Pictures of Thornham
in the county of Norfolk
About Thornham
This is an area renowned for its wild marshes inhabited by a rich variance of bird life, thus Thornham draws to its shores a goodly share of ornithologists who come to see the amazing wildlife of the region. The pretty coastline is further celebrated as a magnet for artists anxious to commit the charm and quiet beauty of this old coastal village to canvas.
Historically, in the 18th and 19th centuries, Thornham's coast was the haunt of smugglers and many a bold venture is said to have been planned in the Old Lifeboat Inn which in those days was a favourite watering hole for the smuggling fraternity. These days, the inn provides a comfortable, atmospheric place for visitors to sample the hospitality of the house whilst enjoying lovely marshland scenery.
Thornham offers a quieter alternative to the larger resort of Hunstanton which is around four miles away. Here you can soak up a calm, quiet atmosphere amongst a wealth of natural beauty. There are secluded sandy beaches, ideal for a gentle swim or for simply lazing watching the too and 'fro of the tide. In the soft pink wide Norfolk skies above the beach you can often witness the mass invasion of hundreds and thousands of migratory birds making for the safe haven of Titchwell Marsh some two miles away. This twice yearly migration usually takes place in Spring and Autumn when the reserve offers the unique opportunity to see ducks, waders, geese and other seabirds in close proximity.
There is much around here to interest the visitor, the nearby inland village of Docking has old village stocks and an ancient lock-up, it also has a historic connections with the Zulu war. George Smith, the son of a local resident went to Natal as a chaplain in 1871, he later played a prominent part in the defence of Rorkes Drift.
For entertainment there are nearby golf courses, theatre, a sea-life centre and plenty of pubs. Yachting and windsurfing are popular, and should you wish to extend your stay there is plenty of accommodation including bed and breakfast, self catering cottages, caravan parks, guest houses and hotels.
Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.
Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner
Recommended attractions near Thornham
| Holkham Hall | (9.4 miles, 15.1 km, direction E) | Pictures |
| Sandringham House | (9.7 miles, 15.7 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Wells & Walsingham Light Railway | (11.7 miles, 18.9 km, direction E) | Pictures |
| Castle Rising Castle | (12.6 miles, 20.2 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Binham Priory | (15.3 miles, 24.7 km, direction E) | Pictures |
| Tales of the Old Gaol House | (16.4 miles, 26.4 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Castle Acre Priory | (18.3 miles, 29.4 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Castle Acre Castle | (18.4 miles, 29.7 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Fantasy Island | (18.6 miles, 30.0 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Freiston Shore Nature Reserve | (20.9 miles, 33.6 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| Stody Lodge Gardens | (21.8 miles, 35.1 km, direction E) | Pictures |
| The Butterfly & Wildlife Park | (22.3 miles, 35.9 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Bishop Bonner's Cottage | (24.8 miles, 39.9 km, direction SE) | Pictures |
| Manor House Museum | (26.7 miles, 42.9 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
All attractions in ThornhamAll attractions in NorfolkComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandRecommended towns near Thornham
Brancaster Staithe, in the county of Norfolk (3.9 miles, 6.3 km, direction E)
Brancaster Staithe enjoys an enviable position on the north Norfolk coast. It is an enchanting place where the pace of life is...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Hunstanton, in the county of Norfolk (4.0 miles, 6.5 km, direction SW)
Hunstanton was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1087 when it would have been little more than a settlement.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Heacham, in the county of Norfolk (5.2 miles, 8.4 km, direction SW)
At the heart of Norfolk's Lavender growing industry lies the pretty seaside village of Heacham.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Burnham Market, a Picturesque Village in the county of Norfolk (6.2 miles, 10.0 km, direction E)
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Burnham Overy Staithe, in the county of Norfolk (6.8 miles, 11.0 km, direction E)
Lying on the broad expanse between Hunstanton and Stiffkey Marshes, is the delightful sailing village of Burnham Overy Staithe from which there are spectacular views towards Scolt Head Island.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Dersingham, in the county of Norfolk (8.7 miles, 14.1 km, direction S)
The village almost fringes the Queen's Sandringham Estate, it also lies quite close to the sea which gives it an almost jaunty, nautical atmosphere.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Sandringham, in the county of Norfolk (9.6 miles, 15.5 km, direction S)
Enchanting estate of over 7,000 acres of breath-taking countryside surrounding a magnificent house which has been the home of four generation of British Sovereigns since it was bought in 1862 for the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Wolferton, in the county of Norfolk (10.6 miles, 17.0 km, direction SW)
There is much in Wolferton to remind visitors of the magnificence of by-gone days. The station was sold and is preserved as a private home and a lovingly restored museum containing many original features.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Wells-next-the-Sea, in the county of Norfolk (11.2 miles, 18.0 km, direction E)
This is an enchanting seaside resort with old houses, shops and pubs lining the maze of narrow streets leading to the quayside.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Castle Rising, in the county of Norfolk (12.2 miles, 19.6 km, direction S)
The sea has long since withdrawn from this one-time port, but the superb Norman castle built to protect it still stands.
