Overstrand

Overstrand is an attractive East Norfolk coastal village, situated on a cliff-top overlooking fine sandy beaches. Visitors come to Overstrand to take in the fine coastal views of the sea and beach below, including a lovely cliff-top path taking you right into Cromer. The village grew up around its fishing industry and a few fishing boats are still based here. The beauty of Overstrand did not go unnoticed however and many rich and famous people built holiday homes here, leading to its nickname as "the village of millionaires". As a result the village contains some fine and unusual properties, dating from several periods. Overstrand has a village shop, post office a couple of pubs and clifftop café. It makes a fabulous base for your holiday, or a day trip to relax on the beach, enjoy some walking or mountain bike in the surrounding woodland.

Overstrand Village Sign

The coast at Overstrand, looking north

Relaxing on the beach

Overstrand Post Office

Fishing Boat

Art Deco Seaside Homes

The Sea Marge is an elegant Edwardian mansion built in 1908 as a country home for Sir Edgar Speyer, a London banker, who was chairman and founder of London Underground. He had the house finished to a high standard, including bathrooms with hand painted tiles and large cast iron baths. The formal and ornamental gardens were laid between the house and cliff top and Italian sculpture was used to enhance the design. The Sea Marge first opened as a hotel in 1935 and has all the comforts of a modern hotel, but retains all of its character.

The Sea Marge Hotel in Overstrand

Inside the Sea Marge Hotel, a picture of Winston Churchill still hangs above the fireplace

Sitting at one end of the village is the lovely church of St Martin. The church was built during the reign of King Henry IV in 1399. The church eventually fell into ruins and in 1867 another church was built in the churchyard. In 1884, it was decided to rebuild the ruins of St Martins and the restored church was rededicated in 1914. The interim church then became redundant and was finally demolished in 1951.

Overstrand Parish Church

Inside Overstrand Church

Car-parking can be found on the cliff top (pay) overlooking the beach.

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