Blankey Quay - The best crabbing spot in Norfolk
Norfolk

Crabbing Spots In Norfolk

Norfolk and Suffolk are crabbing hot spots with the coast littered with various towns and harbours to crab from. Wells on Seas on the north coast is a very popular place along with places dotted along the coast. 

Cromer pier is the most famous of all the crabbing spots and they sometimes hold the UK championships there. Having been to many of these spots I will list you my best spots to go to. Due to the location most of these are on the north Norfolk coast rather than further down near Great Yarmouth.

Top Crabbing Spots In Norfolk!

Here are my top spots starting with my favourite. Further down the page, you’ll find my top crabbing tips! 

Crabbing Hot Spot - Blakney

Blankey Quay - The best crabbing spot in Norfolk

As well as being my top-rated crabbing spot, Blakney is a lovely traditional village on the north Norfolk coast. The crabbing is on a small estuary and you need to be there as the tide is coming up. 

It does get busy in the summer holidays and on warmer weekends. There are usually people swimming and paddleboarding in the water too. 

Take a folding chair and get your spot early, usually around an hour and a half before high tide works well. Look for gaps in the boats and for any deeper spots you can see as these will be the best spots.

While you wait, if someone keeps your spot, head to the bakery by the car park for delicious pastries and cakes. 

Where to buy bait: There is a fishmonger by the Spar on the main road down to the harbour. There is also a coast shop just next to the Kings Arms further down the high street that does bait and crabbing equipment. 

Where to park: You can park in a couple of places in Blakney. The easiest place to get a space is at the village hall. This is on the main triangle in the middle of the village. Thre are some toilets here and a play area. You can then walk down the high street to the quay and pick up your baits on your way down. 

Can you beat us? Our current record at Blakney is 181 crabs in a day, using 2 drop nets. We used the bait from the coast shop that is pre-packed and found a good deep spot between 2 boats, the crabbing was relentless. We eventually gave up our spot to someone else before the tide went out. 

Next Best - Wells-Next-The-Sea

Wells next to the sea crabbing gets very busy

Wells if also up on the North Norfolk coast and is further round the Blankey. It’s not too far from Holkham Hall which is also a great place to visit. In Wells, there is a harbour front that is very popular with crabbers.

I’ve never personally had a go here but have seen people with buckets full of crabs and them being caught regularly. This is a real hot spot on the key. Again, you want to look for slightly deeper water if you choose a spot. 

There’s lots more to do in Wells with the beach not too far away. There are seaside shops and eateries to visit. The only challenge with visiting can be finding a parking space in the school holidays. A lot of people park alongside the road above the town and walk down as it is easier if you spot a space here. The traffic in Wells can also be bad in the summer so parking just out of the town can help avoid crawling around trying to find a space. 

Where to buy bait: Wells is bigger than Blakney and has a more seaside town vibe. There are a number of shops along the quayside that all sell crab bait – they’ll usually have a sign in the window so you know what is on offer. You can also pick up nets and buckets from these shops if you do not already have these with you. 

Patience Needed - Cromer Pier

Cromer Pier hosts the “world” crabbing championships in August every year. I have crabbed at Cromer and it was the least enjoyable place I’ve ever crabbed! The quays are much easier to crab from than the incredibly buy pier. 

When we went the pier was packed with people and it took us 15 minutes waiting for someone to leave to get a decent spot. It is a VERY long way from the pier to hit the water! It is a lot of winding if you want to keep pulling up to see if you have caught anything. 

My tips for crabbing at Cromer Pier

  1. Get your water before you go up – There’ n where to get water on the pier so get down to the water first. Always remember to walk back down with your bucket and release the crabs carefully into the water near the pier again – Do not pour them in off the pier! 
  2. Get there early – Arrive before high tide to get the best spots – As close to the end of the pier as you can get.
  3. Spread out – This is just so you don’t get in tangles, people will just come in and sit right next to you.
  4. Don’t go if it’s windy – As mentioned it’s a long way to the water and on windy days your net could end up anywhere! 
  5. Be patient: When we have been we’ve never seen anyone with bucket loads of crabs. Most people catch a few while the are there. 

These are the 3 top spots in Norfolk. If you are heading for a Norfolk lodge holiday then why not have a go at crabbing. It is a very popular pastime and kids love it! 

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Steam Mill Hot Tub with oak framed cover

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Colehurst Lake Cabins

Colehurst Lake Cabins: A Relaxing Break With On-Site Fishing

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High Lodge Leisure at night

High Lodge Leisure – Lodge Review: Great All Round Fishing + Hot Tubs!