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Great Snoring, in the county of Norfolk (14.3 miles, 23.0 km, direction SE)
There are two Snoring villages, Little and Great Snoring, between them they share one of the many quaint names in which Norfolk abounds.
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Little Snoring, in the county of Norfolk (15.2 miles, 24.5 km, direction SE)
There are two Snoring villages, Little and Great Snoring, between them they share one of the many quaint names in which Norfolk abounds.
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Binham, in the county of Norfolk (15.6 miles, 25.1 km, direction E)
This gorgeous village is set in a peaceful valley inland from Stiffkey, it is renowned for the romantic ruins of a great Benedictine monastery, founded by the side of the Stiffkey River in 1090.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Castle Acre, in the county of Norfolk (18.0 miles, 29.0 km, direction S)
This lovely village is found on the old Peddlers Way which joined Holme-next-the-Sea to the Roman garrison at Colchester.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Blakeney, in the county of Norfolk (18.1 miles, 29.1 km, direction E)
The 100ft tower rising above the Church of St.Nicholas is a landmark that can be seen for miles around. At the eastern end of the church, a smaller tower acts as a beacon to guide vessels to the safety of Blakeney Harbour.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
All towns in NorfolkComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby travel help
| Kings Lynn Station | (16.1 miles, 26.0 km, direction SW) |
| Skegness Station | (16.2 miles, 26.1 km, direction NW) |
| Norwich Airport | (35.6 miles, 57.2 km, direction SE) |
| A1(M) Junction 17 | (47.6 miles, 76.5 km, direction SW) |
| A1(M) Junction 17 | (48.0 miles, 77.2 km, direction SW) |
| Cambridge Airport | (54.9 miles, 88.4 km, direction S) |
| Thornham to London | (104.8 miles, 168.6 km, direction S) |
Hotels & Accommodation in Thornham
| Hotel Name | Approximate distance from Thornham center |
| The Old Coach House | (0.2 miles, 0.4 km) |
| Caley Hall Hotel | (3.1 miles, 4.9 km, direction W) |
| Best Western Le Strange Arms Hotel | (3.3 miles, 5.4 km, direction W) |
| The Kings Head Hotel | (7.3 miles, 11.8 km, direction S) |
| Sculthorpe Mill | (12.8 miles, 20.6 km, direction SE) |
| Best Western Knights Hill Hotel | (13.5 miles, 21.7 km, direction S) |
| The Crown Hotel | (14.4 miles, 23.2 km, direction SE) |
| The Wensum Lodge Hotel | (14.5 miles, 23.3 km, direction SE) |
| The Crown Hotel | (15.5 miles, 25.0 km, direction NW) |
| Best Western Vine Hotel | (15.6 miles, 25.1 km, direction NW) |
| All hotels in Thornham |