This is the village where in 1995 the bones of an entire Woolly Mammoth were uncovered in a cliff face down on the beach after a winter storm, effectively putting the village on the map and in the history books.

The village clings to a cliff area known as the Cromer Ridge, a ridge that was made up by melting ice sheets at the end of the last Ice Age which now extends from Cromer through to Holt. 

This part has quite a good range of walking possibilities, from gentle strolls to long hikes - with some comfortable and attractive places to stay in, and plenty of good food.

Roman Camp is littered with pathways and bridleways located at the back of West Runton and acquired by the National Trust.  It is regarded as the highest point in Norfolk at 328 feet above sea level. From these hills are woods and extensive heath land with fine views out to sea. 

There are a handful of shops and a village inn and a number of  places to eat in the village  The busier seaside resorts of Cromer and Sheringham are approximately two miles away, one to the left of West Runton and the other to the right, both accessible by road, walking or train.

Each year the Women's Institute hold a tea party in the gardens of the West Runton Railway station which connects the village with Sheringham and Norwich.  There is golf and horse riding available in the village and a fine beach made up of  sand and pebble with many rock pools exposed at low tide. 

Sheringham to the west is a bustling seaside town with a market every Saturday and also on Wednesdays during the summer season. There are a number of art and craft and antique shops along with the normal shops that one would expect from a thriving community. Sheringham is home to the North Norfolk Railway which operates steam train rides into Holt.  

Up the hill is Felbrigg Hall a fine 17th century house standing in a 1,750 acre estate. The house now managed by the National Trust is furnished with original 18th century furniture and paintings. The walled garden has been restored and there are extensive walks around the wood and lake.  The hall is also haunted.

It is well worth climbing to the top of Incleborough Hill, by the Links Golf course for the wonderful view.

A Victorian geologist and fossil collector Anna Gurney who resided in Northrepps obtained many important forest bed fossils by purchasing them from local fisherman. She donated this collection to the then Norwich Museum now known as Castle Museum.

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