Hunstanton proves seaside town still has the charm to attract holidaymakers

Sand between your toes, a dip in the sea, ice cream, hot dogs and a ride on a Ferris wheel spells another great day at the seaside and the pull of Hunstanton on a hot day brings many to the area.

On a boiling day, Sunny Hunny is the place that tourists flock to and now that restrictions have eased the beach has not lost its pull.

The Lynn News spent a day on the coast to see how this season is developing and found that runners, skaters, dogwalkers, cyclists and the school holidays meant that from 9am it was already starting to get busy.

Families were queuing outside the Sea Life Centre just as it opened having pre-booked their slots online.

Nigel Crossdale, general manager, said: "As traumatic as it has been we have ended up with a better attraction than we had.

"During the restrictions the centre's capacity was based on 16 families booking every 15 minutes, the booking system is still in place and now 40 families are booking every 15 minutes, people are pre-booking and still wearing masks and social distancing and phoning ahead if they are running late due to delays on the A149 in to Hunstanton.

"It is great to see the families are enjoying it, the demand, booking and pre booking, there is a 50 per cent repeat booking of guests to the attraction perhaps as people have a caravan here in Hunstanton."

Further along the promenade the Wash Monster was about to leave on its journey with several passengers aboard. Searle's Sea Tours are having a good season.

Amy Searle said: "It is busy, and we haven't had many pings. Most people seem to be having a good season, the tour is running four times a day."

Lynn Munday, from the Whippy Tram ice lolly van, also commented on the good season.

She said: "We have a new kiosk, it is all really positive."

Mark Pearman, duty officer for Alive Lesiure at the Oasis said: "Things have been going well throughout the summer."

Karen Eastwood from Liberty's hot food, stand next to Pier Family Entertainment, said: "Business has been good, sometimes the weather has affected us with the storms it has put people off. We have followed the guidelines with people standing 2m apart. I got my full licence to carry on now that restrictions have stopped."

The seafront from The Green to the fairground was developed during the 1920's and 30's and boards along the promenade show it in the past.

Colleen Roper, who runs Rainbow Park funfair on the front, thought inconsistent weather meant the season could have been busier.

"The weather dictates the visitors," she said.

However, it seems that on a very hot day we do really like to be beside the seaside.