NORFOLK BEACHES

Norfolk has a long coastline, which is blessed with some of the best beaches in England

The long coastline of Norfolk falls into two very different categories. From the Wash around to Sheringham and Cromer, the sea is gradually retreating giving rise to sandbanks, spits of land and silted harbours. From Cromer onwards, the sea is gradually gaining ground, and in many places the soft clay cliffs are being deeply erroded. However, around the entire Norfolk coastline, there are a number of fine sandy Norfolk beaches, some remote and quiet but becoming more developed around the major towns, villages and resorts. This part of the UK coast has something for everyone and makes a great seaside holiday or weekend break.

Note: Restrictions are in place for walking dogs on popular Norfolk beaches in summer (May to end of September). However, you only have to walk a little to either side of popular beaches and the restrictions are lifted - see our Pets Welcome Guided Tour for more details.

Old Hunstanton. Blue Flag Award.

The village of Old Hunstanton was the site of the original settlement before 1860 when New Hunstanton was built. Old Hunstanton is much quieter and picturesque; you can walk and see nobody else, it is also popular with kite surfers. Behind the sand dunes is Hunstanton lifeboat station, which has seen several different types of rescue craft during its history and a golf course.

Holkham Bay.

Holkham Bay is the most extensive, diverse and dramatic nature reserve in North Norfolk, with windswept sand dunes, a maze of creeks, shady pinewoods, green pastures and marshes. This has to be one of the most beautiful in the country and at low tide, you can walk out over the golden sand to the sea beyond. The bay is surrounded by pine trees, planted to protect the land behind. A path goes around the entire bay, one direction taking you all the way into Wells next the Sea, making a lovely walk and gives great views over sand and marshes.

Wells next the sea.

About a mile from the main town of Wells (a steam railway carries visitors in season), a sandy beach with a row of colourful beach huts. Wells itself contains many narrow lanes nicely sheltered from the offshore winds and makes a very good base for exploring the surrounding coastline.

Weybourne.

Pretty Weybourne village nestles below Kelling Heath and is a stopping point on the the North Norfolk Railway. The ruins of an Augustinian priory stand in the grounds of the 15th century church. The beach here consists of pebbles, deeply shelved, and marks the start of the cliff section of the Norfolk coast (which extends east to Happisburgh) and was once popular with smugglers!

Sheringham.

A traditional seaside town, which grew up around its old fishing village, and a few little boats still bring in the daily catch. A promenade extends right through Sheringham and consists of a concrete walkway overlooking the sea. There is a refreshment hut on the promenade, allowing you to easily collect an ice cream from the beach! The beach is a little rocky when the tide is in, but when the tide is out, a lovely sandy beach opens up and you can enjoy all the traditional beach activities. Behind the beach on the promenade, is a row of colourful beach huts, just waiting for a sunny day!

Cromer. Blue Flag Award.

A classic North Norfolk seaside town, situated on a cliff-top overlooking fine sandy beaches. Cromer Pier has survived despite bad damage over the years and is a traditional seaside pier with a Lifeboat Station and Pavilion Theatre, which still stages end of pier shows. Steps and a ramp take you down to the lovely beach ... which is well manned during the summer months and for the youngsters, there is a small fun fair with rides and slides. You could go looking for Cromer Crabs in the pools left by the retreating tide; Cromer Crabs are world famous for their quality and taste.

Overstrand.

An attractive East Norfolk coastal village, situated on a cliff-top overlooking an empty sandy beach. Visitors come to Overstrand to take in the fine coastal views of the sea and beach below, including a lovely cliff-top path taking you right into Cromer, about one and a half miles away. A path snakes it's way down the cliffs to the beach below. The beach itself is one of the best in Norfolk, as it has golden sand and plenty of space to play a game, paddle in the pools left by the retreating tide or simply relax in the sun.

Mundesley. Blue Flag Award.

A family holiday resort with a wonderful sandy beach, considered one of the best in Norfolk, with safe swimming for youngsters when the tide is out. Mundesley village contains a number of facilities including a small number of shops, eating places, pubs, tea rooms and possibly the smallest museum in the country - the Maritime Museum. Behind the beach is a row of colourful beach huts.

Sea Palling. Blue Flag Award

A small, quiet family seaside resort on the East Norfolk Coast. This wonderful, blue flag, sandy beach is deserted for most of the year and is a great place for a walk. A number of reefs have been built as part of the coast defences and it calms the waves making Sea Palling an ideal place to swim or for children to play. There are plenty of facilities for such a small resort, including a pub, cafe, tea rooms, shop and small amusement arcade. Sea Palling also is home to a jet-ski centre.

Great Yarmouth.

A popular "bucket and spade" seaside resort with miles of sandy beach, attractive gardens and a huge variety of traditional seaside entertainment and amusement. There is a mile long promenade strip with numerous tourist attractions, gambling amusements, restaurants and bars. Great Yarmouth's top attractions are the miles of sandy beach, the Britannia Pier and the fair rides of the Pleasure Beach. During the summer months, various events are staged including weekly firework displays.

Don't miss our guided tour of pet friendly places in Norfolk (including beaches)