Sandy Toes and Sea Breezes: Norfolk’s Best Beaches Revealed

Nestled along the eastern coast of the United Kingdom, Norfolk boasts a captivating array of award winning, blue flag beaches, nature reserves and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty that attract visitors and locals alike all year-round.

Whether you seek tranquil stretches of golden sands, or vibrant seaside promenades teeming with activities, Norfolk’s beaches and extensive coastline has something to enchant every beach lover all year round.

Families, in particular, find solace in Norfolk’s family-friendly shores, where safe shallow waters, opportunities for beach combing and rock pooling, and a plethora of nearby amenities ensure cherished moments and lasting memories.

Whether embarking on a seaside adventure or simply unwinding by the coast, Norfolk’s beaches promise an unforgettable experience for all who wander to these captivating shores.

Our edit to the best beaches in Norfolk

There are beaches in Norfolk to suit all tastes and requirements, from family-friendly spots with plenty of facilities, dog friendly beaches where your pooch can scamper freely to more remote stretches of sand perfect for a peaceful walk. Here’s our five top beaches in Norfolk to get you started:

Holkham Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches in North Norfolk, and for good reason, there’s nowhere better from where to experience the dramatic grandeur of Norfolk’s vast skies and never ending horizons.
Wells next the Sea Beach: Best known for its colourful beach huts, which add a vibrant touch to the picturesque landscape, this iconic beach is backed by sand dunes and pine trees, offering scenic walks along its beautiful shoreline.
Cromer Beach: A traditional seaside resort, with a long history of attracting visitors. The beach here is made up of sand and shingle, and there are plenty of activities with a long promenade lined with beach huts, cafes and amusements.
Brancaster Beach: A quieter beach than some of the others, but it’s no less beautiful. The sand is white and soft, and the water is clear and blue. There are also plenty of activities to keep you entertained, such as walking, birdwatching, and fishing.
Sheringham Beach: Sheringham is another popular seaside resort, with a long beach and a lively atmosphere. There are plenty of shops and restaurants in town, and the beach is a firm favourite with families.

Our individual beach guides below showcase each beach individually with much of the information you may need, if we’ve missed something and you wish to reach out to us, please do, we know all of these beaches very well.

Best Norfolk Beaches Cromer Fabulous Norfolk

Best beach Guide • North Norfolk

Cromer beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Wells next the Sea Fabulous Norfolk

Best beach Guide • North Norfolk

Wells-next-the-Sea beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Brancaster Fabulous Norfolk

Best beach Guide • North Norfolk

Brancaster beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Hokham Fabulous Norfolk

Best beach Guide • North Norfolk

Holkham beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Sheringham Fabulous Norfolk

Best beach Guide • North Norfolk

Sheringham beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Cley next the Sea Fabulous Norfolk

Best beach Guide • North Norfolk

Cley-next-the-Sea beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Hunstanton Fabulous Norfolk

Best beach Guide • West Norfolk

Hunstanton beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Mundesley Fabulous Norfolk

Best beach Guide • Norfolk coast

Mundseley beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Sea Palling Fabulous Norfolk

Best beach Guide • East Norfolk

Sea Palling beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Snettisham Fabulous Norfolk

Best beach Guide • West Norfolk

Snettisham beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Great Yarmouth Fabulous Norfolk

Best beach Guide • East Norfolk

Great Yarmouth beach

The best beaches in Norfolk – things to consider

When it comes to choosing the best beach in Norfolk for your needs, there are several things you may need to consider. Each beach has its own unique charm and appeal, catering to different preferences and activities. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind when deciding which beach to visit:

Accessibility: Some beaches in Norfolk are easily accessible, with convenient parking and amenities nearby. Others may require a bit more effort to reach, but offer a more secluded and peaceful experience.
Water quality: Norfolk’s beaches are known for their clean and clear waters, making them perfect for swimming and water sports. Checking the water quality and safety ratings before your visit is always a good idea.
Dog friendly beaches: All beaches in Norfolk are dog-friendly however some do have seasonal restrictions. Check out this article, our ultimate guide to dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk to help you and your pooch plan a paw-some trip!
Facilities & amenities: From beachside cafes and restaurants to public toilets and lifeguard services, the availability of facilities can greatly enhance your beach experience. Consider what amenities are important to you when choosing a beach.
Activities & attractions: Depending on your requirements, you may prefer a beach that offers a range of activities such as surfing or paddle boarding with cafes and amusements. Alternatively, you might be seeking a more tranquil setting for a leisurely walk or picnic.

By considering the above, you can ensure that you choose a beach that matches with your preferences and provides the perfect setting for your seaside getaway in Norfolk. Our individual beach guides list much of the information you need, if we’ve missed something and you wish to reach out to us, please do, we know all of these beaches very well.

The best family friendly beaches in Norfolk

When it comes to family-friendly beach destinations, Norfolk offers an abundance of options that cater to every age and interest. From vast golden sands perfect for building sandcastles to shallow waters ideal for paddling, these top family-friendly beaches in Norfolk promise unforgettable moments of joy and relaxation for the whole family.

