The town is of prehistoric origin. in 1970, evidence of neolithic settlement was found.
St. Edmund's Chapel was built in 1272. The chapel ruins can be seen on top of the cliffs, near the lighthouse.
In 1846, Henry Styleman Le Strange, a local landowner, had the idea to turn Hunstanton into a holiday resort. Many new buildings were built, mostly in warm Norfolk carrstone. After this death, his son took over the idea.
In 1910, Book published "The Rocks of Hunstanton and its Neigbourhood" by J.F. Jackson (The Premier Press).
In 1936, Searle's Holiday Centre was opened.
In 1978, The Pier was destroyed by fire.