With the Norfolk Broads, canal system and host of coastal locations to choose from, Norfolk has some of the best fishing holiday options in the UK. The beaches, piers and The Wash around Hunstanton, Cromer and Snettisham can be very good for flounder and mullet, as can the large sandy beaches around Holkham and Wells-Next-the-Sea. Particularly for the sea anglers targeting bass and cod. Find the rest of the best sea fishing marks in Norfolk here.
The Norfolk coastline has been known to throw up some superb bass and cod, whilst The Broads is one of the best destinations in the UK for pike fishing. The freshwater predator grows enormous in these waterways thanks to the space and abundance of baitfish, with the record being 42lb 8oz caught in Hickling Broad in 2010. That’s not including the purpose-built coarse fisheries throughout the county too.
So whether you’re in the market for a quality sea fishing break, some dabbling for mackerel or some serious coarse fish, Norfolk is an excellent fishing getaway.
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What’s on this page?
How did we pick the best fishing holiday in Norfolk?
- Location: There are a number of fantastic fishing destinations in Norfolk around Cromer and Hunstanton along with some excellent coarse fisheries and – famously – the Norfolk Broads. These properties straddle these marks effectively.
- Access: This is particularly important if you’re sea or kayak fishing or have a family in tow. For most properties, you want to be able to start fishing within 15 minutes of leaving the door. But ideally in less than five. If the property has access to an on-site pond, lake or the Norfolk Broads, it is more likely to make the list.
- Amenities: Not essential, but for us we always like a pub and restaurant on the doorstep. Whilst Norfolk is not quite as remote as fishing holidays in Devon or Cornwall, it still makes sense to be as close as possible to amenities.
- Coarse and saltwater options: Ideally a property would have both, but we have tried to strike a balance between the two with something to suit everyone. Some properties have a mooring on the Norfolk Broads and are only a 10-15 minute drive to the beach.
- Storage: Particularly important for families, kayakers and outdoor sports enthusiasts if you’re renting a cottage.
What is the best fishing holiday in Norfolk?
The Old Granary is the best overall fishing holiday in Norfolk. It is a beautiful waterside property nestled in the heart of the Norfolk Broads that’s only 10 miles or so from the coast. Complete with a private mooring there’s some superb pike fishing on offer right on your doorstep and you’re only five miles or so from the coast. The Norfolk coastline has some very good bass and cod fishing on offer – three of the UK’s most prized fish.
The best coarse fishing holiday cottages in Norfolk
Thanks to the Norfolk Broads and canal system that weaves its way through Norfolk, coarse fishing is some of the best in the country. From some record-breaking pike, canal silvers to a number of lakes stocked with specimen carp, Norfolk’s coarse fishing holidays are plentiful.
Canal Side
- Three bedrooms
- Lovely balconies and outside space
- Pets allowed
Canal Side is a wonderfully restored old granary mill that dates back to 1850, sitting on the banks of the recently restored North Walsham and Dilham Canal (Norfolk’s only locked canal). With stunning views over the mill pond, canals and water meadows it’s a beautiful place to sit with some more than convenient on-site coarse fishing.
The balconies and outdoor space make for a lovely later spring, summer and early autumn getaway. Given you’re a 15-minute drive away from the Norfolk Broads and less than 10 minutes to the coast, the fishing options are not limited to your back garden. A lovely getaway
The Old Granary
- Four-bedroom waterside property
- Private mooring for boats or kayaks
- Pets allowed
The Old Granary is a beautiful waterside property nestled in the heart of the Norfolk Broads in the market town of Stalham. This family-sized property has everything you need for a peaceful getaway. The open-plan kitchen and dining room are bright and spacious and the upstairs decking areas has beautiful views over the Norfolk broads themselves.
Fishing-wise the property has direct access to the River Ant and a private mooring for boats or kayaks should you wish to be ultra adventurous. Famed for its pike fishing the Norfolk Broads is a superb escape for the family or a few couples looking for some watery adventure on England’s east coast. With Sea Palling Beach only a short drive away, the coarse and sea fishing options on this property are excellent.
Roe Deer Barn
- Five bedroom house
- On-site coarse fishing lake
- No pets
Roe Deer Barn is one of the best holiday homes in Norfolk for fishing breaks. Particularly for families or a few couples. The five-bedroom property is open-plan, bright and airy with super views over the lake and fields. The on-site lake is beautiful and the separate annexe is perfect to relax away from the rest of the group when the kids or other couples get too much.
Whilst the coastline is around 1o miles away it’s still very accessible if you have a car and fishing hotspots like Cromer Pier and Scolt Head are well worth a visit. The local village and shop are only around one mile away and – hallelujah – the nearest pub is within walking distance.