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image of beer beach on the Jurassic coast

The Best Seaside Towns To Visit On The Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic coast is a phenomenon of nature. This spectacular coastline has literally been 185 million years in the making. One noticeable aspect of the Jurassic coast is that its beaches tend to be a pebble. However littered amongst the many wonderfully coloured and shaped stones, are fossils from bygone days of the dinosaurs. If you’re staying in a lodge in Devon or Dorset, you’ll have countless options for days out and places to visit. We’ve put together our list of favourite seaside towns on the Jurassic coast. The best seaside towns to visit on the Jurassic Coast The top 5 days out on the beautiful Jurassic coast of Devon and Dorset Why are these the best seaside towns on the Jurassic coast? The reason we’ve chosen these locations is that they all offer something unique. 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The town square known as The Strand is surrounded by bars and cafes and the marina is a nice peaceful stroll away. Be sure to visit Krispies fish and chip shop. Perhaps the only chippy that serves battered chips! #3 Branscombe The smallest place on our list of best seaside towns to visit on the Jurassic coast, Branscombe has a tiny population of just over 500 people, which actually makes it a village. Branscombe however is a beautiful place to visit and boasts an idyllic coastline. The pebbled beach sits beneath rolling hills and cliffs. The Jurassic coastal path is easy to access from the seafront. Driving down to the beach, visitors will find a car park, with ample space. Be sure to get a ticket as the car park is monitored by cameras. The beach is long and children will love exploring the rock pools and dipping their toes into the water. Sat overlooking the beach is a fantastic cafe called The Sea Shanty. With cakes, teas, coffee and meals as well as beers and wines, the Sea Shanty is the perfect spot for relaxing on a stunning beach front. Branscombe also has a lovely country pub called The Masons arms. This 14th Century traditional bar has a quaint thatched roof and serves modern British food. They often have a good selection of ales and wines. The Masons arms is a short stroll from the beach and it also has its own parking. #4 Sidmouth Often referred to as the gateway to the Jurassic coast, Sidmouth Town would make an excellent day out for those staying in a lodge nearby. This regency town has a lovely pebbled beach with plenty of things to do. You’ll often find people swimming in the sea or paddle boarding near the shoreline. The raised esplanade runs alongside the beach and is a safe walking area for those with young children. Sidmouth has charming boutique shops and independent cafes. There is somewhat of a slow pace to life in Sidmouth and a nice glass of wine on the seafront is the perfect way to spend a summer holiday. The town has a few shops and places to buy ice cream, one of which is a parlour called Taste which often has long queues for their ice cream, but it’s well worth the wait. Sidmouth also has access to the Jurrasic coastal walk and for those who don’t mind a hilly climb, the views from Peak hill that overlook the town and coast are simply spectacular. Sidmouth has a small museum and Connaught Gardens is a lovely area with flowers and pathways that again overlook the coast. The garden also has a small cafe to keep refreshed in the warm sunshine. In August Sidmouth plays host to its famous Folk Festival. A week’s entertainment of live music, street shows and stalls. During this week the town can get quite busy however the atmosphere is always good and everyone seems to have a nice time. #5 Lyme Regis Just heading over the Devon and Dorset border is the town of Lyme Regis. For dinosaur lovers and fossil hunters, Lyme Regis is the perfect place to visit. The town has a dinosaur museum, showcasing some incredible finds and children can spend hours searching the pebbled beach. The beach on Lyme Regis is both pebble and sand so there is something for everyone. The esplanade can get busy during the peak months as there are numerous bars, restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlours as you would expect from a seaside town on the Jurassic coast. At the end of the esplanade is the famous Lyme Regis cobb. A stunning harbour wall dating back to the 1300s. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the Cobb and take in the stunning views of the seafront. The grassed hill overlooking the beach has a crazy golf course and this seaside town on the Jurassic coast has museums and small independent shops to leisurely saunter around. Visiting the Jurassic Coast FAQs How long is the Jurassic Coast? The coastline is nearly 100 miles long, stretching from Devon into Dorset. How easy is it to get to the Jurassic Coast? Visitors travelling in by road from the north can access the South West on the M5 Motorway. Once at Exeter there are clear signs to the various towns along the coast. During the peak holiday season, the smaller roads can become busy. Holidaymakers arriving from the East have the option of the M4, A303 or A35. The A35 hugs part of the coastline and has some wonderful views of the cliffs and sea. Can I walk the Jurassic Coast? Absolutely yes! There are paths along the the route. There are numerous cliffs so be prepared for some steep climbs. Nevertheless once at the top the views will be worth the effort. There are plenty of opportunity for refreshments along the way. Can I go fishing on the Jurassic Coast? Yes. You’ll often find people sea fishing, stood from the esplanades during quieter times. Its not uncommon to see people fishing stood on the beach in Branscombe. For something a little different, why not book yourself onto a Mackerel fishing trip and sail out on a boat to find your catch. These excursions are available in Exmouth. What month is the Sidmouth Folk Festival The annual festival is usually held in August. There are numerous camping spots around the town and local lodges, cabins and other accommodation quickly get booked up during this busy week. How did Beer town get its name? Nothing to do with the alcoholic drink. The word Beer originates from a traditional word Beare meaning woodland, which surrounded the town. Can I keep any fossils I find? Fossils that are found on the beach are generally fine to keep. If fossils are taken from private land this could become a problem. When searching for fossils try and stay clear of the cliff face. Its best to leave these ones to the professionals. About the author: Author Matt has been visiting Devon for years and is the go-to guy for Devon information. At times it seems like he’s been to every fish and chip shop and ice cream shop along the coast with his in-depth knowledge of the area. You can read Matts’s guide to the best lodge breaks in Devon here if you are looking for a luxury break.

