West Runton

Heritage Site in Norfolk North Norfolk

England

West Runton

House on Holt Road, Felbrigg Credit: Eirian Evans

West Runton is a small coastal village located in the county of Norfolk, England. Situated between the towns of Cromer and Sheringham, it is renowned for its rich heritage and picturesque natural beauty. West Runton is particularly famous for its status as a heritage site due to its significant archaeological discoveries.

The village is home to one of the most important paleontological sites in the country, the West Runton Elephant Bed. Discovered in 1990, this site yielded the remains of a steppe mammoth, making it one of the largest and most complete examples ever found in Europe. The excavation also revealed various other prehistoric animals' remains, including rhinoceroses, deer, and bison. These findings have provided invaluable insights into the region's prehistoric ecosystem.

In addition to its paleontological significance, West Runton boasts a stunning coastline with sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. The beach is a popular destination for fossil hunters, who often find ancient treasures such as shark teeth and shells. The area is also a haven for wildlife, attracting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The village itself exudes a charming and welcoming atmosphere, with quaint cottages, a village green, and a historic church. It offers a range of amenities, including a few local shops, pubs, and cafes. West Runton also serves as a starting point for exploring the Norfolk Coast Path, a scenic walking route that spans the entire length of the Norfolk coast.

Overall, West Runton is a captivating heritage site that combines natural beauty, archaeological significance, and a friendly community, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking a peaceful coastal retreat.

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West Runton Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.926/1.248 or Grid Reference TG1841. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

House on Holt Road, Felbrigg

Eirian Evans

Newstead's Lane

Sandy Gerrard

Caravan parking in a field by the railway

In France they'd call this 'garage mort'. Photographed through the window of a train on the 'Cromer Curve' heading for Norwich. The railway line from Cromer to Sheringham runs at the back of the field on the right.

Robin Stott

Lodge to the west of Felbrigg Hall

Barbara Carr

Farmland, Roundabout Hill

Newstead's Lane

Camp Site facilities

Newstead's Lane

Maize stalks, Roundabout Hill

N Chadwick

A Brassica field

Brassica is a genus of the mustard family (Brassicaceae). Common types of brassica used for food include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli & Brussels sprouts. Wikipedia: Link

N Chadwick

Newstead's Lane

The Norfolk Coast Path is a long distance footpath in Norfolk, running 45 miles from Hunstanton to Cromer. It was opened in 1986 and covers the North Norfolk Coast AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). It links with the Peddars Way at Holme-next-the-Sea, and the two in combination form the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail. At Cromer it links to the Weavers Way.

N Chadwick

Newstead's Lane

The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea. Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles. Wikipedia: Link

N Chadwick