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A visitors guide to the village of Brancaster, which lies on the
North Norfolk Coast in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Firm
shimmering sands seeded with Marram grass stretch as far as the eye can
see. Here most of the coastline is owned by the National Trust and
consists of sandy beaches, stretches of salt marshes and sand dunes.
Romans gave the name Branodunum to this coastal
village and built a fort here, which they in turn called "Branoduni
Castra". The forts purpose was to protect the north coast against
marauding Frankish and Saxon pirates, though some claim it was to scare
the Druids who were located at Holme-next-theSea. Unfortunately, nothing
now remains of this stronghold except some ditches to the east of the
village and a street named after the ancient village Branodunum.
In the village is a hostelry which dates from circa
1747 and on whose white washed external walls there is a hundred year
old replica of a man-o-war, reminiscent of vessels that sailed these
waters during Nelsons day and goes by the name of Black Diamond.
There is always good fish and shellfish to be had on
the Norfolkcoast and in this location there is a roadside shed which
sells crabs, lobsters, shrimps and mussels along with locally caught
fish.
This is a good area for nature lovers and bird watchers with reserves at
nearby Titchwell, Holme and slightly further a field at Snettisham.
For those wishing to sail try nearby Brancaster
Staithe. Other attractions include golf at The Royal West Norfolk Golf
Course, or on the beach, windsurfing and para surfing. For a larger
range of shops visit Burnham Market just four miles inland. The busier
seaside resort of Hunstanton is under seven miles further round the
coastal road with its livelier seaside atmosphere.
For holiday accommodation in Brancaster or closeby - self catering -
holiday cottages - bed and breakfast - camping and caravan - hotel -
inns - guest houses look at our accommodation pages.
It is said that Horatio Nelson,
England's greatest naval commander from Burnham Thorpe, learned to sail
his first boat at Brancaster in the 18th century.
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