Hallie Taylor

The eight-mile coastal route from Heacham South Beach through Wild Ken Hill to Snettisham has been ranked ninth among the UK's most beautiful summer walks by The Times. The mainly flat route follows the King Charles III England Coast Path before becoming hillier around Lodge Hill, passing through fields, woods, wetlands and Snettisham Common. Wild Ken Hill, a 4,000-acre estate focused on regenerative farming and rewilding, supports a wide range of birds and became Norfolk's first site to reintroduce Eurasian beavers in 2020.

The eastbound A47 between the Norwich Road junction at Dereham and the Longwater junction at Costessey will close overnight from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, amid ongoing dualling works. Drivers will face a 65-mile diversion via the A1065, A134 and A11. National Highways advised motorists to check for changes and current traffic disruptions before travelling.

A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, drink driving, causing serious injury by careless driving and possessing Class A drugs after a three-vehicle crash on the A148 at Congham. Two people were taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the suspect was later released under investigation. The road was closed until about 9.30am. The crash occurred hours before a separate fatal four-vehicle collision on the same stretch of road near Hillington.

A suspected bonfire blaze destroyed a bungalow on Beach Road in Scratby and damaged a neighboring property’s roof, garden, sheds and animals. Seven fire crews attended, evacuated an elderly resident was cared for by her family, and firefighters used a hydraulic platform before remaining to check for hotspots. Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service warned of the dangers of bonfires in hot, dry weather.

The PR3 park and ride service between Postwick and Norwich has a revised timetable intended to better match passenger demand. Monday-to-Saturday daytime buses now run every 30 minutes and continue to Harford Park and Ride, with a direct link to City College. Evening travel options have been expanded through services 2 and 82C. Sunday and public holiday services remain hourly, but the final Norwich Bus Station departure is now 5:50pm, 30 minutes earlier than before.

A man in his 30s was arrested after police responded to reports of shouting and verbal abuse on St Nicholas Road in Great Yarmouth. Officers also noticed a bin fire, prompting the attendance of fire crews. The man was initially taken to James Paget Hospital after a medical episode and was later arrested on suspicion of public order offences, including a racially aggravated offence, and breaching a community behaviour order. He remains at Great Yarmouth Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to avoid disposable barbecues during prolonged hot weather because they can remain hot for hours and ignite dry grass or rubbish. The service has reported a rise in outdoor fires and serious burns, including a bin fire in Bacton believed to have been caused by an incompletely extinguished barbecue. Residents are also advised to follow safety instructions when using bioethanol, paraffin, garden heaters, barbecues and fire pits.

Wells-next-the-Sea beach in Norfolk has been ranked the sixth most dog-friendly beach in the UK by Canine Cottages. The ranking considered traveller reviews, dog-friendly facilities, parking and nearby activities. Wells scored highly for its sandy terrain, water quality, scenic walks and access to dog-friendly cafés, restaurants and accommodation, with 91.7% of reviews receiving at least four stars.

A burst water main in Wisbech caused severe flooding and temporarily closed Weasenham Lane after police warned that part of the carriageway may have collapsed. Anglian Water attended the scene, planned to shut off the affected pipe and reported low water pressure in the area. The road later reopened, but police warned it could close again while repairs were carried out and urged drivers to proceed carefully.

A man in his 30s was found dead at St Andrews Park in Thorpe St Andrew, on the outskirts of Norwich. Norfolk Constabulary said the death is being treated as unexplained but is not thought to be suspicious. A police cordon was placed near Northside while officers investigated and was later removed; a file will be prepared for the coroner.

Wild Dahlia Co, a pick-your-own dahlia farm created by friends Harriet Henderson and Eleanor Amies at Breck Farm in Weybourne, has opened to the public. Visitors can explore the flower fields for two hours, pick dahlias for £2 per stem, and use the on-site coffee bar and shop. Entry costs £5 and must be booked online.

A teenage boy was seriously injured and airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital after a hit-and-run involving a Renault HGV and a SYM Orbit moped on the A140 in Wacton. The lorry driver, 22-year-old Ben Laflin of Ipswich, was arrested in Seaham, Durham, and charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, dangerous driving and failing to stop after a road accident. He was due to appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on August 3. Police appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage.