The Best Norfolk Beaches Guide: Our Top 10 Revealed

Q: What are the best beaches in Norfolk?

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. Our preference by far is the dog friendly beach at Wells-next-the-Sea , great any time of year especially if you have a pooch!

North Norfolk is a region famous for its stunning coastal landscapes and sandy beaches. The area boasts an extensive coastline that stretches for miles thats’s dotted with small fishing villages, historic towns, and charming holiday resorts.

There are beaches to suit all tastes, from family-friendly spots with plenty of facilities, dog friendly beaches where your pooch a scamper about freely to remote stretches of sand perfect for a peaceful walk. Here’s five of the best 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 is nowhere better from which to experience the dramatic grandeur of Norfolk’s vast skies and never ending horizons.
Cromer Beach: Cromer is 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.
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.
Brancaster Beach: A quieter beach than some of the others in North Norfolk, 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.
Hunstanton Beach: Well known for its distinctive striped cliffs, which are made up of chalk and limestone. The beach here is made up of sand and shingle, and there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained with a fun fair, arcades, cafes and sandcastle building.

No matter what you’re looking for in a beach holiday, you’re sure to find it in Norfolk. With its stunning beaches, beautiful scenery, and friendly people, Norfolk is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Here’s our top 10 best beaches in Norfolk

Below is by no means a definitive list, this a showcase of our Top 10 favourite Norfolk beaches we enjoy visiting regularly with our pooch. Can you spot a beach you love?

Best Norfolk Beaches Cromer Fabulous Norfolk

#1 North Norfolk

Cromer beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Wells next the Sea Fabulous Norfolk

#2 North Norfolk

Wells-next-the-Sea beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Brancaster Fabulous Norfolk

#3 North Norfolk

Brancaster beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Hokham Fabulous Norfolk

#4 North Norfolk

Holkham beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Sheringham Fabulous Norfolk

#5 North Norfolk

Sheringham beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Cley next the Sea Fabulous Norfolk

#6 North Norfolk

Cley-next-the-Sea beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Hunstanton Fabulous Norfolk

#7 West Norfolk

Hunstanton beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Mundesley Fabulous Norfolk

#8 Norfolk coast

Mundseley beach

Best Norfolk Beaches Sea Palling Fabulous Norfolk

#9 Norfolk coast

Sea Palling beach

#10 East Norfolk

Great Yarmouth

The best Dog friendly beaches in Norfolk – things to consider

If you’re a dog owner seeking a coastal adventure, Norfolk is a haven of dog-friendly beaches to explore. With its stunning coastline, charming towns, and welcoming locals, Norfolk provides the perfect setting for unforgettable times with your furry friend.

From sandy stretches where dogs can roam freely to picturesque trails and dog-friendly facilities, Norfolk’s beaches promise delightful experiences for both you and your beloved canine companion. As a dog lover ourselves here are some points to consider when visiting a Norfolk beach with your dog:

Dogs on beaches: Fortunately most Norfolk beaches are dog friendly however before heading out, familiarise yourself with the specific regulations of each location. Some beaches might require dogs to be on a lead at all times, while others offer designated off-lead areas where your dog can enjoy a more liberated experience.
Seasonal restrictions: Be aware of seasonal restrictions on certain beaches, especially during the summer months when certain areas may have dog bans to protect nesting birds and wildlife and even family friendly areas. Always check guidelines and signage to avoid any unexpected disappointments.
Facilities & amenities: Look for beaches that offer dog-friendly facilities and amenities, such as water stations, waste disposal bins, and dog-friendly cafes or eateries nearby. These places can make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. Its fair to say, most of Norfolk is very dog friendly.
Beach safety: Keep an eye on your dog’s safety while at the beach, especially when it comes to swimming. Some areas may have strong currents or hazardous tidal conditions. Always stay close to your pet and never let them venture too far into the water.
Respect others: While you may adore your four-legged companion, others may not share the same sentiment. Always be mindful of other beachgoers and their preferences. Keep your dog well-behaved and under control, and be prepared to put them on a lead if necessary.

Remember, a well-prepared and responsible approach to visiting Norfolk’s beaches with your dog will lead to a truly enjoyable time for you and your furry family member. Our individual beach guides list much of the information you need however here are a few dog related articles to get you started:

Family friendly best beaches in Norfolk

Norfolk is a fantastic destination for families looking for a beach getaway. With its wide stretches of golden sands and often shallow, safe waters, Norfolk’s beaches are perfect for building sandcastles, paddling and lots of splashing about. Whether you’re looking for a day of relaxation, or fun-filled activities, Norfolk’s family-friendly beaches offer something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

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.
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.
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.

For those who prefer a quieter beach experience, spring and autumn can be ideal. The weather is generally milder, and the beaches are less crowded. Spring brings the beauty of blooming flowers and migrating birds, while autumn offers stunning sunsets and the opportunity to witness seal colonies along the coast.

Planning a holiday in Norfolk?

With its sandy shores, stunning sunsets, and breathtaking scenery, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination and our most popular in the UK.

Whether you prefer a lively beach experience or a secluded retreat, Norfolk’s coastline has something to offer for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the ultimate seaside getaway. Fabulous Norfolk awaits, where memories are made and worries are left behind.

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. Our preference by far is the dog friendly beach at Wells-next-the-Sea, great any time of year especially if you have a pooch!

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.

Explore the Best Beaches in Norfolk; Our Top 10 Revealed

In the county where the sky meets the sea, Norfolk offers a captivating all year round holiday destination inviting visitors to this stunning, coastal region.
It’s official, Norfolk has the best beaches in England! Here we showcase our Top 10 favourite Norfolk beaches, just to get you started.

North Norfolk is a region famous for its stunning coastal landscapes and sandy beaches. The area boasts an extensive coastline that stretches for miles thats’s dotted with small fishing villages, historic towns, and charming holiday resorts.