditional seaside experience
Sheringham's Blue Flag beach is a major draw, with a long promenade, colourful beach huts, and space to enjoy the coastline. At low tide, patches of sand appear between the pebbles, and the rocky shoreline is ideal for rock pooling. The town has a more traditional seaside feel than some of Britain's busier resorts, with fishing boats, cafés, and independent shops lining the streets rather than large amusement attractions.
One of the town's best-known attractions is the North Norfolk Railway, also known as the Poppy Line. This heritage railway runs between Sheringham and Holt, taking passengers through the Norfolk countryside on restored historic trains, adding to the town's nostalgic charm.
A fishing town at heart
Sheringham's roots as a fishing village remain visible today, with small fishing boats still operating from the town's slopes and crab and lobster among the local catches. Sheringham Museum explores the town's past, with collections covering fishing, farming, local life, the lifeboat service, and fossils from the surrounding coastline.
The TikTok video, posted by a woman who described the town as 'a cosy seaside town where time slows down', showed colourful cottages, the fresh sea breeze, and the sound of waves. The footage opened with a woman in a blue dress and sunhat strolling along the platform at the train station, filmed from inside a vintage train. It also showed the high street decorated with colourful bunting, a procession of older women dancing through the town centre, and visitors enjoying the beach despite grey skies.
Viewers responded positively in the comments, with one person writing: "I love Britain one of my favourite countries." Another said: "This is not just a video. It's like opening up to a brand new dimension of extraordinary power!"
