Thornham Beach

Popular today with visitors and locals alike for scenic walks and painting, Thornham Beach has a colourful history.

The History

During the 18th and 19th centuries Thornham was home to a large harbour and became popular with smugglers who would sink their contraband off the coast in water-tight containers for locals to retreive when the tide had receded.

The Old Lifeboat Inn located on the edge of the marshes is said to have been the place where the smugglers revelled in their success.

Scenic Walks

The beach and surrounding marshes provide a beautiful area for walking and forms part of the Norfolk Coast Path. Many well known spots can be located on route to the beach from the marshes along the 'bank' including the famous Thornham Stumps (pictured above) and Boat House.

Artists Heaven?

Thornham Beach has been popular with local artisits and those visiting for many years. It provides wonderful light open spaces ideal for painting and beautiful scenery. The Boat House and Thornham Stumps have been depicted in a huge number of paintings. Photographers also enjoy the fantastic lighting conditions at Thornham Beach.