This coast is famous for its birds. The reserves from Cley to Titchwell have reedbeds, lagoons and grazing marsh with birds all year round, thousands more pass through on migration in spring and autumn, and in winter tens of thousands of pink-footed geese fly in from Iceland and Greenland. Out on Blakeney Point, England’s largest grey seal colony is a short boat trip away.
Good to know
- The geese leave their roosts at first light to feed in the fields and come back at dusk; Holkham and Wells are the nearest places to watch, from autumn to late winter.
- Seal boats run from Morston Quay for much of the year, with the tide: common seals have their pups in summer, grey seals in winter.
- Norfolk Wildlife Trust, which began in 1926 when Cley Marshes became its first reserve, is a hundred years old this year.
- In spring and summer, keep to the paths and away from the fenced areas on the beaches, where birds nest on the ground.
Our pick
Morston Quay
See the seals at Blakeney Point
Blakeney Point is home to one of the largest grey seal colonies in England. You can walk out along the coast, but the best way to see the seals is by boat: Beans Boat Trips and Temple’s Seal Trips both run from Morston Quay. Worth it all year, and especially from November to January, when the pups are born on the beach.
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Holkham
Holkham Beach
North Norfolk has lots of lovely coastal spots, but none more dramatic than Holkham. You walk through a stunning pine forest before emerging onto a huge expanse of sand, and it’s a long, lovely walk down to the dunes and the sea. There’s a café by the car park. Check the tide times before you set out, and keep dogs on leads in the bird nesting season.
Cley-next-the-Sea
Cley Marshes
The Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s oldest reserve: reed beds, lagoons and grazing marsh with bird hides, and a visitor centre and café looking right across the marshes to the sea. Wonderful for the spring and autumn migrations.
Glandford
Natural Surroundings
A nature reserve, plant nursery, wildflower garden and café, and a delightful spot for a day out at any time of year. Wander from the orchard and kitchen garden to the riverside woodland, then stop for cake in the garden café.
Titchwell
RSPB Titchwell Marsh
The RSPB reserve between the coast road and the sea: reedbeds, saltmarsh and freshwater lagoons where avocets, bearded tits and marsh harriers nest, and a wide sandy beach at the end of the West Bank path. Thousands of birds pass through on migration in spring and autumn. Visitor centre, café and shop.
Near Fakenham
Pensthorpe Natural Park
A natural park of about 700 acres, with gardens (one designed by Piet Oudolf), a nature reserve, flamingos, cranes and red squirrels, and WildRootz, a big outdoor play area, plus indoor play for small children.
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