The Best Beaches in Norfolk

Norfolk, a picturesque county on the east coast of England, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, charming seaside towns, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. With over 90 miles of coastline, Norfolk offers a diverse range of beaches to suit every visitors needs—whether you’re looking for a family-friendly day out, a dog-friendly walk, or an escape into nature. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best beaches Norfolk has to offer and help you choose the perfect spot for your next beach holiday.

Why Visit Norfolk?

Norfolk is a coastal paradise that boasts miles of sandy beaches, peaceful nature reserves, and vibrant seaside towns. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or an action packed adventure, Norfolk’s beaches have something to offer. Known for its diverse wildlife, including seals and migratory birds, Norfolk’s coastline is a haven for nature lovers. The county is also home to charming cities like Norwich, famous for its medieval architecture, and bustling seaside resorts like Great Yarmouth. But it’s the hidden gems along Norfolk’s coast that make it stand out—a place where tranquillity meets natural beauty.

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Best Norfolk Beach for Families: Sea Palling

How to Get There

Sea Palling is located along the northeast coast of Norfolk, easily accessible by car from Great Yarmouth and Norwich. It’s a family-friendly destination with plenty of parking and amenities, making it an excellent choice for those traveling with children.

Things to Do

Sea Palling offers plenty for families, including a wide stretch of golden sand perfect for building sandcastles. The beach has a shallow, safe area for swimming, ideal for younger children. Families can enjoy beach games, picnics, and even spot seals on the nearby sandbanks. The nearby Sea Palling Beach Cafe is perfect for a family lunch with local treats including hot sugar or cinnamon doughnuts.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Sea Palling is during the summer months when the weather is warm, and the kids can enjoy the water. However, it’s also a lovely place to visit in the spring and autumn when the crowds are smaller, and the beach remains peaceful.

Family Accommodation

Our Norfolk holiday park, Waxham Sands, is just a 10-minute drive from Sea Palling. At Waxham Sands, we offer a range of holiday homes, including Standard, Superior, and Luxury options, all set against the stunning backdrop of scenic sand dunes. Plus, we have dog-friendly accommodations available for every type of holiday home. While Waxham Sands is the perfect base for your holiday near Sea Palling, we’d also like to mention Golden Beach, our exclusive owners-only holiday park located in Sea Palling itself which lands you even closer to the golden sands themselves.

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Best Pet-Friendly Beach in Norfolk: Waxham

How to Get There

Waxham is a peaceful spot on Norfolk’s northern coast, easily accessible from Norwich by car. The beach offers free parking and is perfect for those seeking a tranquil retreat with their furry companions. Unlike the nearby Sea Palling, Waxham welcomes dog-friendly walks year-round. As a guest at our namesake holiday park, you can access Waxham Beach directly with a short sandy stroll over the dunes.

Beach Walks

Waxham is an excellent choice for dog owners, with its wide, sandy beach and dog-friendly policies. You can let your dog run free, enjoy long walks, perhaps with a dog friendly pub pit stop en route, or simply relax by the sea. Step outside to a beautiful sandy beach where your furry friends are welcome on leads to respect our playful grey seal neighbours. After a leisurely stroll through the dunes, return to our namesake holiday park, where our holiday homes offer a comfortable retreat after a day of seaside adventures.

Best Time to Visit

Waxham is a great beach to visit year-round, with spring and autumn offering especially beautiful, quieter months to enjoy the beach without the summer crowds. It’s also worth mentioning that Waxham is particularly special in winter, thanks to its proximity to Horsey Gap during seal pupping season.

Pet-Friendly Accommodation

Waxham Sands, our Norfolk holiday park, offers a range of pet-friendly holiday homes, where up to two dogs are welcome. The park also features dog-friendly amenities, including a dedicated dog walking area, water bowls, and snack stations. Additionally, our camping and touring options also allows up to two dogs to join you for your stay, making it the perfect spot for a getaway with your furry companions.

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Best Norfolk Beach for Wildlife: Horsey

How to Get There

Horsey Beach, located in the heart of Norfolk’s stunning nature reserves, is a must-see for wildlife lovers. It’s located off the A149, near the village of Horsey, and has a large parking area. From here, it’s only a short walk to the beach.

Things to See

Horsey Beach is famous for its seals, which haul up on the beach during the winter months to give birth to their pups. It’s an incredible opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close. Additionally, the surrounding marshland is home to a wide variety of birds, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Horsey Beach for seal watching is from November to January, when the seals are birthing their pups. For birdwatching, the beach is excellent throughout the year, especially in the spring and autumn months when migratory species stop off along the coast.

Local Boat Tours

For a unique experience, take a boat tour along the Norfolk Broads or out to the coast. These tours allow you to get a different perspective of the wildlife that inhabits the area.

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Best Beach for Surfing: Winterton

How to Get There

Winterton Beach is located along Norfolk’s northern coastline near Great Yarmouth, easily accessible from the A149. It has a large car park and a nearby café where you can grab refreshments after a fun day on the waves.

Best Time to Visit

Winterton is a great beach for surfing, especially during the autumn and winter months when the waves are more consistent. The beach is also less crowded during this time, giving surfers plenty of space to ride the waves.

Best Time of Year to Surf

While Winterton can be enjoyed throughout the year, the best time for surfing is during autumn and winter when the Atlantic storms bring bigger swells. During these months, the beach provides some of the best surf conditions in Norfolk.

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Best Secluded Beach in Norfolk: Great Yarmouth

How to Get There

Great Yarmouth is one of the more well-known destinations in Norfolk, but the area around it offers some secluded beach spots that provide tranquility and stunning views. To find the quieter parts of Great Yarmouth, head to the outskirts or explore nearby areas like Gorleston Beach.

Best Time to Visit

For a more peaceful experience, visit Great Yarmouth outside of the peak summer months, especially in the spring and autumn. These times provide a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds.

Peaceful Sightseeing

Take a walk along the quieter stretches of Great Yarmouth’s beach and enjoy the peaceful coastal views. With the nearby attractions of the Norfolk Broads and the city of Norwich, there’s plenty to do in the area for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.

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Book Your Next Norfolk Beach Holiday with Lovat Parks

Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly beach, a pet-friendly retreat, or a peaceful getaway, the often underrated Norfolk coastline has the perfect spot for you. With its stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, and exciting adventures, Norfolk is ready and waiting to be explored.

At Lovat Parks, we offer a range of accommodations at Waxham Sands to suit all of our guests, including a variety of holiday homes for families and pets, as well as spacious electric and non electric pitches for your own tent or tourer. We have everything you need for the perfect beach holiday. Book your next getaway with us and experience the best of Norfolk’s beaches firsthand.

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