The Hunstanton Heritage Gardens is a public open space located over the only stretch of the eastern coast that faces west. It offers spectacular sunset views across the Wash. It covers an area of approximately 6.8 hectares and is the only significant open space within the town of Hunstanton. Being predominately linear in shape, it is located between the promenade on the west and the main road through Hunstanton (Cliff Parade) on the east.
The gardens consist of a range of different features that make up the overall project and park site, all of which have equal significance and importance.
The Hunstanton Heritage Gardens are formed by a number of open space areas and gardens along the promenade of Hunstanton.
The Green - a large open space divided by the road into the upper and lower green. It is at the heart of the resort and naturally inclines towards the promenade. It looks over the Wash and the site of the former pier that was destroyed in 1978 in heavy storms. It is a flexible green space that offers opportunity for a range of large events.
The upper section houses the Town Sign and the Grade II listed Town Cross - It is thought to have been relocated to its current position from Old Hunstanton, when the resort was founded by Henry L’Estrange Styleman Le Strange.
The lower section contains the ‘Butterfly Shelters’ that were installed during the 1960’s. It also contains public conveniences and the Bandstand that is still regularly used over the summer months.
The Esplanade Gardens - a traditional Victorian Promenade Garden consisting of formally laid out annual beds. The layout has remained remarkably unchanged since its origination.
The Edwardian Pavilion, also located with the Esplanade, holds interpretation materials provided by the Hunstanton Civic Society.
Cliff Parade - open space runs from the Esplanade Gardens to the north. It consists of a wide expanse of amenity grass, interspersed with three Victorian shelters that date back to 1898. Furthermost north, it reaches the medieval Grade II listed remains of St Edmunds Chapel.