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Image of a mountain bike on Haldon Hill in Devon

Mountain biking in Devon: The Best Trails

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There are a couple of other tracks that are great to cycle around. The green track is quite flat and will lead you out overlooking the city of Exeter. I have used this as a cool down track. Take you’re time on this route as sometimes you’ll encounter dog walkers. Finally, there’s the purple track which has some steep downhills, which obviously means some climbs back up. This is great for feeling the burn and getting that all-important hill climb under your belt. For mountain biking in Devon, Haldon hill is my favourite place to cycle. Beautiful surroundings and ready-made tracks. Perfect! Woodbury Common, Devon Mountain biking Perhaps a little less well known, certainly by visitors to the area anyway is Woodbury common. The village of Woodbury is located approximately 15 minutes from Exeter and not far from the seaside town of Exmouth. The common is well over 250 acres. It is mainly heathland, with stunning views over the coastline near to Sidmouth.  The land has numerous tracks, too many to count. Although the common is used by walkers and dog lovers, the tracks are perfect for mountain biking and there are rarely any encounters with people being too close to each other. The tracks are mix of stone and pebble, earth, mud and gravel. The terrain can be difficult in parts, with some arduous conditions; perhaps the reason why the Royal Marines train here. Nevertheless, for mountain biking enthusiasts, this part of Devon is a real gem. There are several car parks, that don’t charge. Each car park has several pathways and tracks leading off, meaning there are huge variations in rides.  The tracks are not directional however the space around means that you are highly unlikely to meet anyone without first seeing them. One particular mountain bike ride I enjoy at Woodbury common takes from the car park known as Four Firs. A steady gradual climb up soon has me looking out over the coast. I then head towards the firing range, which if in use is always clearly marked. I cycle down the stoney hill, which takes some concentration and up the other side, winding through the trees with some downhills and more climbs. Eventually I prepare myself for the grueling climb up towards what is known as thew castle; and old fort.  This ride can take up to 45 minutes and there are ways to make it shorter or longer if needed. Mountain biking on the Tarka trail in Devon The Tarka trail in Devon is the country’s longest path. Enjoyed by walkers and cyclists the figure 8 loop is approximately 180 miles. Now I have not completed the full loop however I have cycled a more scenic ride. Starting at Meeth near Okehampton, the ride heads towards north Devon, where I was aiming to get to a place called Fremington Quay. I had been told by locals that the old railway station at the quay is well worth a visit, not only for its coffee and cake but also for the picturesque views. The track is enjoyable and certainly a ride that allows you to meander through trees and nature. It’s important to realise that this track is enjoyed by walkers as well and not solely for cyclists. The trail was once a railway line, which is now no longer in use. The paths were converted back in the 1990s and have been enjoyed by visitors ever since. With easy ground, this mountain biking route in Devon can be enjoyed by all of the family, including smaller children. When they’ve had enough, simply turn around and head back. If some members of your group are without a bike, there are places in Bideford, Barnstaple, and Braunton that hire them out. The Tarka Trail is a great cycle ride and a really fun day out, especially if the weather is nice, as it usually is during the summer in Devon. 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Wigmore lakes - view from the lodge