Reepham Fishery
- Multiple fishing lakes recently restocked and refurbished
- On-site fishing and lake views
- Private parking
Reepham Fishery On-site you’ll find a number of fishing lodges, static homes and touring spots for caravans with water and electric hookups available. The lodges sleep up to four people and have fantastic views over the lakes, whilst the static homes overlook the Main and Bungalow Lakes with private parking and can sleep up to six.
Reepham Fishery is arguably the best coarse fishing destination is arguably the best in Norfolk and has four lakes on-site with fishing access including;
- Main Lake (the premier lake with 28 pegs stocked with all manner of carp, silvers, barbel and orfe)
- Long Lake (joins Main Lake with 29 pegs and is stocked with Mirror, Common, Leather, Crucian and all manner of silvers)
- Bungalow Lake (the main match lake with disabled access stocked with Ghost Carp)
- Silver Lake (exclusively for guests)
For serious coarse fishermen looking for a fantastic break, Reepham is a fantastic east coast option.
The best sea fishing holiday cottages in Norfolk
Whilst Norfolk may be famed for its pike fishing on The Broads, there’s some very good sea fishing to be had as well. The east coast has been known to throw up some specimen bass and super cod alongside the classic mackerel fishing trips, there’s something for beginners and experts alike.
Middle Cottage
- Two-bedroom traditional flint property
- Private garden
- Direct beach access
Middle Cottage is a charming little terraced cottage near the seaside town of Bacton on Norfolk’s coastline. Perfect for couples and small families, this pretty little cottage has direct access to some excellent beach fishing at Bacton and Mundesley Beach. Follow the coastline north and you’ll find Cromer Beach and Pier, renowned for its head of big bass in the summer months, cod and some family-friendly fishing.
Whilst Middle Cottage is located on the coast, you can also head to Wroxham (14 miles away by car) to explore the Norfolk Broads should you fancy some pike fishing. The lovely outdoor space and access to good walking routes, cycling paths and pubs make this little cottage a fantastic fishing option.
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72 Starboard
- Two-bedroom cottage
- Direct beach access
- Pets allowed
72 Starboard is located in one of the east coast’s best-kept secrets – Wells-next-the-Sea. A beautiful little coastal town with some lovely pubs and restaurants and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK. Scolt Head and the surrounding wide expanse of beaches are absolutely stunning and offer some decent fishing marks.
There are also a number of fishing trips available you can take should you wish to access more marks than just the beach and nature reserve. So bring your beach fishing gear and try out some of the fishing trips available from Wells-next-the-Sea’s harbour for some tope, bass and mackerel.
Scolt Head Island is an almost unspoilt sand and shingle nature reserve on the north Norfolk coast and has been known to throw up some serious bass. The surrounding beaches are wide, deep and shallow, so if you’re doing some beach fishing bring a good beach casting setup.
Corner Cottage
- Three-bedroom quayside property
- Period cottage with private garden and sea view
- Pets allowed
Corner Cottage is an almost waterside property located in the coastal village of Blakeney, just a few steps from its lovely quay. With some of the most spectacular coastal views the east coast has to offer. Spend a slow morning or evening watching the estuary and marshes change as the tide rolls in and out. With Salthouse Beach to the east and Wells-next-the-Sea to the west, you won’t be short of beach fishing options and fishing trip access from the nearby harbours.
If you’re a fisherman with a family in tow, there are some beautiful walking trails to keep everyone occupied. The private garden equipped with outdoor furniture is a lovely spot to relax in the summer evenings.
Blakeney Point is a four-mile shingle ridge and dune known for its spectacular views of uninterrupted coastline and for being home to Europe’s largest grey seal colony. With some stunning walks and largely unfished beach and marsh to try.
The Heacham House
- Three-bedroom, beachfront property
- Private parking
- Pets allowed
The Heacham House has some of the most spectacular sea views Norfolk has to offer. The outdoor terrace makes for a fantastic family getaway with magnificent sunsets and direct beach access, Heacham House is ideally positioned and set up for outdoor enthusiasts. Particularly (thankfully), for fishermen. The property’s French doors lead directly onto the beautiful patio where you can hear the waves gently rolling in.
Heacham has access to two local beaches, including a promenade that runs all the way to Hunstanton to the rear of the property. Thanks to its proximity to the beach and flat, easy access heacham House and the surrounding area is a fantastic getaway for kayak fishermen.
Spinning from the end of the promenade at Hunstanton is nice, gentle fishing and you can walk to the cliffs around The Wash to try your hand for some bass and mackerel. Brancaster to the east has fished well for bass over the years and the beaches around there are decent marks to try.
Harry
Hi, I'm Harry. A keen, albeit exceedingly average fisherman. I've spent the last few years trawling London's waterways with - if I'm being kind - varied success and would love to help you avoid the mistakes I have made.
