My Britain: Winterton-on-Sea

WITH A BEAUTIFUL BEACH on one side and the Norfolk Broads on the other, Winterton-on-Sea is a lovely little village with a big heart.

- Alice Gawthrop

Historically a fishing village, in days gone by you could buy fish from huts on the dunes of the beach. Although that’s no longer possible, fishing boats still go out from the village today.

Winterton Beach boasts rolling dunes and soft golden sand from which you can look out to sea and spot seals bobbing in the water. Wildlife abounds in Winterton-onSea: the endangered natterjack toad, for example, can be found in fenced off pools in the dunes, distinguishable by a thin, bold yellow stripe down its back. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Winterton is also an excellent birdwatching site.

As for the people, few communities are as warm and welcoming. Locals Jeanne Farace and Rachel MacSweeney share the secrets of life in Winterton-on-Sea.

I’ve lived in Winterton since August 2016. I first came to Winterton when I was 21; a friend had a holiday let in Hemsby and we walked to the Fishermans Return for a drink. Then in 1983 I started visiting Winterton and staying here for the odd weekend.

The journey from Enfield, North London was not as quick and easy as it is now. One day I was looking on Rightmove and noticed that the post office was for sale. So I asked my husband whether we should go for it. It was an impulse move.

I love how quiet and pretty it is. You can have the worst day ever but walk down to the beach and everything just floats away! We live at Poppy’s, and it is in the centre of the village (quite literally). There are always people around and they are very friendly and will stop for a chat.