On the North Norfolk Coast, just east of Brancaster, is the coastal village of Burnham Deepdale. For years I would drive along the coastal road and completely skip Deepdale. I honestly thought it was just a petrol station and a few shops, until autumn 2024.
Burnham Deepdale, often referred to as Deepdale, is a small village on the North Norfolk coast road, with a lot to offer. Deepdale farm, owned by the Borthwick family, is an organic arable farm with a passion for keeping things as natural and eco focused as possible. Jason’s passion for the environment insures that the land around Burnham Deepdale is protected and cared for in the most natural ways possible. This region has captured my heart in such a deep way, and it’s truly remarkable how well it is cared for. Learn more about how they farm the land on the Deepdale Farm website.
Throughout the year they offer events where you can get stuck in on the farm and learn countryside crafts, such as willow weaving and wood working.
Staying at Deepdale:
Deepdale Camping and Rooms is the place to stay when visiting Deepdale. It has a backpacker style feel where you can connect with nature and get back to enjoying life’s simplicity’s. Deepdale is all about nature and living a community, eco focused life. As someone who loves being in nature, with marshland ancestors, Deepdale feels like a place where I can exist in peace away from the chaos of modern life.
The campsite offers 85 pitch spots, ranging in sizes from hammock spots for one person to jumbo pitches able to accommodate two campers for large families/groups. Unfortunately no caravans due to restrictions. The campsite offers top of the line facilities with well maintained showers and toilets, laundry facilities, and much more. In my personal opinion they’ve thought of everything you could possibly need and want on a campsite. A couple of the pitches are “premium” pitches, these come with a gazebo, bbq, and views out across the Norfolk countryside but they book out quickly.
The Stables and The Granary offer comfortable self-catering private rooms with ensuite and shared facilities. The Stables offers a large kitchen/dining area and a living room space. The Granary also has the option to be booked as a holiday home for one family or group at very good prices. The team are welcoming, hard working, and always willing to help.
Food at Deepdale:
On site Deepdale has a delicious café offering a range of hot drinks, good food, and treats. Deepdale Stores offer local and quality produce. Street food is on offer some evenings ranging from burgers to tacos and pizza.
Along the road in Brancaster Staithe, The White Horse has a delicious, award-winning menu offering local, fresh caught mussels. For a more relaxed feel The Jolly Sailors do fantastic wood-fired pizzas made to order (I need to go back, it was delicious). The atmosphere at The Jolly Sailors is a friendly local one with everyone having a good laugh and bit of banter after a hard days work. Slightly further afield Burnham Market offers a range of restaurants, including Michelin Guide and 2 AA Rosette, Socius.
Things To Do in Deepdale:
Whether you’re visiting in the height of summer or in the quieter seasons there’s always something to do at Deepdale or nearby. You’ll get the chance to experience real Norfolk coastal life, get back to nature, and slow down for a while.
Walking:
Bring your walking boots to Deepdale and explore the local countryside and marshes. Head along the Norfolk coastal path in either direction for stunning views across the marshland, countryside, and coast. Listen as you walk and you’ll hear the sounds of the many birds and wildlife that thrive here in peace and tranquillity. Take cash with you as there are many places with honesty boxes where you can pick up local produce, and some pubs prefer cash over card. Also signal isn’t always great up here so keep that in mind. Ask in Deepdale Tourist Information for the latest walking information and maps.
Cycling:
As with walking there are a lot of cycle routes around North Norfolk. Deepdale TIC offer bike hire and cycle routes information.
Bird and Wildlife Watching:
Norfolk is a haven for birds and wildlife and Deepdale is no exception. The marshes and countryside offer feeding grounds for birds and wildlife of all types. The team at Deepdale Tourist Information Centre and One Stop Nature shop at Dalegate Market are specialists when it comes to bird and wildlife watching. The teams are passionate, insightful, and eager to share information to give you the best experience. Find out more on the Deepdale website.
Shopping:
Dalegate is the independent shopping complex at Burnham Deepdale. The Hare & The Hen is a gallery and shop offering prints, crafts, and designs by talented local and national artists. The Sea Word has everything you need for the beach along with coastal souvenirs and items for pets and children. Relish offers jewellery and accessories. The One Stop Nature Shop are experts on the local wildlife and birds, they also offer bird watching events, books about the area both fiction and non-fiction, and a range of equipment. Last but not least, Driftwood Glass studio has some stunning pieces. Dalegate also has four pop up shops on a weekly rotation from March to Christmas.
Music and Theatre:
Passionate about the arts, Deepdale Camping and Rooms host gigs, concerts, dances, and theatrical performances throughout the year in The Barn. Over the past few years Deepdale have also run a Folk Festival in September and a Hygge Festival in March. All of the latest event updates can be found on their website.
St. Mary’s Church:
The Saxon round tower church of St. Mary’s in Burn Deepdale dates back to pre-conquest of 1066. A well kept and beautiful place to reflect, the church is open from 9am most days and holds services most Sunday mornings. In the past the entrance to the church has had second hand books for sale. Donations are gratefully accepted to help keep the church open and running.
Beach:
A trip to North Norfolk is never complete without some time down on the beach. Whether it’s for the day or to watch the sunset. The best beach along this part of the North Norfolk coast is Brancaster. Be sure to check the tide times as the car park access does flood at high tide. Remember to follow beach safety guidelines and enjoy the North Norfolk coast.
In the area:
Based on the coast road, Burnham Deepdale is the perfect location to be close to nature but also within reaching distance of all that the North Norfolk coast has to offer. Sandringham and Holkham Hall are both nearby, Wells-next-the-Sea is just down the coast, Creake Abbey with its award-winning farmers market, and villages like Burnham Market are nearby too.
Deepdale is a great place for families, backpackers, hikers, cyclists, solo travellers, van lifers, and anyone who loves getting into nature. I personally recommend at least 3 days to really explore the area and unwind. Keep an eye out on Deepdale Camping and Room’s social media and website for their latest events, offers and festivals.
