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Where even the cliffs are candy-striped

Information: Town Hall, The Green, Hunstanton; tel: +44 (0)1485 532610

Some people argue day and night over the right way to pronounce the name of West Norfolk’s purpose-built seaside resort. "Hunstaaahhnton," they say on one side – the "a" rolled out like a herring net. "Hunst’n," the others snort.

Aficionado holidaymakers, though, are happy to call it "Sunny Hunny", the only west-facing resort on the East Coast – a place with a superb golden beach, wonderful sunsets and candy-striped cliffs!

Hunstanton developed from a plan drawn up in 1843 by Henry Styleman Le Strange, member of a family squirearchy whose local roots are thought to go back to the 12th century. Henry is said to have recognised the tourism potential of the area and so designed the "Sea-bathing resort of Hunstanton" on sheep meadows on his family estate. Cynics, however, claim that although he foresaw the onset of popular tourism he cunningly placed the new development to deflect the masses from his own village – now known as Old Hunstanton.

In fact, things were slow to move. Hunstanton’s first tourist building – the New Inn, now known as the Golden Lion Hotel – did not open until 1846 and until his death in 1862 Henry worked tirelessly, trying to persuade developers to back his plan. Ironically, his death coincided with the arrival of the railway. And that’s when Hunstanton really began to take off.

The town pier – 830 ft long – was built in 1870, and by the turn of the century Hunstanton’s bracingly dry climate had earned it a reputation as a health resort, with particular benefits for those suffering from rheumatism and anaemia. By the 1930s the town boasted a boating lake, outdoor swimming pool, many hotels and guest houses and a variety of entertainments. In the 1950s it became so popular with Americans from the nearby Sculthorpe airbase that it was dubbed "Little Brooklyn".

The railway line which had given Hunstanton its first boost closed down in 1969 and in 1978 the town’s popular pier was destroyed in a storm. But the resort has continued to flourish and remains a popular place for family holidays.

Its chief natural attraction is the beach, part of a spectacular expanse of golden sand stretching for miles. Hunstanton is proud of its beach, which has gained awards for cleanliness and amenities and is said to be one of the safest in Britain, thanks to the introduction in 1997 of the Beach Lifeguard Service.

Those candy-striped cliffs rise above the beach at the northern end of the town and attract geologists and amateur fossil-hunters. Created under the sea around 100 million years ago, the cliffs consist of Norfolk carrstone and red and white chalk set in layers.

Watersports enthusiasts – jetskiers, windsurfers, dinghy sailors and yachtsmen – will be in their element at Hunstanton, while ashore there’s a host of attractions and amusements to keep everyone entertained, whatever the weather.

Jungle Wonderland, on The Promenade (tel: 01485 535505), is an air-conditioned adventure playground for the youngsters. There’s a giant ball pit and a jungle play area where the kids can explore tunnels and aerial walkways. Patrolling rangers keep an eye on them. For toddlers, there’s a soft play area and a mini ball pool. Open daily, Jungle Wonderland has snacks and free admission for adults accompanying children.

The whole family can relax at Oasis, the all-weather seafront leisure centre (tel: 01485 534227), where there are heated indoor and outdoor pools, an aquaslide, squash courts, dance studio, fitness suite and sunbeds. Roller skating is available in the summer and bowls in the winter.

Traditional fairground rides are to be found at Rainbow Amusement Park on Seagate Road (tel: 01485 532340), which is open throughout the summer season.

Club golfers with current handicaps may use Hunstanton Golf Club’s prestigious 18-hole course overlooking the sea. There are two nine-hole pitch and putt courses at the northern end of the town, while putting, crazy golf and bowls are to be found along Esplanade Gardens.

The Princess Theatre (tel: 01485 532252) presents a varied programme of entertainment year-round, with performances by leading artistes as well as drama, music, variety and cinema. Sunday band concerts are staged along the Promenade and on The Green during the summer and dinner dances and other social events are held in several of the town’s hotels and holiday centres.

Hunstanton has a compact shopping centre with a good range of food and gift shops as well as cafes and bars. Market days are Wednesday and Sunday.