Sheringham, Norfolk is a picturesque seaside town brimming with traditional charm, sweeping sea views, and unique local character. Sheringham is one of the first towns I went to on my first trip to the UK back in the 1980s, as it was not far from where my relatives lived in Norfolk.  This really is a charming town, and its character is further enhanced by houses built and covered in flint stone. It is also on the North Sea, so wild windy days are common. It makes a great base for coastal walks in north Norfolk and looks out to the North Sea.  If you love coastal walks, unusual architecture, or a bit of rural English history, Sheringham will make a great day, or few days out, for you.

You can go by train to Sheringham, with a regular service running from Norwich.

The Flint-Stone Homes of Sheringham

One of the first things you notice when you arrive there is the distinctive look of many of its homes and buildings. Unlike the red bricks or thatched roofs you might expect in rural England, Sheringham proudly showcases houses decorated with flint stones — a hallmark of Norfolk’s vernacular architecture.

Flint is a naturally occurring stone and is abundant along the chalk cliffs and fields of Norfolk. It has been used for centuries in local building. These glistening, grey-black stones are embedded into lime mortar or used in intricate patterns to create beautiful, durable walls. In Sheringham, this tradition is alive and well, lending the town a timeless, coastal charm. Some homes are fully clad in flint, while others combine it with red brick trim for a contrasting decorative flourish.

Coastal Walk to Weybourne Tower Windmill

You can take in Sheringham’s natural beauty by walking the coastal path west towards Weybourne. This well-trodden stretch of the Norfolk Coast Path offers fantastic views of the North Sea, heather-covered clifftops, and the occasional steam train chugging along the heritage North Norfolk Railway line.

After roughly 3 miles of scenic walking, you’ll spot the distinctive silhouette of Weybourne Tower Windmill, a five-storey brick tower that has stood watch over the coastline since 1850. Originally built to grind grain for the local community, the windmill was once part of a wider complex including a bakery and granary. Though the sails have long since disappeared, the tower remains an impressive landmark against the rural skyline.

The Windmill Today

Weybourne Tower Windmill is now a private holiday home, restored with care and creativity. While it’s not open for public tours, it’s a scenic landmark worth the walk, with sweeping views across farmland and sea.

Map: Walking Route from Sheringham to Weybourne

Route: Start at Sheringham Seafront → Walk west on the Norfolk Coast Path → Pass through Beeston Bump (a viewpoint) → Continue to Weybourne village → View the Windmill

📍 Link to Google Map Walk Route

If you can’t face the walk both way, you can take the steam train (North Norfolk Railway) from Sheringham to Weybourne in one direction.

Places to Eat in Sheringham

• The Sheringham Trawler – Classic fish and chips, takeaway or sit-in.
• The Sitting Room – Great for brunch and local coffee in a quirky vintage setting.
• North at Burlington – Modern British Cuisine, Healthy.

Where to Stay

• Hooray Henry’s Sheringham – Stylish B&B in a Victorian townhouse, close to the coast.
• The Two Lifeboats – A 300-year-old inn on the seafront with pub dining and lovely rooms.
• YHA Sheringham – A budget-friendly option for walkers, families, or solo travellers.

Don’t Miss: Sheringham Park

Before or after your windmill walk, visit Sheringham Park, a National Trust estate with woodlands, rhododendrons, and viewing towers. Designed by landscape gardener Humphry Repton, it offers one of the best panoramic views of the Norfolk coastline.

Final Thoughts

Sheringham is a coastal treasure — full of personality, colour, and stories. From its flint-stone buildings to the peaceful trail leading to a historic windmill, every detail invites you to slow down and take it all in.