A beloved seaside town renowned for its beautiful beaches has also been crowned the top location in the UK for fish and chips. The Victorian coastal resort of Hunstanton, located in Norfolk, boasts the only west-facing beach along England's East coast, offering visitors spectacular uninterrupted views of sunsets over the sea.
Hunstanton's Fish and Chips Recognition
Hunstanton has been named the number one destination in the United Kingdom for fish and chips, based on chip shop density, quality, and seafront presence, according to The Eastern Daily Press. The resort currently features eight dedicated fish and chip shops scattered around the town.
Councillor Sue Lintern, cabinet member for culture and events at the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, commented on the area's standout features. The Independent Partnership councillor stated: "Perched on the north-western corner of the beautiful borough of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, its location benefits from stunning beaches, proximity to open countryside, all the fun of a seaside town and, of course, fabulous sunsets."
Attractions and Entertainment
Cllr Lintern added that the resort offers plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained. "In the town itself, Hunstanton boasts traditional seaside amusements alongside award-winning parks, and visitors can enjoy regular entertainments from bandstand music to the crazy Soapbox Derby," she said.
On the subject of the town being a haven for the nation's favourite dish, Cllr Lintern remarked: "A trip to the seaside wouldn't be complete without that great British staple, fish and chips. And as Hunstanton is one of Norfolk's top resorts, it is no surprise to us to learn that it also has top fish and chips."
History and Landmarks
The West Norfolk town also boasts a fascinating past, with prehistoric roots and evidence of settlers dating back to the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age. In more recent history, the resort took shape when Henry Le Strange spotted a growing trend for sea bathing in the 1840s. Le Strange had the vision to turn an undeveloped stretch of his estate into a seaside retreat.
There are numerous captivating historic landmarks to discover, though the most striking is the ruins of St Edmund's Chapel. Built in 1272 in honour of St Edmund, King of East Anglia, the ruins feature a stone archway and a stunning panorama of the North Sea.
Today, Hunstanton is split into two distinct areas: New Hunstanton, where the thriving resort sits, and Old Hunstanton, a charming historic village. The town boasts a wide array of attractions, from the cutting-edge Sea Life aquarium, which houses over 2,000 creatures, to the vibrant Rainbow Park fairground, ideal for a family outing.
Beaches and Natural Wonders
The town boasts two main beaches, one being Old Hunstanton beach, which showcases the geological marvel of red and white striped cliffs extending for nearly a mile. These cliffs provide the ideal setting for rock pooling and fossil hunting. The main Hunstanton beach, situated in the town centre, is flanked by arcades and funfairs. When the tide retreats, the haunting shipwreck of the Sheraton emerges, with the remains of the 1907 steam trawler's metal hull visible from the shoreline.
Entertainment and Events
For entertainment, the Princess Theatre stages weekly pantomimes, live music performances, and magic shows suitable for all the family. The theatrical venue also features a new sunset bar offering stunning views of the renowned sunset, where you can unwind with a drink during the interval. The Green is also a wonderful spot in the heart of Hunstanton, home to the statue of Henry Le Strange and playing host to numerous music events in a central gazebo. On July 12, the Green is hosting an outdoor cinema screening of recent releases.
