The small coastal village of Stiffkey (pronounced 'Stewkey') nestles in a valley next to the river of the same name in an area of outstanding natural beauty. There was once a harbour and a quay here, but this has long since silted up. Stiffkey Marsh is a continuation of Morston Marshes and is one of the oldest saltmarsh along the Norfolk coastline and is an important wildlife habitat inhabited by curlews and redshank. In summer months it turns purple with prairie fields of sea lavender. A good area for both ornithology and walking with the Norfolk Coastal Path running through here.  For holiday accommodation in Stiffkey or closeby - self catering - bed and breakfast - camping and caravan - hotel - inns - guest house look at our accommodation pages.

There used to be a spectacular Hall in Stiffkey that belonged to the Bacon family and was built by Nathaniel Bacon in 1578 all that now remains is the gatehouse adorned with the Bacon family coat of arms and the remains of a wing. 

The church of St. John the Baptist stands at the east end of the village with the ruins of St. Marys in the same churchyard. At the other end is the white washed Red Lion pub with its welcoming atmosphere and good food. Well behaved children and dogs are welcome. The village has a village stores and post office also a lovely lamp and antiques shop.

Wells-next-the-sea is just over four miles away with a good range of shops and on this road is the terminus of the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway, whose narrow gauge steam trains run inland to Little Walsingham. An ancient and picturesque village which has been a place of pilgrimage since 1061. Famous for its many ancient buildings, including the ruined Augustinian Priory, Georgian Courthouse/Museum and Prison. Morston in the other direction is superb for the boating enthusiast with delightful walks and boat trips out to the famous Blakeney Point to the seals.

Read a ghostly tale associated with Stiffkey Marsh.

Stiffkey means ‘island of stumps’ and probably refers to the tree stumps that are found in Stiffkey marsh.

An old ditty - Cromer crabs, Runton dabs, Beeston babies, Sheringham ladies, Weyborne witches, Salthouse ditches, Blakeney bulldogs, Stiffkey trolls.

An infamous rector of Stiffkey whose involvement with prostitutes led to a national scandal in the 1930’s.