In one of England’s picturesque villages, locals are being displaced by an influx of holidaymakers, leading to a transformation of the area. Blakeney, located in North Norfolk, experiences a surge in visitors during the summer months, drawn to its charming stone houses, a renowned hotel, and the presence of large seal colonies in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Contrastingly, the village undergoes a stark change in the winter season. Visitor numbers dwindle, leaving many traditional fishing properties unoccupied. During a visit in late November, the allure of Blakeney became evident, with the serene River Glaven meandering close to the esteemed Manor Coastal Hotel and Inn within the National Nature Reserve.
Blakeney Point garners acclaim for its seal populations, with guided trips organized by Beans Boat year-round. Over time, the estuary has accumulated silt, limiting access to larger vessels due to the decline in the fishing industry of the region.
Once a thriving fishing community, Blakeney has evolved into a popular holiday destination. The summer months witness high occupancy rates in the village’s two pubs and three hotels.
Tore, a native of Blakeney without inherited property, returned to the village a decade ago after a romance in Libya. Through her ties to the locality, she joined the Blakeney Neighbourhood Housing Society, which aims to provide affordable housing for the community amidst soaring property prices driven by second home acquisitions.
The housing crisis is evident in Blakeney, where property prices have surged, averaging £714,000 in November 2025, far exceeding the national average. Despite a median weekly wage of £571 in North Norfolk, Tore benefits from a controlled rent agreement, paying a modest £478 monthly for her family home.
To address the housing affordability gap, the district council imposed a 100% levy on Council Tax for second home owners in North Norfolk, aiming to curb the proliferation of holiday properties. While acknowledging the importance of tourism to the village economy, Blakeney Parish Council chairman Rosemary Thew expressed concerns over the impact of excessive second home ownership on locals’ ability to reside in the area.
