Norfolk


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Nestled in an unspoiled corner of north-west Norfolk, Thornham is filled with flint cottages and edged by atmospheric marshes and a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach. Though it’s a magnet for ramblers, photographers, artists, foodies, twitchers – and the odd celebrity – it’s still incredibly peaceful. The village dates back to the Romans and Anglo-Saxons, and during the days of the Lawless Coast in the 18th and 19th centuries smuggling gangs would visit its creeks to offload wool, tea and tobacco.&nbsp;Today, fewer than 500 people call it home, but its thriving community vibe defies its size. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Thornham-Deli.jpg" alt="Thornham Deli Norfolk" class="wp-image-43551" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Thornham-Deli.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Thornham-Deli-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Thornham-Deli-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Thornham-Deli-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Thornham Deli</figcaption></figure>



<p>We are not exaggerating when we say Thornham is a mecca for foodies. Let&#8217;s start with its line-up of fab country pubs. Overlooking the salt marshes, the historic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lifeboatinnthornham.com">Lifeboat Inn</a> plates up local seafood, top-notch pub fare and sourdough pizzas (as well as a kids menu). Locals also love&nbsp;<a href="https://theorangetreethornham.co.uk/">The Orange Tree</a>, a family-run pub and hotel where delights like posh fish and chips, with tempura cod cheek and salt and vinegar croquettes, set it apart from the crowd.</p>



<p>Locals and visitors also flock to the trés chic&nbsp;<a href="https://thornhamdeli.co.uk/">Thornham Deli</a> to raid the delights of the delicatessen, but also to pick up a latte to go, stock up on lifestyle goodies or nab a table at the restaurant (and tuck into its famous brekkies or fresh seafood). Much of Thornham’s recent gastro revolution comes down to&nbsp;<a href="https://droveorchards.com/">Drove Orchards</a>, whose foodie credentials frequently draws in celeb diners. Fill your bags at&nbsp;<a href="https://droveorchardsfarmshop.com/">Drove Orchards Farm Shop</a>, stop for a sweet treat at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eastcoastgelato.co.uk/">East Coast Gelato</a>, PYO apples from its 40 acres of orchards, and pick up a Brancaster lobster for tea at <a href="https://www.gurneysfishshop.co.uk/index.php">Gurneys Fish Shop</a>&nbsp;and smokehouse.</p>



<p>That is, of course, if you haven’t been tempted by another trip to <a href="https://www.ericsfishandchips.com/">Eric’s Fish and Chips</a> (which got the thumbs up from food critic Giles Coren). Created by top chef Eric Snaith, it serves up the classics, as well as the likes of battered gherkins, arancini and black pudding fritters. It’s next door to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ericspizza.co.uk/">Eric’s Pizza</a> where you can dine in its round yurt on antipasti and artisanal pizzas.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/Bar_DSF1966.jpg" alt="The bar at The Gin Trap" class="wp-image-57161" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/Bar_DSF1966.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/Bar_DSF1966-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/Bar_DSF1966-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Gin Trap</figcaption></figure>



<p>Thornham’s neighbouring towns and villages are equally as foodie. Chef Eric is also behind&nbsp;<a href="https://titchwellmanor.com/">Titchwell Manor</a>, a gorgeous boutique hotel just five mins by car &#8211; its The Conservatory gets a nod in the Michelin guide. Elsewhere, country pub&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thegintrapinn.co.uk/">The Gin Trap</a>&nbsp;in Ringstead is a must-visit (just under 10 mins away), along with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk/">The White Horse</a>&nbsp;at Brancaster Staithe (book a spot in the marshside marquee). And if you’re in the mood for Michelin, you’re fewer than 10 mins away from the one-star&nbsp;<a href="https://theneptune.co.uk/">The Neptune</a>&nbsp;in Hunstanton, and 40 mins in the other direction to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.morstonhall.com/">Morston Hall</a> and <a href="https://www.meadowsweetholt.com">Meadowsweet</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1430" height="1114" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/278563216_377297797741509_5427809824845524855_n_ef818251-f334-4fcb-9ef1-9a1888d21978.jpg" alt="Nelle DK Scandi style fashion boutique Thornham Norfolk" class="wp-image-57675" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/278563216_377297797741509_5427809824845524855_n_ef818251-f334-4fcb-9ef1-9a1888d21978.jpg 1430w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/278563216_377297797741509_5427809824845524855_n_ef818251-f334-4fcb-9ef1-9a1888d21978-800x623.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/278563216_377297797741509_5427809824845524855_n_ef818251-f334-4fcb-9ef1-9a1888d21978-1000x779.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/278563216_377297797741509_5427809824845524855_n_ef818251-f334-4fcb-9ef1-9a1888d21978-768x598.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1430px) 100vw, 1430px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nelle DK</figcaption></figure>



