The Origins
After many peripatetic years as a Royal Marines Officer followed by time as a humanitarian I wanted to return to my home in Norfolk, be with my family and yet still lead an adventurous and ethical life. A vision emerged whilst sitting on a beach in Mogadishu, after a long week during the Somalia famine of 2011; an adventurous business based on Norfolk's traditional wooden fishing boats and to champion best environmental and sustainable practice including sail cargo. Today that vision is The Coastal Exploration Company.
Our Ethos
Our commitment to the environment, adventure, heritage, and mindful living is at the heart of what we do. We offer experiences that go beyond mere adventure, deeply rooted in the rhythms of nature and the richness of history. These journeys are designed to reconnect you with nature, recharge your spirit, and embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes slow and sustainable living. Join us in celebrating a way of life that respects our planet and its stories, inviting you to experience the beauty and tranquility of a mindful approach to life.
Our Vision
Lead the way with sustainable coastal tourism by using and maintaining a fleet of traditional wooden fishing boats under sail. Promote and safeguard slow living and environmental best practices and keep exploring!.
Our boats
In 2011 we discovered a Sheringham built 20’ crab boat named 'My Girls', which was then refurbished by traditional wooden boat builders in Stiffkey and so the vision started to become a reality.
In 2013 we began renovating one of the last remaining Norfolk whelk boats; Salford was returned to her original layout and fitted with a lug rig.
Unexpectedly in 2015 we were kindly donated a mussel flat by local fishermen in Brancaster.
The lug and sails were hand made by a true artisan craftsman, Steve Hall, the owner of North Sea Sails in Tollesbury.
Finally after 10 years of searching for a large Norfolk smack, we finally found one in Cornwall, very rotten, but worth saving, she is now over a 100 years old! She was rebuilt by Luke Powell's incredible team at Working Sail and sails bent on by North Sea Sails in Tollesbury.
Our Tribe
Colin
Colin; sailor, surfer and designer, he has become one of the companies top scullers and model!
Sarah
Sarah; nomad: Far East and Central Asia. Allotment plot owner and loves the salt-marsh solitude
David
David; family man, Sailor, Mountaineer, interested in tides & knots.
Hilary
Hilary; passionate about the outdoors and helping people. Completely at home sailing through the creeks.
Nick
Nick; yacht master, wild life and nature photographer and surfer.
Edmund
Edmund; the company Quartermaster and electronic music maker.
Laura
Laura; crew member, media specialist and leader of the dynamic Wild East, rewilding East Anglia
Pete
Peter; a long standing CEC film maker and photographer, but now applying his boating skills to CEC skippering!
Our guide - the best of north Norfolk
Our recommendations for North Norfolk Accommodation & Hospitality
Discover Coastal Exploration Co’s curated recommendations for accommodation, cafes, and hotels along the North Norfolk coast. Perfect for sailors, coastal explorers, and visitors seeking an authentic coastal experience, our guide highlights places that combine comfort, local charm, and maritime heritage. From cosy seaside inns and boutique hotels to traditional cafes and dining spots, each recommendation has been selected for quality, atmosphere, and connection to the North Sea sailing lifestyle. Whether planning a coastal adventure, a weekend getaway, or a longer stay, our guide ensures you experience the best of Norfolk’s coastline.
Fabulous coastal hotels
Blakeney Hotel
Perched on the edge of the North Norfolk salt marsh, Blakeney Hotel offers guests an unmatched connection to one of the UK’s last wildernesses. Coastal Exploration Co values it for its coastal charm, warm hospitality, and easy access to harbours and marshland, making it the perfect base for sailors, explorers, and anyone seeking the raw beauty of the North Sea coast.
The Crown
Just five minutes from the Coastal Exploration Co fleet, the Crown Hotel sits proudly on Wells-next-the-Sea’s Georgian Square, offering sailors and coastal explorers a welcoming base. With classic Georgian charm and comfortable rooms, it perfectly complements a day aboard our traditional vessels, while celebrating the area’s maritime heritage and North Sea traditions.
