Anna's Walk and Holme Dunes Thornham
Anna's Walk is a scenic five-mile circular route that begins at Anna's House on the High Street in Thornham and winds its way through a tapestry of coastal and countryside landscapes.
As you leave the village, the path gently leads you past quaint streets and into stretches of woodland and salt marsh, evoking a sense of serene isolation that is punctuated by bursts of coastal charm. The trail meanders towards the remote sandy beach at Holme Dunes, where the wild beauty of the Norfolk coast is fully revealed; here, the expansive dunes and rugged shoreline create a dramatic backdrop for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating morning jog.
Along the way, you encounter a variety of inviting landmarks—a charming village green, the historic Old Harbour that hints at tales of smugglers and seafaring adventures, and local favorites like the Lifeboat Inn and the Orange Tree pub, where you might pause for refreshments. A detour by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s café nestled in a stand of pine trees offers a perfect opportunity to soak in the views and sample the region’s natural bounty, while the well-signposted route ensures that the journey feels both accessible and delightfully meandering.
As you traverse the path, the interplay of salt marshes, coastal dunes, and gentle woodland paths reveals a rich mosaic of flora and fauna, with the seaside air carrying hints of ancient history, from the echoes of prehistoric monuments like Seahenge to the storied past of Thornham itself. The walk not only provides panoramic views of the rugged coastline and tranquil sea but also encapsulates the enduring charm of the Norfolk countryside, making it a treasured experience for locals and visitors alike.
Anna's Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Anna's Walk Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Anna's Walk OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Anna's Walk Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Flint and brick cottages Beside green by junction of Church Street with Ship Lane. The village of Thornham extends to both sides of the A149; offering vast sandy beaches with easy access, and beautiful scenery, Thornham is one of the villages along this stretch of coast that enjoys a good number of holidaying visitors during the summer months. During the 18th and 19th centuries the village had a much larger harbour and was popular with smugglers who would sink their contraband off the coast, deposited in waterproof containers, when the tide was out, for locals to recover the goods later.
Looking SW across Broadwater a lagoon behind the dunes at Holme nature reserve. The building in the distance is the visitor centre for the reserve. Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve covers a vast and dynamic coastal landscape near Holme–next–the-Sea, where natural forces and careful conservation combine to create an ever-changing tapestry of life. The reserve’s diverse habitats include rolling sand dunes, expansive salt marshes, grazing pastures, dune slacks, freshwater pools, and stands of pine, each supporting unique plant communities adapted to the challenges of shifting sands, salt spray, and intermittent flooding. The salt marshes and dunes host a remarkably diverse range of coastal flora, from hardy grasses and wildflowers to specialised species that thrive in nutrient-poor, well-drained soils. This mosaic of vegetation not only stabilises the shifting sands but also provides essential shelter and foraging grounds for wildlife. In terms of fauna, Holme Dunes is internationally renowned for its birdlife, attracting thousands of migratory and wintering birds; during high tides, the saline lagoons and mudflats become gathering places for species such as pied avocets, waders, and various seabirds, while winter brings flocks of ducks and geese seeking refuge.
The Green at Thornham
Bund in the marsh Holme Dunes. Also significant is the reserve’s role as a stronghold for the rare natterjack toad, whose breeding and foraging habitats are well supported by the mix of freshwater and brackish environments. Invertebrates flourish in this setting as well, with a vibrant array of butterflies and dragonflies frequently seen among the wildflowers and along the damp, sandy margins, while specialized species like the dune tiger beetle underscore the reserve’s ecological importance. Together, these richly interwoven plant and animal communities, maintained by both natural coastal processes and targeted conservation efforts, ensure that Holme Dunes remains a living, evolving haven for wildlife and a cherished destination for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.