From seals to the beach: What makes Blakeney so popular?

The village was voted as one of the UK's top coastal destinations by the Telegraph and the area is often seen as one of the best places to spot wildlife in the country.

So what makes Blakeney so popular?

1. Wildlife spotting

An old lifeboat house used by rangers to protect Terns, one of the UK's rarest seabirds (Image: National Trust/PA)

Part of Blakeney's allure is the nature that thrives along this quieter section of the coast.

Blakeney Freshes, which is made up of 160 hectares of freshwater grazing marsh, is an important area for breeding birds and overwintering wildfowl, making it popular for birdwatchers. 

In the summer months, visitors can spot species such as lapwing and avocet in the surrounding fields as well as water voles and otters. 

There are also plenty of picturesque circular walks that start in Blakeney, taking you across coastal cliffs and through wild meadows.

2. Food offerings

A business that started in Norwich's chic food hall Yalm, Folk's Coffee has expanded into a location in Blakeney.

The business is run by Harry Vergerson, 26, alongside his twin brother Jack and their friend Jack Edwards.

Mr Vergerson, from Aylsham, said: "We love the coast, it is the pivotal point of Norfolk and the opportunity arose after a roaring start at Yalm".

Birdys Bakehouse also recently opened at Blakeney Quay and is run by father and daughter duo Joely Carter, 28, and Gary Arlow, 54, serving barista coffees, loaded fries and burgers.

And Blakeney House, tucked away off the High Street, recently received two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.

It has become renowned for its modern British taster menu, which utilises local produce and is updated daily.

3. Beach

Blakeney beach (Image: Andrew Taylor/iWitness24)

Blakeney's beach is often counted among the best in the UK, with the village named the 40th best place for a beach walk by Which?. 

READ MORE: Norfolk boat trips named among best in the UK

The publication gave the beach a score of 76pc for its accessibility, food and drink, peace and quiet, and wildlife.

4. Events and Music

The Faux Fighters are one of the bands who have previously played at the Blakeney Harbour Room. (Image: Blakeney Harbour Room/linc)

Blakeney has a yearly beer festival with plans for live music, poetry workshops and evening concerts from some of the biggest names in the folk music scene on the weekend of Friday, July 7.

The event is being held at Blakeney Harbour room - a venue that keeps the coastal village lively at night when the day tourists have left. 

5. Seals

Blakeney can't be discussed without mention of the seals who were the star of David Attenboroughs newest Wild Isles series.

The programme featured the thousand-strong colony as they congregate on the shoreline to give birth.

Around 4,000 pups are born each year there, with common seals born between June and August, and grey seal pups can be seen there from November to January.