Heron, Sea View, Scratby – California Cliffs, Parkdean, sleeps 6, bed linen and towels included, pet free, onsite entertainment available

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to the Heron at Parkdean’s Scratby resort, I wasn’t expecting much. Holiday parks can be hit or miss, you know? But this place actually surprised me in the best way. The “sea view” part isn’t just marketing fluff either – you really can see the water from here, and on clear mornings (which Norfolk gets plenty of, thankfully), it’s pretty spectacular watching the light hit those California Cliffs they named it after.

What struck me most was how thoughtfully set up everything was. I mean, finding a place that sleeps six people without feeling cramped is tough enough, but they’ve actually nailed the layout here. The bed linen and towels being included might sound basic, but honestly – it’s such a relief not having to pack half your house or pay extra fees that some places sneak in. The whole pet-free thing works well if you’ve got allergies like my partner does, though I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. The onsite entertainment is where things get interesting, actually. Instead of the usual cheesy holiday park stuff (though there’s some of that too, if you’re into it), they’ve got live music that doesn’t completely suck and activities that won’t make you cringe.

Here’s what I wish someone had told me before visiting – Scratby Crescent can get busy during school holidays, so if you’re looking for peace and quiet, aim for shoulder season. The walk down to the actual beach takes about ten minutes, maybe fifteen if you’re carrying beach gear for six people, but it’s totally doable. You’re also really close to Great Yarmouth without being stuck in the thick of all that tourist chaos, which is honestly the sweet spot. Check-in was surprisingly smooth – no lengthy queues or complicated key situations. The staff seem to actually know what they’re talking about when you ask about local spots, too. One thing that really stood out was how clean everything felt without that harsh chemical smell some holiday accommodations have. They’ve somehow managed to make it feel more like a well-maintained home than a rental property, if that makes sense. The 8.6 rating it’s got feels about right – not perfect, but definitely solid enough that I’d come back, and I’m pretty picky about these things.