A seaside village was packed with visitors as many raced to the beach to soak up some sun on the hottest day of the year.

In Sea Palling, sand castles were being built and ice creams were melting as temperatures reached 21 degrees.

North Norfolk News: Reggie, Reenie and Pippa enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far.Reggie, Reenie and Pippa enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far. (Image: Archant)

The village's district councillor Harry Blathwayt said the village had been much calmer than last year despite the crowds, as businesses and villagers begin to understand how to welcome visitors in a Covid safe way.

He said: "My phone hasn't been red hot as it was last year so I think people are being more accepting of the amount of visitors.

North Norfolk News: Luke and Lisa Sutherland with Erin and Theo enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far.Luke and Lisa Sutherland with Erin and Theo enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far. (Image: Archant)

"Everybody seems to be absolutely behaving themselves, I think people are more aware and also I think people are more cautious because they don't want another wave.

"Even with keep local, Sea Palling is the beach of call for Norwich, so even keeping local we've been very busy."

North Norfolk News: Pippa enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far.Pippa enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far. (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far.Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far. (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Matilda, 1, enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far.Matilda, 1, enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far. (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far.Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far. (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Jessie and Joe enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far.Jessie and Joe enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far. (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Joanne, Matt and George enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far.Joanne, Matt and George enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far. (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: James enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far.James enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far. (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: People enjoy the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far.People enjoy the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far. (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Elaine Mintuen and Anna Rajkowska enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far.Elaine Mintuen and Anna Rajkowska enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far. (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Chester and Teddy enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far.Chester and Teddy enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far. (Image: Kate Wolstenholme)

North Norfolk News: Maisie, Drew, Ethan and David enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far.Maisie, Drew, Ethan and David enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far. (Image: Kate Wolstenholme)

North Norfolk News: Freya and her grandma enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far.Freya and her grandma enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far. (Image: Kate Wolstenholme)

North Norfolk News: Lucy White, Freya Smith, Riley Key, Ella Key and Rebecca Key enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far.Lucy White, Freya Smith, Riley Key, Ella Key and Rebecca Key enjoying the sun at Sea Palling on the hottest day of the year so far. (Image: Kate Wolstenholme)