November 4th 2015: Norfolk: Hunstanton 1

Monty the Motorhome is tucked in amongst a small number of other motorhomes in the ‘Touring’ area of Searles Leisure Resort, at the seaside town of Hunstanton.

We woke to rain this morning and had an unpleasant drive from Sandringham, albeit that Hunstanton is only a few miles away.

On arrival we were a little concerned as the campsite appeared to be a massive area of statics and chalets. However part of the complex is given over to Tourers and we had a decent sized pitch, divided off from others by hedging, with hook up, mains water and grey waste disposal all on the pitch. The price also includes full use of the indoor heated pool, sauna and whirlpool spa.

Being out of season there was no problem turning up at just after 11.00am (normally it’s not before 2.00pm), meaning we were all settled with lunch comfortably digesting by the time the rain stopped at 1.00pm.

The site is right by the sea, where there is a wide promenade that forms the sea wall stretching southwards from Hunstanton town centre. We walked along part of it, enjoying the ambience of an out of season English seaside town. Holiday homes all boarded up, just a few couples ambling about, fun-fairs and fast food outlets all closed down, and a general air of dereliction. Doesn’t really sound too promising does it. However there is something strangely nice about all this, and we feel it is far better being here now than in the ‘kiss me quick’ height of summer tourism.

The promenade - this was about as busy as it got. Hunstanton town is in the very far distance. 

By mid afternoon we were back at the site and went to the leisure pool. A quick swim, then into the whirlpool spa (which seemed broken as there was no whirls, just hot water), before a few minutes in the sauna.

Evening meal was taken at one of the site’s food outlets - Smokey Joe’s. The name turned out to be better than the food, which was okay, but not memorable. Canned soup and steaks that should have been a bit thicker and juicier. 

However, despite the last comments, we have enjoyed today. So much so that we’ve booked another night tomorrow. Okay the setting may not be quiet and rural, but it is no bad thing to mix it up occasionally.