<p>From handcrafted tableware to fashion finds, we reckon Thornham Deli will quickly become your go-to. You can even book an interior design appointment here for your new pad.&nbsp;Back at Drove Orchards, there’s indie clothing store&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nelle-dk.co.uk/">Nelle DK</a> for handpicked Scandinavian clothes, shoes and accessories. And the kids aren’t forgotten – refresh their wardrobe and toy box at local gem&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nippersofnorfolk.co.uk/">Nippers of Norfolk</a>. When it comes to decorating, gallery and framers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.finelineframes.co.uk/">ARTSTAR</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ciderbarnvintage/?locale=en_GB">Trove Vintage and Antiques</a>, the newest additions to Drove Orchards, are well worth a visit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Despite Thornham&#8217;s size, there are great facilities here for locals – a footie pitch for sporty sorts, cricket and tennis clubs,&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barnetts-hair.co.uk/">Barnetts</a>&nbsp;hairdressers for all your grooming needs. While the closest doctors, opticians and pharmacy are just down the road, a 4 min drive away in sunny Hunny.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://thornhamvillagehall.co.uk">village hall</a> is the hub of the community which has so much on offer from film screenings and exhibitions to exercise classes and talks you can even hold your wedding reception there.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Thornham-Beach.jpg" alt="Thornham Beach" class="wp-image-43550" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Thornham-Beach.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Thornham-Beach-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Thornham-Beach-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Thornham-Beach-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Thornham Beach</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you love a leg stretching dose of vitamin D, there&#8217;s not shortage of walks on your doorstep. Explore the salt marshes and sand flats and don’t miss stunning Thornham Staithe, which, with its old coal barn and fishing boats, is about as quintessentially Norfolk as it gets. Pack the binoculars, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walk-3640-description">circular walk</a>&nbsp;around the village – listed as one of the best UK winter beach walks by <em>The</em> <em>Sunday Times</em> – takes you to Norfolk Wildlife Trust&#8217;s <a href="https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-in-norfolk/nature-reserves/reserves/holme-dunes">Holme Dunes</a>, where The Wash meets the North Sea, meaning it’s a magnet for migrating birds. It&#8217;s also just two miles away from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/titchwell-marsh/">RSPB nature reserve at Titchwell Marsh</a>.</p>



<p>Can’t get enough of sand between your toes? Head for Brancaster, Hunstanton, Holkham and Heacham, some of the best beaches in the country (<em>The Times</em> put Brancaster and Holkham in its top 50 beaches for 2023). For a day trip fit for royalty, there’s also the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sandringhamestate.co.uk/">Sandringham Estate</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.holkham.co.uk/">Holkham Estate</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.houghtonhall.com/">Houghton Hall</a>&nbsp;within easy reach. And if you fancy a family-friendly day by the sea, complete with candy floss and a spin on the 2p machines, lively Hunstanton is just the ticket.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>The pretty&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thornhamvillagehall.co.uk/">village hall</a>&nbsp;is the place to be for cinema and theatre screenings as well as art exhibitions.&nbsp;Then it’s a quick hop down the road to Hunstanton, where the&nbsp;<a href="https://princesshunstanton.co.uk/">Princess Theatre</a>&nbsp;and cinema (don’t miss the sea views from its terrace bar) has a programme crammed with comedy, shows and gigs. Or head to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wellsmaltings.org.uk/">Wells Maltings</a>, which is 25 mins along the coast and is home to a state-of-the-art theatre, cinema and modern art gallery. Closer to home, spin by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thegaragestudionorfolk.co.uk/">The Garage Studio Art Gallery</a>&nbsp;in Ringstead, or book a viewing at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.artnorfolk.co.uk/holme-next-the-sea-norfolk.html">Norfolk Fine Art</a>&nbsp;in Holme.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>You gonna need deep pockets, overall average house prices come n at £1,181,250. On average, terraced properties sell for £680,001 and detached £1,348,333.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/THORNHAM.jpeg" alt="house for sale in Thornham in Norfolk" class="wp-image-54835" style="aspect-ratio:1.4992503748125936;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/THORNHAM.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/THORNHAM-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/THORNHAM-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A historic, Grade II listed Bell Tower in the heart of the village. <a href="https://www.sowerbys.com/properties/19185890/sales#/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £1.15m</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries"><strong>NURSERIES</strong></h2>



<p>Hunstanton’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.firststepshunstanton.co.uk/">First Steps Nursery</a>&nbsp;– rated Good by Ofsted – is 10 mins away in the car, while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heachaminfant.co.uk/">Heacham Infant and Nursery School</a>&nbsp;– also rated Good – is a 15 min drive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools"><strong>SCHOOLS</strong></h2>



<p>Take your pick of nearby primaries, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stmaryfederation.co.uk/brancaster">Brancaster Primary</a>&nbsp;in the neighbouring village, Heacham Infant and Junior,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.snettishamprimary.co.uk/">Snettisham Primary</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.hunstantonprimaryschool.co.uk/">Hunstanton Primary</a>, all of which are rated Good by Ofsted. The closest private school is&nbsp;<a href="https://glebehouseschool.co.uk/">Glebe House School</a>&nbsp;and Nursery in Hunstanton (10 mins by car) – that&#8217;s for under 13s, and has boarding options.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greshams.com/">Gresham’s</a>&nbsp;in Holt (with senior, <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/greshams-prep-school-holt-norfolk-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prep, pre-prep and nursery</a>) is a 45 min drive away. And when it comes to sixth forms,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fakenhamacademynorfolk.org/">Fakenham Academy</a>&nbsp;– rated Good – is just under half an hour drive, while fellow Good school&nbsp;<a href="https://www.springwoodhighschool.co.uk/">Springwood High</a>&nbsp;in Lynn is just over 30 mins.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The area is becoming a bit of a go-to for celebs – funnyman Jack Whitehall recently tucked into Eric’s Fish and Chips in Thornham, while Hollywood hunk Tom Hardy picked up a pizza in nearby Burnham Deepdale last summer. And <em>Happy Valley</em> actor James Norton has been known to kick off his New Year with a dip in the North Norfolk sea and we know Kate and Wills are often popping by.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>The beauty of living in Thornham is that it’s off the beaten path, but it’s not disconnected by any means. It’s just over an hour to Norwich and about 40 mins to King’s Lynn, which – whether by road, rail or coach –&nbsp;&nbsp;is well-connected to London (about 2 hrs by train).</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live">Top 300 Best Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Thornham

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