Holkham beach: A stunning stretch of golden sands backed by pine forests and sand dunes, making it an ideal family destination. The shallow waters and gentle waves provide a safe environment for children to paddle and play. The surrounding Holkham Nature Reserve offers opportunities for wildlife spotting and picnics, making it a perfect day out for the whole family.
Wells-next-the-Sea beach: A charming and picturesque beach with colourful beach huts and shallow pools left by the tide, perfect for children to explore. The beach is vast, ensuring plenty of space for families to spread out and enjoy various beach activities. The nearby town offers amenities, cafes, quirky shops all adding to the family-friendly appeal.
Cromer beach: A popular spot for families, known for its traditional pier and sandy shores. The shallow waters close to the shore are suitable for paddling and swimming, while the pier offers entertainment for all ages with amusement arcades and a theatre. The town itself boasts various family-friendly attractions and places to eat and generally great facilities all round.
Sheringham beach: A delightful mix of sand and pebbles, making it great for beach combing and rock pooling. Children can enjoy exploring the marine life in the pools left by the receding tide. The beach’s Blue Flag status ensures cleanliness and safety, with great facilities right on the promenade this is a firm family favourite all year round.
Great Yarmouth beach: A lively and bustling family destination, offering a wide range of attractions and facilities. The beach boasts a long promenade with amusement arcades, cafes, and restaurants catering to all tastes. With lifeguard services, families are sure to enjoy a day of fun-filled activities by the sea at Great Yarmouth.

Best time to visit Norfolk’s beaches

The best time to visit Norfolk’s beaches largely depends on personal preference and the activities you plan on enjoying. The summer months, from June to August, are extremely popular among beachgoers and families who seek warm weather and the opportunity to swim in the sea. For those who prefer a quieter beach experience, spring and autumn can be ideal.

We personally recommend Spring and Autumn if your visit isn’t restricted to school term times. The weather can be mild but dramatic which offers the chance to see some of Norfolk’s wide horizons, stunning skies and fabulous sunsets.

If you time it right, you can even have the beach all to yourself. We have often had evening walks at Wells-next-the-Sea beach or along the the promenade at Cromer with our pooch and been the only ones there. It really can be fabulous when it’s quieter. That said there’s nothing like experiencing the buzz and atmosphere of a busy summer afternoon at any of the fabulous Norfolk beaches.

Our most wishlisted Norfolk cottages by the sea

Whether you’re looking for a Norfolk holiday cottage right on the coast, or a place with a sea view, here is a list of our top Norfolk seaside destinations to get you started:

Planning a holiday in North Norfolk?

Looking for a perfect seaside getaway? Look no further than stunning North Norfolk! With a variety of Norfolk holiday cottages to choose from, you can discover the perfect holiday accommodation for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious five-star cottage, a cozy sea view cottage for two or a larger family friendly self catering home for the whole gang, our collection of holiday cottages by the coast has something for everyone.

If sandy toes and sandy paws are a firm favourite, escape to the North Norfolk coast with your playful pup by your side. Your dog is bound to love our range of Norfolk dog-friendly holiday accommodation by the sea as much as you will!

So pack your bags and get ready for a holiday to remember by the beautiful Norfolk beaches!

Some of the best places to holiday in Norfolk include Cromer, best for family days out. Blakeney is popular for wildlife and bird spotting and Wells next the Sea for its amazing beach and thriving town. Hunstanton is a firm family favourite, well known for its stunning sunsets striped cliffs.

There are several great seaside towns in Norfolk, each with their own unique charm. Some of the top picks include Cromer, Wells next the Sea, Hunstanton, Blakeney and Great Yarmouth. It really depends on what you’re looking for in a seaside destination!

Some of the top beaches in Norfolk include Holkham Beach, Wells next the Sea Beach, Cromer Beach, and Brancaster Beach. Each offer its own unique features and attractions, so it’s worth exploring them all to find your favourite. Ours preference by far is the beach at Wells, great any time of year.

The best, most popular time to visit Norfolk for the beaches is during the summer months of June, July and August when the weather is warm, sunny and the water is perfect for swimming. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures then Spring and Autumn is certainly worth considering. We recommend Autumn, it’s much quieter, if you visit during the evenings you can often have the whole beach to yourself. Bliss!

While there are many lively seaside towns in Norfolk, the busiest and most popular is likely to be Great Yarmouth. With its long sandy beach, amusement parks, and bustling promenade, it’s a favourite holiday destination for families and tourists alike. This closely followed by Wells next the Sea, popular all year around however very busy during the summer months.

All beaches in Norfolk allow dogs, you just need to be aware of the seasonal restrictions. Many have areas for families while others to protect wildlife however all beaches in Norfolk have areas you and your pooch can scamper about. We’ve created this guide of dog friendly Norfolk beaches to get you started.

This is often asked however there is no definitive answer to this question, as the Royals have been known to visit several different beaches in Norfolk over the years. However, some of the most popular beaches in the area include Holkham Beach, Wells-next-the-Sea and Brancaster Beach.

From Sandy Shores to Stunning Sunsets: Norfolk’s Best Beaches Revealed