Firm shimmering sands seeded with Marram grass stretch as far as the eye can see. Here most of the coastline is owned by the National Trust and consists of sandy beaches, stretches of salt marshes and sandy dunes.

Romans gave the name Branodunum to this coastal village and built a fort here which they in turn called "Branoduni Castra". The forts purpose was to protect the north coast against marauding Frankish and Saxon pirates, though some claim it was to scare the Druids who were located at Holme-next-theSea. Unfortunately, nothing now remains of this stronghold except some ditches to the east of the village and a street named after the ancient village Brandodunum.   

In the village is a hostelry which dates from circa 1747 and on whose white washed external walls there is a hundred year old replica of a man-o-war, reminiscent of vessels that sailed these waters during Nelsons day and goes by the name of Black Diamond.

There is always good fish and shellfish to be had on the Norfolkcoast and in this location there is a roadside shed which sells crabs, lobsters, shrimps and mussels along with locally caught fish. 

This is a good area for nature lovers and bird watchers with reserves at nearby Titchwell, Holme and slightly further a field at Snettisham.

For those wishing to sail try nearby Brancaster Staithe. Other attractions include golf at The Royal West Norfolk Golf Course, or on the beach windsurfing and para surfing. For a larger range of shops try Burnham Market just four miles inland. The busier seaside resort of Hunstanton is under seven miles further round the coastal road with its livelier seaside atmosphere.

For holiday accommodation in Brancaster or closeby - self catering - bed and breakfast - camping and caravan - hotel - inns - guest house look at our accommodation pages.

It is said that Horatio Nelson, England's greatest naval commander from Burnham Thorpe, learned to sail his first boat at Brancaster in the 18th century.