Pretty English seaside village with secluded beach that could disappear in 25 years
Happisburgh in Norfolk is known for being it's archeological importance, having the oldest known human footprints outside of Africa.
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Happisburgh Beach is at risk of disappearing in just a few decades
Credit: Alamy
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Some parts of the cliff have already collapsed
Credit: Alamy
However, it is now at risk of disappearing in the next 25 years.
High levels of erosion are affecting the Norfolk coastline and nd Happisburgh in particular has been hit hard, with around 250m lost since 1990.
Climate analyst Dr Ian Richards, who is an expert in coastal erosion, warned that it's disappearance is "already underway".
He explained: 'What's happening in places like Happisburgh isn't just a prediction - it's a process that's already underway.
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"Homes have collapsed, roads have disappeared and the cliff line is retreating faster than anyone expected."
He added: "Sea defences were built decades ago for a very different climate - now, they're no match for the pressure we're seeing year after year."
Back in 2012, several projects costing £3million were put towards preventing any further erosion.
But this hasn't stopped a number of houses being abandoned because of the crumbling cliffs.
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Yet some tourists said they will still be visiting, with one saying the beach is like "beautiful and quiet - like stepping back in time".
Dr Richards also said tourists should keep visiting, adding: "Because once it's gone, it's gone."
Stunning seaside village you've probably never heard of named among the best in the UK…and it's not packed with tourists
The main attraction of Happisburgh is it's iconic red and white striped lighthouse, dating back to the 18th century and is one of the oldest working ones in the UK.
There is also The Hill House Inn, a cosy pub and B&B near the beach, and the Happisburgh Village Shop selling souvenirs.
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It's not the only part of the UK at risk of the beach disappearing.
In 2024, the East Yorkshire coastline saw up to 12m of coastal erosion, an extremely high rate compared to the rest of the UK.
Because of this, Barmston Beach - once a Blue Flag beach - has since seen huge parts of the seaside disappear, which has even stopped access to the beach theme park.
In Southport, too much sand could also make the main beach disappear, as it could turn into inaccessible vegetation instead.
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Some sea defences are already in place
Credit: Alamy
Former Southport MP Sefton Lib Dem councillor John Pugh explained: "Nature is being allowed to take her course and that could mean the total greening of the Southport foreshore or letting it become an inaccessible mudflat plain - good for birds but not for holidaymakers."
Some seaside town's have revealed major plans to reduce the rate of erosion.
Blackpool is investing £30million in beach defences with new groynes on Anchorsholme Beach.
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Similar plans are in place across Brighton & Hove, with the plans costing around £11million.
And Yaverland on the Isle of Wight wants to raise the sea wall to also slow the rate of erosion - but will cost £40.6million.
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