Sunny View, Winterton Cottages Reviews | Perfect Base for Seal Watching in Winterton-on-Sea
A short break recently gave us the recharge we needed. And Sunny View made it even better. The cottage sits in a quiet spot in Winterton-on-Sea, just a short walk from the dunes and the wide sandy beach. It felt calm and easy from the moment we arrived, and the setting worked so well for a slow, relaxing few days.
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Sunny View is a good fit for many types of guests. Couples will enjoy the quiet setting and gentle coastal walks. Families will like the safe beach and the relaxed layout of the cottage. Dog owners will be happy with how easy it is to reach the dunes and the dog-friendly spots in the village. It is a simple and cosy base for a coastal break.
Winterton Cottages
Winterton Cottages look after a lovely range of places across the Norfolk coast, including Winterton-on-Sea, Somerton, Hemsby, Happisburgh and more. They have a mix of cottages for couples, families and dog owners, and the website makes it easy to see what suits your stay. The booking process is straightforward. You choose your dates, add your details and pay online. It is quick, clear and easy to follow.
Most cottages sit in the mid to premium price range, depending on size and season. Utilities are included, and you get a few basics when you arrive like toilet rolls, soap and washing-up supplies, which is handy.
Sunny View is one of their cottages based in Winterton-on-Sea, and it fits well into their collection of clean, comfortable and well-kept coastal stays.
Booking and arrival
Booking Sunny View was very easy. Once we confirmed our dates, we received a clear email from Winterton Cottages with everything we needed. It included the full address, check-in and check-out times, the key-safe code and a link to the digital welcome book which was very handy.
The drive from the West Midlands took us a little over four hours. As soon as we entered Norfolk, the scenery changed. The Broads looked peaceful and open, and the small villages felt calm and inviting. By the time we reached Winterton-on-Sea, the pretty cottages and quiet lanes made it feel like the right place for a slow break.
Check-in was smooth. The key safe by the back door was easy to find, and the code worked straight away. We parked in the off-road parking space at the rear of the cottage, which you reach through a gate on The Holway. It was handy to unload there. There is also free parking in front of the cottage, but you need to stay clear of the corner so cars can exit safely.
Our first impressions
Our first impressions of Sunny View were very good. The moment we stepped inside, the space stood out. It felt open, airy and well ventilated, with plenty of room to move around. The décor was easy on the eyes, with soft whites, blues, greys and touches of teal. It all came together in a calm coastal style that suited the village perfectly. Everything looked clean, tidy and well cared for.
As we walked through the rooms, it felt like stepping into a home away from home. Each space was well kitted out, and nothing felt cluttered or overlooked. The mix of light colours, natural light and simple décor made it easy to relax straight away.
In the kitchen, we were greeted with a lovely welcome hamper packed with delicious goodies, many of them from local companies. It was a kind touch after the drive, and settling in felt very easy from the moment we stepped inside.
It was interesting to read about the history of Sunny View. The cottage was built in the 1930s as a small fish and chip shop, and you can still spot little hints of its past in the layout. Over the years it was slowly changed into a home, and the current owners carried out a big refurbishment in 2012 to open up the space and make it more comfortable. It added to the charm of our stay, knowing the place had its own story.
Interior and comfort at Sunny view
The living room at Sunny View felt calm and roomy, with plenty of space for everyone to sit. It looks out over the village green, which gives the room a nice open feel. There is comfy seating for six, and the layout makes it easy to relax.
The lounge has a TV and DVD player, and there is another TV in the kitchen diner. We liked having the choice.
The shelves filled with books were a lovely surprise. I picked one up on the first evening and ended up reading a little every night.
The kitchen was well set up for a self-catering break. The Aga Rangemaster was easy to use, and the large fridge freezer and dishwasher made things simple. The dining table had enough space for six, so meals never felt cramped.
The bedrooms were smart and peaceful. We slept in one of the kingsize rooms and had no trouble drifting off.
The twin room with the beach hut wardrobe added a nice seaside touch, and the main bathroom had a whirlpool bath with a shower over it. There was always hot water, and the whole cottage felt geared towards a comfortable stay.
