The north Norfolk coastal village of Burnham Market has been named as one of Britain’s most desirable spots in a Savills survey in the Telegraph. So, what makes the place known as 'Chelsea-on-Sea' so special?
1 The homes
The village boasts some beautiful properties – and with an average asking price of over £820,000 so it should. Many have been renovated and are used as second homes or holiday lets. Even holiday lodges can fetch over £400,000, so start saving now.
2 The food
Burnham is very well served for fine food and drink. The Hoste Arms, for many years the place to visit in the area, is still a hugely popular destination. Among newer restaurants Socius, serving English tapas-style food, has been outstandingly well reviewed and Number Twenty9 is also a must-visit for foodies.
3 The history
Burnham is the heart of Horatio Nelson’s county - “I am a Norfolk man and Glory in being so,” said the great sailor. He was actually born in adjacent Burnham Thorpe, but the whole area is thick with references and landmarks from his life and early years and several pubs bear his name. And for royal watchers, Burnham is just around the corner from the Queen’s estate at Sandringham.
4 The shopping
For a small place, Burnham is amazingly well-served with top shops and delis. A number of upmarket chains have branches here, but there are great independents like Arthur Howells the butcher, The White House Bookshop, The Hat Shop, Jeremy Barlow Fine Art and Barefoot Living to tease the pounds from your pocket.
5 The natural world
This is the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – thousands of acres of magnificent coastline with so much for nature-lovers. There’s Scolt Head Island National Nature Reserve, the National Trust’s Brancaster Estate, Holkham Beach RSPB Titchwell and Holme Dunes all within easy reach of the village. Being a couple of miles inland, Burnham doesn’t actually have its own beach as such, but the huge, sandy spaces at Brancaster are a short stride away.
