Seacroft Club site

Francis
Francis Club Member Posts: 2,021 ✭✭✭✭
edited January 9 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

Hi all

We are looking at possibly going to the above site. This is one of the only areas in the UK we have never been to so would like some advice about the area. Also how easy is it to get to the site we will be coming from the north so would go down the A1 what are the roads like for towing between the A1 and the site as we have quite a large outfit so tend to pick site near the main roads. Also is the site a good base for doing some cycling 

Thanks in advance 

Comments

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,425 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 9 #2

    We've been there two times, the last time in 2019 and we too have a largish outfit. We did it from the north east and it's a good straight run. We stopped off at the Sandringham site for one night just out of preference to arrive just after the arrival time the following day, which was then 12 but on the way back we did it all in one day.

    Weatherby services is good for caravans on the way down and the A17 is a good fast enough road and the only very minor 'tricky' bit is the large multi lane roundabout at Kings Lynn where you have to be in the right lane otherwise the worst that can happen is you go round again but look at google maps for help or use a sat nav with lane assist if you have one, from then there are good roads to Cromer and while not double carriageways as I recall they are quite straight and wide enough and pose no problems at all. We actually found traffic in July and August to be light.

    We followed the club's instructions for the last few miles and again no problems and there were far larger caravans and motorhomes on site.

    Sorry can't help with the cycling although quite a few cycles on site but the site is great, we had a SP but there are ordinary pitches and even grass. There's also the heated (to 30C) outdoor pool and bar and restaurants facilities. Easy walk into Cromer too. One of our best holidays.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,856 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 9 #3

    One of our regular sites but we get there via Newmarket so a different route. Once you are nearer you can approach via Sheringham or from Cromer but as CS says just follow the Club instructions. The beauty of Seacroft to us is that its an easy walk into Cromer and it has a good bus service from immediately outside the site. There is lots to do. Not so sure about cycling as the road between Sheringham and Cromer is both busy and not side wide in places. BTW the Serviced Pitches are the better ones on site.

    David

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,027 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 9 #4

    The North Norfolk Coast is a beautiful area Francis, stunning scenery, wildlife and some beautiful gardens to visit. We get off the A1 at Newark, and then onto the A17 all the way to Kings Lynn. It’s mainly single lane, so can at times be very slow, but there are some good stop off points, even with a van in tow. It used to take us around 3 hours from South Yorks, but nowadays it can be more like 5 hours with the traffic.

    Never been to Seacroft, although we have seen the site. As DK says, with a MH it’s probably ok, but we preferred Incleborough Fields, which is only a couple of miles away, back West, and you can get on the train to Norwich there. We always find that the main things of interest to us tend to be  quite a way from Cromer, but it depends what you want to do and see. As for cycling, the safer traffic free routes are elsewhere in Norfolk, the coast road is usually very busy, and you will be fighting it out with lots of tourists on the main routes. Good walks though on the coast. The churches are fabulous, full of history. 

    There are some fantastic CLs in North Norfolk, not sure what you need, but many have really good facilities. The Wells, Holkham, Burnham’s area are the most beautiful. Beaches there are lovely. Good easy access beach at Brancaster as well. 

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,856 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 10 #5

    If its a first time visit there is quite a lot to do not too far from the site. Felbrigg Hall is only a few miles away. The RNLI Henry Blogg Museum in Cromer is free to visit and it has a nice cafe above. Sheringham is an interesting little town and also has a Museum worth a look. The North Norfolk Railway start by the car park in Sheringham and opposite side of the road is the start of the Bittern Line to Cromer, Wroxham and Norwich as mentioned by TDA. Further along the coast you have Cley and Wells Next to Sea. So no shortage of things to do for a week or two. Since we discovered Seacroft we have never been back to Incleboro Fields, mainly because that site doesn't have much in the way of hardstandings and some pitches are quite sloping. I am sure I have heard that it is due a refurb which might address some of my concerns. Having said that we both struggle a bit now with walking longer distances so Seacroft for us is the better choice. Norfolk was the first place I ever went on a proper holiday to over 50 years ago and we still love it. 

    David

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 10 #6

    Don’t forget a trip to the Broads too. That’s the bit I like best and have stayed several times at the club’s Broads site. We’ve never stayed at Seacroft but hated Incleboro. As people are saying the north Norfolk coast is well worth a visit - Blakeney and Wells, in particular.

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,425 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 10 #7

    We were there for approaching three weeks and were never at a loss for something to do. I would recommend the boat trips from Blakeney point to see the Seals, these are tide dependent and so times change and they very popular. If you're lucky you'll spot the famous Seal called Ron.

    We had a drive around Incleboro Fields and it would have been too spread out and too far away from the coast for us.