Harper Hotel, Langham
Situated in Langham, close to Stiffkey and Morston, the Harper Hotel offers comfortable rooms and welcoming hospitality in proximity to the salt marshes. Just minutes from the North Sea and the Coastal Exploration Co fleet, it provides a convenient base for sailors and coastal explorers seeking access to harbours, marshland walks, and the wild beauty of North Norfolk.
Independent accommodation
Stay at the CEC HQ
Set in a completely rural landscape, Henry’s spacious barn is immersed in nature, with owls overhead, foxes at dusk, and deer moving through the fields. Ideal for sailing with Coastal Exploration Co, it offers total calm and privacy—perfect for crews, families, or groups up to 9 looking to rest and reset between days on the water.
Sarah's
A Georgian townhouse apartment in the heart of historic Holt. Owned and styled by Sarah - CEC's Operations Manager, a commercial interiors stylist and an ardent traveller. Well-placed for town and country exploration, with easy access to the North Norfolk coast and the CEC fleet, ideal for adding a sailing experience with CEC to a stay.
Barn Drift, Cley
Set near Cley, Barn Drift is ideal for larger groups looking for space, style, and comfort when sailing with Coastal Exploration Co. Beautifully designed with plenty of room to spread out, it offers an outdoor setting that suits long evenings and events. Hosted by a charming and welcoming hostess, it’s a relaxed, stylish base close to the coast and the salt marsh.
Brilliant Holiday Let Companies
Blakeney Cottage Company
Blakeney Cottage Company – Charming cottages on the North Norfolk coast, perfect for sailing with Coastal Exploration Co and exploring Blakeney and Cley harbours, salt marshes, and wildlife.
Norfolk Hideaways
Norfolk Hideaways – Stylish, comfortable retreats just minutes from the Coastal Exploration Co fleet at Wells-next-the-Sea, perfect for sailors and coastal explorers seeking a peaceful base close to our main HQ.
Barefoot Retreats
Barefoot Retreats - stylish holiday lets in the Burnham Market area, perfectly suited for Coastal Exploration Co sails to Scolt Head Island, offering comfort, charm, and easy access to the North Norfolk coast.
Where do we relax with a coffee or eat?
Salthouse Stores
Salthouse Stores – The perfect stop for Coastal Exploration Co sailors after a wild swim, serving coffee, local provisions, and a warm welcome on the North Norfolk coast.
Wiveton Cafe
Wiveton Café – Run by our friend Desmond, this North Norfolk gem offers stunning coastal views and delicious local food, perfect for sailors and explorers with Coastal Exploration Co.
Stiffkey Stores
Stiffkey Stores – The perfect stop for Coastal Exploration Co one-way sails to Stiffkey Salt Marsh, offering local provisions and a taste of North Norfolk coastal life.
The Ship
The Ship Brancaster – How could we not? With a striking ship model outside, this iconic pub is perfect for Coastal Exploration Co visitors seeking great food, and good access to Brancaster beach.
Three Horseshoes
The Three Horseshoes – Traditional and quietly charming, just a short hop from Wells, perfect for the CEC crews and ideal for meetings during our smuggling-adventures.
Sculthorpe Mill
Sculthorpe Mill – A favourite spot for Coastal Exploration Co crews after a long exploration, offering excellent food, a stunning setting, and a warm welcome from Henry on the North Norfolk coast.
Gunton&Suffield Arms
Gunton and Suffield Arms – Stylish and welcoming, perfect for Coastal Exploration Co visitors in south-east Norfolk, serving amazing food in a charming coastal setting. Tapas!
NNC
North Norfolk Cellars – Right opposite the Coastal Exploration Co fleet in Wells, offering great coffee, a curated selection of wines, tapas-style food, and a warm welcome from Bertie, a true supporter of CEC.