Chase a fantastic sunset or two on one of Norfolk’s few west-facing beaches, it’s also a great spot for dog walking, enjoying the expansive sands and the Wader Spectacular, one of the highlights of the Norfolk birding calendar.
Given that Norfolk is generally considered to be on the east coast, Snettisham’s location being West facing means it gets some of the best sunsets in Norfolk, as does Heacham and Hunstanton beach located a little further up the coast. As a result this area of Norfolk is often referred to as “the sunset coastline”.
Snettisham beach is a natural haven and largely unspoiled. The extensive sand and mud flats are frequented by various wading birds such as avocets, knots and bar-tailed godwit which can be seen from the RSPB reserve. The RSPB Snettisham is and is one of the most important bird estuaries in the UK. At certain times throughout the year nature lovers can witness the Wader Spectacular a chance to see tens of thousands of birds flocking to the beach and mudflats.
How to get to Snettisham beach
Snettisham beach is located just North of Kings Lynn, near the Sandringham Estate and South of Hunstanton on the A149. Which ever direction you travel from, on the outskirts of Snettisham village look out for a road sign, Station Road. Turn onto Beach Road and this takes you directly to the beach from the A149 , enter this postcode into your sat nav for Snettisham beach carpark: PE31 7RA.
Is there car parking at Snettisham beach?
There is car parking at Snettisham beach located just behind the dunes, it’s a large sandy car park with 300 spaces. Open 24 hours., this located at the end of Beach Road and operates a reasonable pay and display system.
Facilities at Snettisham beach
There are no major developments at Snettisham Beach – it’s mostly wild and natural, and thus a haven for birds, as a result it has no facilities so best be prepared. The nearest public toilets can be found at Heacham Beach South, which is a 10 minute drive from the beach and reserve area.
Is Snettisham beach dog friendly?
Dogs are very welcome all year on Snettisham beach and with it being such a large area, you and your pooch will have plenty of scampering about space. There are restrictions during the nesting season (April to end of August) when dogs must be kept on leads, you are requested to avoid cordoned areas where the birds are nesting on the beach.
Is Snettisham beach safe for families?
Snettisham Beach is a roughly equal mixture of sand and shingle, more a walking beach than a bucket and spade beach however if your brood loves plenty of running about space and sand between their toes then this is certainly worth a pit stop. If you seek plenty of facilities then Hunstanton beach just a little further up the coast may be worth considering.
Check the tide times
To help plan your visit, take a look at the tide times at Snettisham beach on the Tideschart website >
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.