     

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,027 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 10 #8

    Our favourite place to park caravan in Norfolk used to be Fakenham Racecourse, ex MUC Club Site. That said, it probably didn’t have the standard of facilities most Club Site users prefer, but for us, it was a good location, offering easy drive out distances to our favourite spots. When we used Incleborough, we found ourselves driving out back West most days, but there are some good places to visit round there, close to IF and Seacroft. We liked Sheringham. We had a cottage at West Runton that almost backed onto IF first lockdown year, and Felbrigg (NT) was just up the lane.  

    It’s a beautiful county is Norfolk, we have had some good stays inland as well on CLs. The Broads remain to be explored for us, not quite sure how we have never been. We have stayed in a cottage in Burnham Market as well, has some very nice upmarket shops, including the best Hat Shop I have ever been in, anyone looking for a wedding or race day hat need look no further😁 

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,381 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited January 10 #9

    If you visit Wells it has some of the best beaches in the area. I can also recommend the Crab House restaurant in Freeman Street, but you will need to book months in advance in the height of summer.

    peedee

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,027 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 10 #10

    Just a reminder to check out roadworks on the A1 Francis. Work has been ongoing on bridges in the Barnsdale Bar/Ferrybridge area for quite a while, and I think there’s another phase planned. It’s a bit hit and miss, but hold ups can be very bad at times, in either direction, so it’s something to factor in. We live not far away, and have resorted to using the M1 alternative when heading North this past year, after getting snarled up in very bad traffic back last March. The diversions, particularly for larger outfits are quite long. Time it right, you might just be ok, but check out the situation when you plan to travel. Overnight closures, and daytime single lane contra flows, and it’s the dualled section, not the motorway section round Ferrybridge.

  • JimE
    JimE Club Member Posts: 352 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 10 #11

    As a regular visitor to the North Norfolk coast, I agree with much of the advice given above.

    Just one note of caution : DO NOT be tempted to tow along the A149 coast road between Old Hunstanton and Sheringham.  Although it is a regular bus route ("the Coasthopper"), there are some very narrow stretches which are more akin to country lanes; I certainly wouldn't attempt it in my 7.4m MH.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,856 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 10 #12

    Just one thing about the approach to the site. The Club recommends that you leave the A148 and take the A1082 down into Sheringham. If you are using a sat nav make sure its using this route as mine seems to want to take me down Britons Lane which is a lot narrower! The only slight issue with the Club route is the railways bridge at West Runton where the road dog legs over the railway. Its used by buses but probably best to exercise some care as you approach. I am always surprised that they have never installed traffic lights there? In our motorhome we tend to continue on the A148 into Cromer and do a left just past the railway station into Beach Road and then a left on the coast road but it might be a bit tight with a large caravan in tow?

    David

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,297 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited January 10 #13

    We found Incleboro fields location and proximity to public transport  OK. However, didn’t particularly like running the gauntlet of getting the MH hit by a golf ball on arrival and leaving. It was also very difficult to level the MH, even with large ramps. Would probably be better with a caravan in that respect. There are a few service pitches but these are not well located. Much preferred Seacroft, easy to take the van out for the day without having to mess about with ramps.
    We really liked the Broads site, however public transport was a bit limited and at the time of year we visited the walking was a bit boring. The reeds and grasses were so high, many of the walks were like walking between two walls. 

  • Francis
    Francis Club Member Posts: 2,021 ✭✭✭✭
    edited January 10 #14

    Thanks to all those who have replied this has been very helpful and great to know there are lots of things to do. We are thinking of heading here in the summer always wanted to go but never managed it. Thanks also for the advice regarding the route in sounds like we would be fine 

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,027 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 10 #15

    There are some truly beautiful villages dotted around Francis, away from the bustle of Cromer, Wells and Sheringham, which are all nice. Very distinctive buildings, and there are some spectacular very old manor houses, sadly private, but interesting none the less. Walking is lovely. Hope you have a great time.

  • mbee1
    mbee1 Forum Participant Posts: 557
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    edited January 11 #16

    My wife likes Seacroft and I like Incleboro Fields and we both love the area.  We've been there for the last 6 or 7 summers using one site or the other.  Seacroft can be quite noisy as it's next to the main road and, as David said, the service pitches are by far the better ones.

    Incleboro Fields is a much larger site but much quieter particularly if you stay on the reception side or on one of the terraces.  The far side isn't as nice and can be noisy if you're near the play area but there is far more grass and lots of walks directly from the site.  The station is also only a few minutes walk for the train in one direction to Sheringham and the other to Cromer and Norwich or get off at Wroxham for a day on the Broads.