Wigmore Lakes Lodges: Hot Tubs & Coarse Fishing

Key Information Facilities About The Site View On Map In The Area Site Map Questions Key Information – Wigmore Lakes 9 Lodges on site Suitable for families Suitable for couples Selected lodges have hot tubs Fishing on site Pets are allowed – Up to 2 dogs Wigmore Lakes – Site Overview Like the look so far? Why not share it with your friends? Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email On Site Facilities Take away and shop located next to the entrance 2 Lakes on site In lodge Wifi Parking by lodge Room for children to play on site Disabled access lodges Camping also on site What You Will Find At Wigmore Lodges Disclaimer: I have stayed at Wigmore Lakes lodges for a weekend with my family. This was a paid trip and the view here represents my own opinion of the site.  Wigmore Lodges are in a handy location to visit Sherwsbury and Telford where you will find shops and historic towns. Both Shrewsbury and Telford have some great parks alongside the city centre. Wigmore’s lodges are more prefab plastic built lodges that is on the smaller size when compared to other lodges we have stayed in. We had an Oxmoor lodge that was right on the lake and we did some fishing from in front of the lodge. This had a hot tub at the front which lacked a little privacy when getting in and out. You can read my fishing guide further down the page.  The lodges were very well kept as was the site. The welcome pack had a lemon drizzle cake in that was fantastic! The lodge was comfortable for a weekend but I’m not sure I could have stayed there for a week personally. It is a good place for a quick break from the world!   What Else Will You Find On Site Fishing There are 2 fishing lakes at Wigmore with the smaller lake being closest to the lodges. The larger lake is the match fishing lake and there was a match on while we were there and some serious weights of fish were getting caught. The main lake looks good for catching slivers, small carp and F1’s from what I saw. It is very heavily stocked and suits float fishing with a rod or pole. I’d expect you’d catch a lot on a small method feeder too. I never fished the lake as we choose to fish the lake by the lodge. The lake by the lodges is the smaller of the two. Two of the lodges are right in front of the lake. They do not have private pegs on the lake but we were able to fish from the bank right in front of our lodge. There was another lodge guest from the lodges further who fished a couple of pegs down from us. We were there in May and the fishing was good. The average size of carp being caught was 4-7lb and the runs were plentiful. Due to the weather, we only managed to fish for 3 hours but did bank 8 carp in that time and missed a couple of runs too.  The pegs down from the lodges fish to the island and this is a narrow gap so you don’t need any heavy gear. We caught all the carp from the reeds along the island. I think the lake is well stocked as we could see carp moving all over the lake during the day. The person alongside us banked a few carp as well from the end of the island and out in the middle.  Here’s the peg The lakes are great for fishing with children as the action is fast-paced enough to keep them interested and there is still room for them to run around on the grass.  How To Find Wigmore Lodges What Is In The Local Area There are lots to do in the local area if you are there for a short break or a longer stay. I live around 45 minutes from Shrewsbury and visit that area of Shropshire regularly.  Things to do near Wigmore Lakes 1 – Visit Shrewsbury Shrewsbury is a lovely old town that has lots to do other than the shops. You can take a long walk along the magnificent River Severn (and stop for lunch at the boathouse – highly recommend). Alongside the river, you’ll find a good-sized play area for children along with a splash pad that is open on the weekends in the warmer months and in the summer holidays too. Further into the park are the dingle sunken gardens to walk around and these always look spectacular.  The playground, splash pad and gardens are all free to use.  2 – Visit Attingham Park Attingham Park is a National Trust property on the outskirts of Shrewsbury. There is a very large and impressive manor house that you can walk around as well as a vast site including a large deer park. The River Tern flows through the site and there are many walks around.  For the children there are the fields of play – This is a massive area of grass with some swings, slides, tunnels and more to play on. We often visit here and the children spend hours running around the grass banks, climbing on logs and generally having a great time! It is worth taking a football/ cricket set etc if you have them.  If you like some more history there is a historic trail around the site showing where the grounds were used during World War 2.  3 – Vist Telford & IronBridge Telford is a town steep in industrial history with Iron Bridge gorge close by. In Telford, you’ll find a large shopping centre and numerous restaurants. Right by the shopping centre is Telford Town Park. This has play areas for different age ranges and lots of activities you can do while there  High ropes climbing Bike hire and trails  Football cages for 3 v 3 football Disk golf course Mini golf course 3 fishing lakes Around Telford and Iron bridge, there are a number of museums and places to visit. Take a step back in time to Bliss Hill victorian village. Our favourite one to visit is Enginuity – Fun, science and engineering museum. Distances To Nearest Facilities 1 minute drive to nearest shop 8 minute drive to nearest pub 20 minute drive to nearest golf course Wigmore Site Map Important: This is a final plan for all the lodges on site. Only a handful of them are actually built at the time of writing.  *Site map was taken from source and is subject to change, check the website for the most up to date information.  Frequently Asked Questions Read Our Latest Lodge Reviews Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email

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