With its wide stretch of sand and clifftop backdrop, it has to be one of Norfolk’s most spectacular beaches.
Overstrand is usually also much quieter than the beaches of Cromer and Wells-next-the-Sea - which must be the reason why the Telegraph recently named it one of the country’s ‘best-kept secrets’.
Overstrand made the national newspaper’s list of the UK’s ‘best secret beaches’ alongside the likes of Seacliff in North Berwick, Covehithe in Suffolk and Towan in south Cornwall.
So in celebration of our ‘best-kept secret’, here’s a look back at seven occasions we’ve reported from Overstrand beach over the years.
1. Timeless fun
The fashions may have been different, but the pull of the beach was just as strong when this photo was taken in July, 1966.
In a timeless scene, we can see youngsters building sandcastles while the grown-ups shelter from the breeze next to the groyne.
2. The 'shore horse'
A mysterious wooden horse appeared on Overstrand beach in February 2014.
The North Norfolk News managed to track down who created the ‘shore horse’, but just like Banksy, he wanted to remain anonymous. The creation was soon washed away in the waves.
“It was a spontaneous thing, which took a couple of hours with a hammer, nails and saw,” the artist said.
3. Bond on the beach
James Bond came to Overstrand beach in 2004 - well, almost. Local RAF pilot Ken Allison played 007 as part of the fun as part of a fundraiser for Mundesley Inshore Lifeboat.
He was handed a Martini by 19-year-old ‘Bond girl’ Jo Dillan - shaken, not stirred, of course.
4. Memorial in the sand
Overstrand beach turned into a memorial to all those who died in the coronavirus pandemic in June, 2021.
People were invited to write the names of lost loved ones and messages around the edge of the labyrinth at a commemoration day, which also featured a performance by local poet Peter Pegnall.
5. Weathering the storms
Overstrand beach has suffered an occasional beating from the tides, including during a storm surge in January 2019.
High water spilled over along the coast, damaging and even overturning some of Overstrand’s beach huts.
6. Romans invade!
Battle shields were drawn on Overstrand beach as youngsters from Northrepps Primary School recreated the Roman invasion of Britain.
Pupils aged between seven and 11 took on the role of legionaries while those aged four to seven became fierce Iceni warriors for the re-enactment.
Headteacher Angie Hamilton said: 'We knew the Romans had invaded our shores and we wanted to re-enact it. The weather was perfect for it.'
7. Play it again
Accordion player Karen Tweed used old accordions to create music-inspired sculptures with her friend Iina Hunter on Overstrand beach in 2010.
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