Best Beaches in Norfolk; Where the sky meets the Sea, Holkham Beach, North Norfolk

By Fabulous • Discover

Widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Norfolk, this coastal gem beckons visitors with its golden stretches of sand and expansive dunes.

Accessed by boardwalks and flanked by pine forests, the fine golden expanse that is Holkham Beach has been a Norfolk favourite with locals and visitors for generations.

Where the Sky meets the Sea, Holkham Beach North Norfolk
Forming part of the Holkham Estate and co-managed with Natural England, Holkham beach is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the North Norfolk Coast and indeed the British Isles.

Uncovering the magic of Holkham beach: Norfolk’s ultimate seaside escape

Horseshoe-shaped the pale sand beach sheltered by pine forest and popular with families, walkers, horse-riders and perfect for enjoying the fresh air wide open space. The yellow sands here are fabulously vast and when the tide is out, the elements merge together creating a bewildering, two-dimensional sense of space.

Mile after mile of stretching beach makes any visitor feel liberated with a sense of never-ending space and, even in the height of summer, you’d be hard pressed to describe this beach as crowded.  This truly is where the sky meets the sea, there is nowhere better from which to experience the dramatic grandeur of Norfolk’s vast skies and never ending horizons.

Holkham Best beaches in Norfolk Guide
// Discover, Holkham beach….

Discover the natural beauty of Holkham beach, Norfolk

Holkham Beach is a true paradise for those seeking wide horizons and natural beauty. Its expansive shoreline, stretching for miles, offers unparalleled views of the North Sea. The stunning beach is backed by towering pine trees and lush sand dunes, creating a stunning backdrop that is sure to take your breath away.

The soft, powdery sand invites you to take off your shoes and feel the warmth beneath your feet. As you explore Holkham beach, you’ll discover hidden nooks and crannies, perfect for finding a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

The sound of the waves lapping the sands in the distance creates a soothing soundtrack, providing the perfect backdrop for a peaceful day at this famous beach.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, Holkham Beach offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. Take a walk along the Norfolk coastal path that winds through the pine forest, or venture further afield and discover the nearby Holkham Hall and Estate, a magnificent 18th-century mansion surrounded by beautiful parkland.

Feeling adventurous? Here’s some suggestions to quash your wanderlust:

Holkham beach Norfolk
// Discover, Holkham beach….

Holkham beach; your questions answered

If you’re walking the four miles of wide sands stretch from Wells next the Sea beach in the East to Burnham Overy Staithe in the West. Coasthopper buses run all year round. By car you take A149 and look out for the Victoria Inn which is opposite Lady Anne’s Drive, the approach road to Holkham beach. Enter postcode NR23 1RG into your sat nav.
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Yes there is parking at Holkham Beach is either side of Lady Anne’s Drive in Holkham village, just off the A149 opposite The Victoria Inn. April to September the car park is open 6am to 9pm. October to March from 6am to 6pm, a chargeable pay and display system is in operation. On street parking isn’t readily available.

Yes toilets at Holkham Beach (inc disabled) are located inside The Lookout, a beautifully designed structure that blends into the landscape and provides timely respite as well as a dog friendly cafe. Toilets are also located in Holkham village, opposite the Adnams store.

Yes dogs are very much welcome at Holkham beach. While dogs and walkers can enjoy the beach and wide open spaces all year round without restrictions, caution is advised on the adjacent Holkham Nature Reserve. Here dogs should be kept on a lead or under close control so they don’t disturb or distress any of the wildlife in the area.

Yes Holkham beach is very family and child friendly, with endless unspoiled stretches of sand that are perfect for kite flying and racing along – no surprise it has been voted one of the best beaches in Britain. You can walk through the enchanting pine forest, an adventure in itself on the boardwalks to get to the beach and when the tide is out, you’ll find shallow pools to paddle in, perfect for younger kids.

While Holkham Beach is a popular destination, it is also known for its vast expanse of sand and dunes, which means that even on busy days, there is plenty of space for everyone. Plus, the beach is so large that it’s easy to find a secluded spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The water is shallow and if you time it right, with the tide going out, you’ll also discover lots of pools of warm , shallow water to swim in. However as with any beach you need to be aware of high tides that can have strong currents. Check tide times and better to be safe than sorry and enjoy a paddle near the shore.

No, there are no lifeguards at Holkham beach. Visitors are advised to take caution when swimming in the sea and to be aware of the tides.

Yes you can see seals at Holkham Beach in Norfolk. The beach is home to a colony of grey seals, and visitors can often spot them lounging on the sand or swimming in the water. However, it’s important to keep a safe distance and not disturb the seals or their habitat.

To help plan your visit and stay safe, take a look at the tide times at Holkham beach on the Tideschart website >

Holkham Beach in Norfolk has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including Shakespeare in Love, All is True, and The Crown. Its stunning natural beauty and expansive sandy beach make it a popular choice for filmmakers.

How do I stay safe on the beach?

Check the tide times before your visit, follow the safety signs on the beach. Don’t use inflatables at sea. In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Holkham beach; exploring nearby areas in North Norfolk

While Holkham Beach is undoubtedly the star attraction of the area, there are plenty of other places to explore nearby;

  • Wells-next-the-Sea: Just a short drive away is the charming coastal town of Wells-next-the-Sea, with its colorful beach huts and bustling harbor. Take a stroll along the quayside and watch the fishing boats come and go, or sample some of the famous seafood at one of the local restaurants.
  • Burnham Market: If you’re in the mood for a bit of retail therapy, head to the nearby town of Burnham Market. Known as the “Chelsea-on-Sea,” this picturesque village is renowned for its independent boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops. Spend a leisurely afternoon browsing the shops and picking up some unique souvenirs to take home.
  • Holkham Estate: For history lovers, a visit to the nearby Holkham Hall is a must. This magnificent stately home is surrounded by beautiful parkland and offers guided tours that provide a fascinating insight into the history and heritage of the area. Explore the grand rooms, stroll through the landscaped gardens, and enjoy a picnic on the estate grounds.
Holiday Cottages Homes Stays Close to Holkham Fabulous Norfolk
// Unique places to stay close to Holkham beach

Holiday cottages & homes near Holkham beach

Discover the magic of Holkham beach and its surroundings with a stay in one of our delightful North Norfolk holiday cottages. Showcasing a fabulous collection of self catering accommodation in Holkham, the surrounding area and nearby Wells-next-the-Sea, you’ll find the perfect base for your coastal adventures.

From quaint cottages nestled in the heart of Holkham village & estate to hideaways in Wells-next-the-Sea, there’s a holiday cottage to suit every taste on Fabulous Norfolk.

For those traveling with furry friends, don’t worry – there’s a fantastic selection of dog-friendly Norfolk holiday cottages, ensuring that every member of the family can join in the fun.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a family adventure, these holiday cottages promise a memorable stay in this picturesque coastal haven. Book your Norfolk cottage holiday today and create lasting memories close to the breathtaking beauty of Holkham Beach.

Here’s a selection of nearby, popular holiday destinations to help get you started:

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