Weybourne & Kelling

Two North Norfolk Coast villages that nestle below Kelling Heath and are a stopping point for the North Norfolk Railway

An Introduction to Weybourne and Kelling

Pretty Weybourne village nestles below Kelling Heath and is a stopping point on the the North Norfolk Railway. The ruins of an Augustinian priory stand in the grounds of the 15th century church. The beach here consists of pebbles, deeply shelved, and marks the start of the cliff section of the Norfolk coast (which extends east to Happisburgh). The village itself has many pretty cottages, a shop, pub and hotel. On the way out of the village stands a former windmill, now privately owned, and is a well known Weybourne landmark.

Nearby Kelling is a small attractive residential village, which has a reputation for past smuggling. The village contains a reading room, which is now a book shop, gallery and tea room. Surrounding Kelling and Weybourne are Kelling Heath and Muckleburgh Hill, two raised areas of outstanding natural beauty. The heaths contain a network of paths, nature trail and fantastic views of the surrounding area.

Weybourne and Kelling Map

View a detailed tourist information map of Norfolk

Weybourne Guided Picture Tour

We start our tour in the centre of Weybourne at the village pub (Ship Inn), which has a good menu and real fires in winter. The village itself contains some pretty Norfolk Cottages, many built from local flint.
The Ship Inn Weybourne	A typical flint Norfolk Cottage in Weybourne

Weybourne Village Sign

Bridget's cottage Weybourne

On the opposite side of the busy A149 coast road is the village church of All Saints, dating from the 15th century and featuring an old Saxon tower. Within the grounds of the church there is also the ruin of an Augustine Priory. The priory was founded towards the end of the 12th century and the remains we see here are from the priory church , but incorporating parts of an even earlier church dating from the the 11th century.
Weybourne parish church of All Saints	Ruins of Weybourne priory
Inside Weybourne church	The churchyard with more remains of the Priory

About half a mile out of the village is the beach, which consists of pebbles. This spot is a significant point on the coastline of North Norfolk, to the west the coastline is flat and extending, to the east cliffs begin to rise and we have erosion. The beach shelves away dramatically, making it a great spot for sea fishing or to launch a fishing boat. At one time it was a popular place for smugglers as they could get fairly large boats close to the shore.
Weybourne pebble beach looking west	Cliffs rise to the east at Weybourne
Sea fishing at Weybourne, Norfolk	Fishing boat at Weybourne

About half a mile above the village is the North Norfolk Railway station and goods yard. The station has a workshop and is home to various railway vehicles. Steam trains regularly pull into the station and you can ride the "poppy line" to Holt in one direction and Sheringham in the other.
Steam train pulls into Weybourne station on the Norfolk Norfolk Railway
Weybourne North Norfolk Railway Station	The station yard at Weybourne
An old steam engine undergoing work at Weybourne Station	A steam engine on the North Norfolk Railway at Weybourne

The A149 coast road leaves Weybourne heading towards Sheringham. On this road you will come across a former windmill, which is now private property and is a well known landmark in the area.
A149 Coast road at Weybourne	Weybourne Mill

Leaving Weybourne in the other direction towards Kelling you will come across Muckleburgh Hill, which has a network of wooded footpaths which rise to a summit, giving fine views of the coast and surrounding area.
Entrance to Muckleburgh Hill	Footpaths to the top of Muckleburgh Hill
Views from Muckleburgh Hill	View of Weybourne from Muckleburgh Hill
The summit of Muckleburgh Hill used by the military, with the Muckleburgh Collection below

Kelling Guided Tour

The village of Kelling contains pretty cottages, including Beck House, which dates back to the 17th century. The village also has an old reading room, now a book shop, gallery and tea room.
Beck House Kelling Norfolk	Kelling reading room book shop and tea room

Above Kelling village is Kelling heath, an area of raised heathland, which gives great views over towards Weybourne. There is a good view towards Muckleburgh Hill - who said Norfolk was flat!
View of Weybourne from Kelling Heath	The summit of Muckleburgh Hill from Kelling Heath


Destination	Check In Date	Check Out Date	No Specific Dates

Weybourne and Kelling summary of what to SEE and DO

Visit the North Norfolk railway station

Walk down and along the shingle beach

Visit Weybourne church and ruins

Enjoy a refreshment in the pub or hotel bar

Walk up onto Kelling or Muckleburgh Heath

Visit the nearby Muckleburgh Collection

Our Verdict

Not what you imagine of Norfolk - hills and cliffs - but that is exactly what Weybourne has to offer. Norfolk's "mountains" make Weybourne a popular walking spot.

Readers Comments

Hi, As a regular visitor to North Norfolk, in particular Weybourne, I have found your Tours of this area to be of extreme interest. The descriptions and the photographs are really great and I always find them good to look at whenever I am at home with a little time on my hands. I also found the Guide around Cley to be of great interest and despite having visited the area many times I still learnt several things that I did not previously know. Keep up the good work as it is most appreciated. From:- Jack