The North Norfolk coast is fifteen minutes from the cottage: big sandy beaches, shingle, saltmarsh and creeks, each stretch with its own character. There are the vast sands and pine woods at Holkham and Wells, the shingle from Weybourne to Cley, chalk reef and rock pools at West Runton, and the classic seaside at Cromer and Sheringham.
Good to know
- Check the tide times before you set out: at Holkham and Wells the sands stretch a long way out at low tide, and the tide comes back in fast across the flats.
- From 1 May to 30 September dogs are not allowed on some main beaches, including Cromer between the pier and the groyne, Sheringham, and the main beach at Wells. The rest of each beach stays open to dogs.
- Grey seal pups are born on Blakeney Point from late October to January; the boat trips from Morston are the best way to see them, and the colony is there all year.
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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Wells-next-the-Sea
Wells-next-the-Sea
A more accessible beach, with less of a walk but still the pine woods and sand. Better for swimming, and home to a row of very cute beach huts that are always worth a photo.
Cromer
Cromer
A quaint seaside town a short drive away, with a beach, a pier and pretty streets for strolling. It’s famous for its crab, so don’t leave without a crab sandwich.
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.
The coast
Walk the Norfolk Coast Path
The national trail runs the length of the coast. Good stretches from here include Cley to Salthouse across the marshes, Wells beach to Holkham through the pines, and the clifftop walk to Cromer lighthouse.
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West Runton
Rock pools at West Runton
Sand, shingle and chalk reef, with rock pools at low tide and fossils along the cliffs.
Blakeney
Blakeney Quay
Blakeney’s quay looks out over the creeks and marsh towards the Point. In summer it’s the place for crabbing: a line, a bucket and some bacon for bait. Put the crabs back at the end of the day.