The little-known UK beach with unique cliffs and WW2 shipwreck
It is considered something of a hidden gem in the UK, with tourists tending to flock to Hunstanton South Beach
Norfolk's Hunstanton South Beach is a favourite among tourists, boasting a fun fair, mini golf, and pony rides that promise a day of enjoyment for the entire family.
However, a short stroll up the coastline reveals the more serene Old Hunstanton Beach. Both beaches form part of Norfolk's unique west-facing coastline, despite the county being located on the UK's east coast.
While South Beach is a hub of family entertainment, Old Beach offers its own charm with striking red and white striped cliffs that provide a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely walk or a relaxing sunbathing session.
The cliffs' distinctive colouring is due to the layers of different rocks within them. The darker hues come from sedimentary sandstone layers, while the red and white are from limestone stained with iron in some areas.
During the First World War, the Sheraton was utilised to locate, track and damage enemy submarines. Post-war, it resumed its role as a trawling vessel.
With the onset of the Second World War in 1939, the Navy once again requisitioned the ship. Naval officers equipped the vessel with a 6-pounder gun, transforming it into an armed patrol vessel patrolling the East Coast.
Post-1945, following the end of the war, the Sheraton was stripped of all its components and given a bright yellow makeover for use as a Royal Air Force target ship.
In a twist of fate two years later, the Sheraton, moored at Brest Sand, was set adrift by a severe storm, eventually finding its final resting place on Old Hunstanton Beach, where it remains to this day.
Fossil enthusiasts should focus their search on the red and white layers, where numerous fossils have been discovered. In contrast, the sandstone layer has only yielded small amounts of fossilised wood.
But it's not just the unique cliffs that draw visitors to Hunstanton Old Beach. The shipwreck of the steam trawler Sheraton, visible at low tide, also adds to the beach's allure.
Built in 1907 as a fishing vessel, the Sheraton was commandeered by the Royal Navy when war broke out in 1914.