A holiday cottage on the Norfolk coast

Shangri-la, Waxham is the perfect Norfolk coast holiday cottage: situated in an isolated spot just behind glorious sand dunes, it’s so close to the beach that you can hear the waves. The house accommodates six people, is dog friendly and was designed by one of the UK’s most respected architects. If you are looking for a short break by the sea, we have 4 night weekday breaks or 3 night weekend breaks. There’s also plenty to do for longer breaks.

“Shangri La is a magical place. We all loved watching the wildlife through the huge windows. The location is amazing: within 2 mins you're walking on the sandy beach.”

Stephanie, Suffolk

Shangri-la, Waxham a holiday cottage on the Norfolk coast, at dusk with all the rooms illuminated.
Shangri-la, Waxham a holiday cottage on the Norfolk coast, view of the open plan living and dining area. Two chairs and a stool are visible outside on a deck.
Shangri-la, Waxham a holiday cottage on the Norfolk coast, a larch clad single storey building with a pine tree to the left.
A group of grey seals from the Horsey colony. The seals are laying on the sand at Waxham beach.

The perfect Norfolk beach holiday

Shangri-la, Waxham a holiday cottage on the Norfolk coast, a wooden walkway leads to the bright yellow front door of a simple timber clad single storey building.

“After a chance reading of an article in the Observer newspaper we decided to book a December weekend in a shed by the beach in Norfolk.... It could have been awful.... but it was fabulous! From the moment we stepped through the welcoming yellow front door we were hooked. The weak winter sun rising over the fields and then later the storm bending the trees while we remained snug and quiet indoors was memorable indeed.”

Delia, London

Experience the Horsey beach seals

A grey seal from the Horsey seal colony near the breaking waves and partially covered in sea foam.

No short or weekend break in Norfolk during the winter is complete without seeing the unique spectacle which is the Horsey seals. Shangri-la is the perfect Norfolk retreat and located within a short walk of large numbers of seals. Get the most from the seal watching experience by reading our guide to the seals.

“I had heard seals in the night. In the frosty cold, the dark northern sky scattered with stars, I slid open glass doors onto the verandah of our holiday home, built in the lee of dunes. There was the thud of waves on the beach and a strange howling. In the morning we discovered the source: 70 seals on the beach just the other side of the dunes. “
Paul Miles, Telegraph

Norfolk beach house: discover Waxham and Shangri-la

Waxham is an isolated hamlet in Norfolk, best known for the historic barn, hall and church. Shangri-la is nestled at the foot of the dunes between the historic buildings and the glorious sandy beach: you could not find a better Norfolk retreat.

The one acre of wooded and lush gardens provide opportunities to play and relax. The large open plan living, dining and kitchen area is the perfect place for bringing people together, either families or groups of friends. We are dog friendly and more than happy to welcome your well behaved dogs.

“If you're looking for a holiday home that takes the concept of the beach hut to the max, Shangri-La, a stunning waterfront wooden house on Norfolk's unspoilt north-east coast, needs to be on your 'rent it now' list.
Modern in design, with mid-century-style touches and more than a nod to the Scandinavian aesthetic, this ecofriendly haven is spacious and welcoming, flooded with light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Interiors are cool and calm, featuring washed plywood, oak flooring and a muted palette offset with bright pops of colour.”

House Beautiful magazine

Interior of Shangri-la, Waxham, a Norfolk coastal cottage, showing a living area with a sofa, coffee table and sideboard.
nterior of Shangri-la, Waxham, a Norfolk coastal cottage, showing a bedroom with two single beds.
nterior of Shangri-la, Waxham, a Norfolk coastal cottage, showing a 'U' shaped kitchen with colour pendant lights.

Find out more about the house with our room-by-room guide and FAQs

Waxham Barn Weddings

Shangri-la is just moments from both Waxham Barn and the beach. Find out more about the perfect place to book with your wedding. Photos by James Rouse