Sheringham
One of the premier North Norfolk coastal towns, Sheringham, with its motto “The sea enriches and the pine adorns” is a favourite tourist destination of visiting holiday makers.
The town was historically formed by two villages, Upper Sheringham and Lower Sheringham; the former with a predominantly farming based community and the latter being composed of farmers and fishermen. Sheringham reached its industrial zenith around the turn of the 20th century, when the development of railways made transporting sea food possible to more distant markets. Today the crab, lobster and whelk fishing industries are fraction of their former strength.
Sheringham's Museum (The Mo) is unsurprisingly rooted in the town's long maritime tradition. Exhibits relate towards the former fishing industry, the good work of the Sheringham Lifeboat Station which has been in operation since 1838, and the Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm was officially opened on September 27, 2012.
Architecturally, Sheringham is predominantly early 20th century in style and is unusual for its range of flint buildings. Its Roman Catholic Church, the Church of St. Joseph was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the architect of Battersea Power Station, Liverpool Cathedral, and the famous Red Telephone Box.
The beach at Sheringham is an exceedingly popular visitor attraction and has been awarded with ten consecutive European Blue Flags for its cleanliness. However, due to its position on the coast and the potential effects of tidal erosion and long shore drift, Sheringham beach requires constant protection by sea defences.
Sheringham town centre is a thriving location with a traditional high street and a wide range of independent shops selling goods ranging from second-hand books to antiques; computers to arts and crafts supplies. The town also has a great selection of places to eat, no matter what your taste. Tea rooms are great places to stop in the afternoon, whilst visitors can dine well in gourmet restaurants in the evening.
For those thinking about staying in Sheringham, the town provides numerous accommodation options. Traditional Victorian Terraced bed and breakfast properties are particularly popular, as are Sheringham Cottages and nearby converted barns which offer the freedom of self-catering. This part of North Norfolk has some great Hotels, whilst those seeking to get closer to nature can find quality Camping and Caravan sites only a short distance away .
There is lots to see and do in Sheringham. The town hosts many events including guided walks and trails, putting on an annual carnival orientated towards young children, and even exhibiting a Morris dancing festival in the Summer. The Sheringham Little Theatre stages varied productions throughout the year as well as a pantomime at Christmas. Certain Saturdays throughout the year see the car park by the railway transform into a bustling local market, attracting large crowds. The Poppy Line – an old fashioned steam railway which runs between Sheringham and Holt via Weybourne – is an exciting trip in itself and a great way of visiting nearby towns.
Sheringham Tourist Information Centre
Station Approach
Station Road
Sheringham
Norfolk
NR26 8RA
01263 824329