Gorgeous UK village home to super rich and known as ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’

Tucked away in the  countryside a stone’s throw from the coast, lies the charming village of Burnham Market. Renowned for its stunning old buildings and steep prices, it’s impossible to pass through without feeling compelled to stop and explore.

It’s the perfect pit-stop for a couple of hours en route to the nearby Holkham beach, though Burnham Market is not a village, but instead sits slightly inland. Nicknamed “Chelsea-on-Sea,” the moniker stems from its status as a favoured rural retreat for wealthy seeking a second home. The centre exudes warmth, with patches of greenery lining the streets and quaint shops hosting an array of local businesses.

Celebrities including Stephen Fry, and Anneka Rice have all been drawn to this charming village over the years. However, living here comes with a hefty price tag, as semi-detached homes can fetch up to £2,200,000.

Each historic building is unique – with some cottages built from traditional Norfolk flint, while others are painted in a bright coastal colours.

The village is approximately two hours’ drive from Cambridge and just a 10-minute detour from Wells-next-the-Sea, making it a worthwhile stop if you’re in the area. Visitor cars are scattered around the green’s perimeter as they browse the shops or dine at one of the restaurants or cafes.

Among the businesses you’d expect in a country village – a butcher, baker, deli, pharmacy and farm shop – there are also some that might surprise you, including an art gallery, boutique clothing stores and a delightful hat shop, reports .

The charming village of Burnham has been praised for its ‘homely’ atmosphere and strong community spirit, with local businesses like Satchells Wines contributing to the area’s appeal.

Shop manager Oliver Nelson remarked on the village’s friendly vibe, saying: “Most of the owners and people we know on a first name basis, so it has a community feel.”

He also highlighted the tourist draw of the area, noting: “There’s a lot of people who come to visit and those who come to Burnham, not just second home owners, but holiday makers as well. It’s always been a tourist area for a very long time with the North Norfolk coast, and it’s the joy of being in one of the areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

Nelson added that while there is a steady flow of locals, the village sees a surge during school holidays and sunny weather: “Burnham has a reasonable pull through of local population as well, but it definitely get busier in the school holidays. It’s also busy when the sun’s out because like any coastal region, the sun helps.”

For foodies, Burnham offers an impressive array of dining options for such a small village. The Hoste Arms, a 17th-century coaching inn, and No Twenty9 are standout choices for a sit-down meal.

Those looking for lighter fare can enjoy the quaint cafes dotted around, serving up sandwiches, scones, and homemade cakes. Burnham’s Tea Room and Cafe is particularly eye-catching with its bright blue facade and cosy interior, ideal for indulging in a scone or a cup of tea.

Meanwhile, the Tuscan Farm Shop nearby entices visitors with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Burnham’s appeal as a desirable place to live is evident, having been featured on numerous national lists in recent years. The Telegraph named it one of the UK’s poshest villages, and lifestyle blog Muddy Stilettos previously listed it as one of the best places to live.

Carolyn Blackburn, a resident just outside Burnham Market who works at interior design shop Aurina, described the village as “very pretty” and a place that “everyone gravitates to”. She said: “It’s a very beautiful village with a nice mix of shops and cafes and nice hustle and bustle”, adding that despite this being a quieter time of year, there are still visitors.

Every street and path in Burnham Market has its own charm. One moment you could be browsing over 100,000 second-hand and antique books at the Brazen Bookshop and Gallery, the next admiring some of Burnham’s stunning homes.