‘My favourite beach near Cambridge has a pine forest and is less than 2 hours away – not Holkham’

A day out at the beach is the ideal retreat during the summer, and there’s one unspoilt shore with stretches of soft, golden sand and colourful beach huts not far from Cambridge

There’s one pristine beach near Cambridge that I highly recommend visiting – and it’s not Holkham.

Cambridge is home to the scenic River Cam, lined with houseboats, rowers, and picturesque walking routes, along with the sprawling Jesus Green and Parker’s Piece parks. Not to mention the majestic medieval architecture that lines the university city, with King’s College Chapel and the Mathematical Bridge among the most notable landmarks.

Yet despite its picture-postcard setting and city offerings, we sometimes crave a trip to the beach, especially in the summer. Luckily for us, Cambridge is well-positioned and within easy reach of the beautiful Norfolk coastline, with many of its beaches less than two hours away.

One beautiful beach nestled along the Norfolk shore, which is by far my favourite, is Wells-next-the-Sea. The golden, soft-sand beach stretches for miles, and is lined with more than 200 stilted, pastel-coloured beach huts that only add to its unspoilt seaside charm.

Its sweeping beach means it rarely feels overcrowded, with ample space for kids to run around, build sandcastles, kick a ball around, or fly a kite. There’s the opportunity to dip toes into the shallow, although brisk waters, but it’s a must on any visit, and is a haven for strolls along the sand shore, which I love best.

Strikingly, Wells-next-the-Sea is also backed by pine forests, which not only enhance its scenic setting but also offer a welcoming retreat in the shade during those balmy summers. Parts of the beach are also dog-friendly, and I’ll often walk from Wells-next-the-Sea all the way down to its neighbour, Holkham Beach.

Along this route, I’ll often wander along the golden shore, passing the rolling sand dunes at Holkham, before turning around to walk through stretches of the majestic pine forest, which is hard to believe is adjacent to the sandy beach. Back at Wells-next-the-Sea, it’s easy to simply sit and admire the pristine coastline that lies less than a two-hour drive from Cambridge.

While it might just be the most scenic spot for a beach picnic, the Wells Beach Café, located at the end of Beach Road, offers everything from bacon or sausage baps, pasties, pizzas, cake, coffee and, of course, ice cream. And during those colder months, it’s a welcoming sanctuary, where you can warm up with a hot chocolate and grab a puppuccino for the pooch.

After exploring the beach, that’s if you can tear yourself away, the town of Wells-next-the-Sea is equally as inviting. The small seaside town has a population of just over 2,000 residents, and is known for its bustling quayside.

The harbourside is where you’ll spot kids crabbing off the jetty, fishermen bringing in their catch of the day, and visitors sitting under the sun while sharing a dish of fish and chips. There are a few independent shops to explore in the town, along with a selection of eateries, and you really won’t have to go far to find a decent chippy or ice cream shop.

Elsewhere, there are coffeehouses such as GROUND and Nelson’s coffee shop, the tearoom, No. 57, and Arthur Howell Bakery. If you’d rather extend your stay in the seaside destination, there are plenty of holiday homes available to book, including cosy cottages, or there’s the option to book a trendy stay at the four-star The Crown Hotel or The Globe Inn.

However long you decide to stay in Wells-next-the-Sea, you certainly won’t be disappointed, with its pristine beach enough to warrant a visit.

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