The UK seaside village with a ‘magical’ secluded beach & a huge lighthouse that kids love
A VILLAGE in the UK is home to a huge lighthouse, a “magical” beach, and a children’s play park.
The picturesque village of Happisburgh sits on the Norfolk Coast in England.
Happisburgh is the first-known human settlement in northern Europe.
In 2013, footprints were discovered that dated back more than 800,000 years.
To this day the village remains occupied and is home to more than 1,400 residents.
Despite its small size, the tiny village comes with some huge accolades including being home to the country’s only independently operated lighthouse.
Happisburgh Lighthouse was built in 1790 and stands at 85ft tall.
The lighthouse was saved by the local community, and has been maintained by a group of volunteers ever since.
Each year, the site opens for a set number of days throughout the summer months.
It has received a 4.5/5 star rating from hundreds of reviews on TripAdvisor.
One person wrote: “This is a stunning lighthouse from both inside and out.”
While another person added: “This lighthouse is so iconic. If you’re lucky enough to be nearby when there’s an open day, I strongly recommend you visit.”
A third added: “Our guide had excellent knowledge, and the kids loved it.”
The lighthouse will be open to members of the public on August 27, and September 3.
Entry tickets should be booked in advance online and cost £5 for a full-paying adult, and £2 for children who are under the age of 16.
And it isn’t just holidaymakers who’ve fallen in love with the lighthouse either, it’s also been the backdrop for TV shows like The Kingdom, starring Stephen Fry.
A short walk from the lighthouse is Happisburgh Beach, which has been described as a “magical place” by recent visitors.
In a review on TripAdvisor, one person wrote: “This is an awesome beach with plenty of parking and an ice cream van.”
Another added: “A lovely beach with a lighthouse. There are good walks in the area too as well as good refreshments provided by Sarnies by the Sea.”
While a third said: “I would recommend the village to families.”
There are no lifeguards on the sandy beach, but there are other features such as toilet facilities and a coffee shop.
Other nearby attractions include the Invincible Play Park, which is ideal for children, and St Mary’s Church.
There aren’t many accommodation options in Happisburgh, so holidaymakers who’d like to stay overnight will need to head to neighbouring towns in Norfolk.
Happisburgh is a 40-minute drive from Norwich, and a two-hour from Cambridge.
This tiny village isn’t the only place in Norfolk that’s been praised by holidaymakers in recent months.
Holkham Beach, in Norfolk, is often called the jewel of the north coast due to its long stretch of golden sand.
Sun Online Travel recently visited Horsey in Norfolk – here is what it’s like.
And Gorleston-on-Sea in Norfolk was featured in the ‘best beaches in the UK’ list at the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2023 and came in 12th place in Europe’s best beaches.