Facilities & extras at Sunny View
Sunny View had all the practical bits we needed. The Wi-Fi worked well throughout our stay, and we had no trouble browsing.
The heating was set on a clear schedule, which kept the cottage warm during our November visit, and there were easy override buttons if we needed an extra boost. The hot water ran on its own programme too.
There was a washer dryer in the utility room.
The outdoor space was quiet and tidy, with a patio set for six and a bench under the tree on the other side of the cottage. It felt like a nice area to sit out when the weather is good.
The cottage is pet friendly, so it works well for dog owners, though it is important to use a lead during seal pupping season near the dunes.
Inside, we were spoilt for choice with the books and games. It made our evenings slow and cosy, and it was nice to have something different to enjoy after a day out.
Location & local area
For us, the location was the highlight of the whole trip.
Winterton Beach was only a few minutes’ walk from Sunny View, which made everything easy. We visited in November to see the seals, and the cottage turned out to be the perfect base. We walked through the dunes several times, and each visit felt special. The area is known for its wildlife. Winterton Dunes is both an SSSI and an AONB, and you can see birds, rare plants and some wildlife.
From Winterton Beach towards Horsey, the grey seal colony is a real sight, especially when the pups arrive in winter. We did the walk from Winterton to Horsey and saw hundreds of adults seals and new born pups.
We also made a trip to Waxham Beach. It was quiet and peaceful, and although we only spotted one seal in the water, the walk itself was lovely.
Back in the village, we enjoyed a slow wander past thatched cottages, stopped by the local church (pictured below), and looked around the small shops. There are a couple of good places to eat, including Fisherman’s Return, Poppy's Tea Room and Highwayman at Hermanus.
Sunny View is also a handy base if you want to explore the Norfolk Broads. Potter Heigham, Hickling Broad and Horsey Mere are all close by, so you can reach the main spots without much travel. You can also book a day boat from places like Potter Heigham or Wroxham and spend a few hours out on the water. It is a simple way to see the Broads at your own pace.
Great Yarmouth is close by and easy to reach from Winterton-on-Sea. It takes only a short drive to get there, making it handy if you want a day out with arcades, attractions and a lively seafront. It’s a nice contrast to the calm pace of Winterton.
Our view
For what you pay, Sunny View offers real value. The space you get, the care that has gone into the place, and the comfort it offers make the price feel fair. If you are a family of four or even six, this cottage is well worth it. You get room to spread out, a proper base to relax in, and the beach just a short stroll away. It feels like a place where you get more than you expect.
The cottage was spotless when we arrived. The comfort level was high too, with cosy rooms and everything set up in a way that helps you settle in straight away. The facilities were strong, from the kitchen to the utility room to the outdoor space.
The location was the true highlight for us. Being able to walk to the dunes and beach in minutes made the trip so easy. The host had left all the information we needed, plus clear contact details. Even though we never had to reach out, it was good to know help was only a message away.
Our final verdict is simple. We recommend Sunny View. We loved it. It exceeded our expectations.
Sunny View works well as a base if you want to explore more of the Norfolk coast or head inland to the Broads. You can reach key spots in minutes by car, and day boats are easy to book if you want to see the waterways up close. And of course, it is one of the best places to stay if seal watching is on your list. Being able to walk to the dunes made the whole experience even better.
Book your stay at Sunny View
If you want to book a stay, Winterton Cottages make the process very easy. They have a wide range of cottages and take bookings throughout the year. All utilities are included in the price and they provide a few handy essentials to get you started, such as toilet rolls, hand soap, washing up liquid, tea towels, dishwasher tablets and bin bags.
Most of their properties are dog friendly, but do check the listing as the number of dogs allowed varies. The quickest way to book is online. Pick your cottage, add your dates and guests, and complete the secure payment.
A week’s stay at Sunny View for up to six guests in 2026 starts from £1438.
Book online at www.wintertoncottages.co.uk
Winterton Cottages Ltd | The Holway, Winterton-on-Sea, Norfolk, NR29 4BS
Phone | 01493 800645
Email | [email protected]
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