Top Picks: Norfolk Beaches
With 90 miles of stunning coastline, North Norfolk is a must-visit for sun, sea and sand. From pristine sand to soaring cliffs, shingle pits, saltmarshes and estuaries, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its many nature reserves have something for everyone.
1. Horsey Gap – Best for Wildlife
This hidden gem is one of the few accessible locations where visitors can observe seals up close. Each year, from late October to February, a grey seal colony arrive to give birth to their adorable pups.
If you’re not here to see the seals, Horsey Gap is a wild and unspoilt stretch of sand, rich with local wildlife and birdlife. It is perfect for those who enjoy days stretched out on the sand, as well as long dog walks. Enjoy a drink in the nearby village of Horsey at the Nelson Head. Afterwards, why not visit the National Trust’s Horsey Windpump.
Good to know:
- Pay and display parking is available, with a 10 minute walk to the seal viewing areas.
- There are no WC facilities.
- Dogs must be kept on leads between October to February to protect the seal pups.
- Campervans, motorhomes, coaches or minibuses are not permitted.
2. Sea Palling – Best for Watersports
This beautiful beach features vast amounts of soft golden sand and is the perfect summer’s day out. The beach is lifeguard manned during high season, with safe waters calmed by man-made coastal defence reefs. For adrenalin seekers, Beach Rock Leisure offers jet skies, powerboats and sea kayaks.
Sea Palling has a rich history, with stories of flooding, ship wrecks and heroism. The village boasts two public houses with restaurants, a beachside amusement arcade and cafes.
Good to know:
- Pay and display car parking is available.
- Dogs are not permitted on sections of the beach between 1st May and 30th September.
- Public WCs and baby changing facilities are available.
3. Cromer – Best for the Traditional Seaside Experience
This popular seaside town is famous for its lifeboat station and pavilion theatre, both located on its traditional Victorian pier. Activities abound in Cromer: summer and winter variety shows, crabbing off the pier, arcades, cinema showings, crazy golf and, of course, relaxing on the beach!
There is an array of cafes, bars and restaurants. For those looking for a sit-down meal, Sundown at The Grove is a popular offering with tapas in a giant tipi. For a traditional Cromer dinner head to Mary Janes Fish & Chip Shop and enjoy views over the pier as you eat.
Good to know:
- Pay & display car parking is available, with a 5-10 minute walk to the seafront.
- Dogs are not permitted on sections of the beach between 1st May and 30th September.
- Public WC facilities are available.
4. Mundesley Beach – Best for Quieter Family Days Out
A pretty Victorian seaside village, Mundesley offers another long and lovely stretched out beach with iconic colourful beach huts, a promenade and cliff-backed sands. This is a perfect child-friendly beach, with soft sand and plenty of space to run about or build sandcastles. It is also patrolled by lifeguards during high season.
For family fun there is crazy golf, a skate park, play areas and a tennis court. In the summer surf schools run. The village has a number of independent ships, pubs and places to eat.
Good to know:
- A pay & display car park sits opposite the ramp access onto the beach.
- Dogs are not permitted on sections of the beach between 1st May and 30th September.
- Public WCs are available.
