Our Guide to Beaches on the Norfolk Coast – From Dog-Friendly to Accessible

Top Sandy Beaches Norfolk Coast 

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or wildlife encounters, beaches of Norfolk coast promises unforgettable experiences for anyone craving areas of outstanding natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes. With 45 miles of unspoiled coastline, Norfolk has its fair share of beautiful sandy beaches crying out to be explored. 

Holkham Beach

The vast white stretches of sand at Holkham Beach are backed by pine forests which provide a beautiful setting for your beach adventures. At high tide a shallow lagoon forms on Holkham Beach which will delight little ones looking for a safe place to splash and paddle. The grassy dunes are perfect for games of hide and seek, and it is easy to spend afternoons strolling along the beach or adventuring through the pines further afield to Wells. The picturesque setting means that Holkam Beach is often used as a film location- spot Gwyneth Paltrow there in the closing scenes of the film ‘Shakespeare in Love’.  

Wells-Next-The-Sea Beach

With its cheerful collection of candy-coloured beach huts and sweeping expanses of golden sand, Wells-Next-the-Sea beach has a typical British seaside vibe where sandcastle building, shell collecting and homemade picnics are the order of the day. Wells-Next-the-Sea beach also has a beach cafe which is the perfect place to enjoy an ice cream on the sunny picnic benches out front (or snuggle up during winter months by the woodburner inside). Whether it’s paddling in the shallow waters, indulging in freshly caught fish and chips, or exploring the bustling quayside, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Wells-Next-the-Sea.

Brancaster Beach

Brancaster Beach is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its natural dunes and wildlife-filled tidal salt flats, Brancaster Beach is set in an AONB and is quieter than many of the other beaches along the Norfolk coast. During winter months look out for skies filled with pink-footed geese. History aficionados can look forward to spotting the remains of an old shipwreck, and a fossilised ancient forest is sometimes revealed by the sand at low tide at certain times throughout the year. From windsurfing to kite surfing, this windswept stretch of coastline offers the perfect backdrop for a range of coastal activities. Don’t forget a stick or ball for your four-legged friend – this vast beach is a doggy’s paradise.

Old Hunstanton Beach

The soft golden sands of Old Hunstanton Beach (or ‘Sunny Hunny’ as it is known) lie in stark contrast to the pebbles of the main Hunstanton beach and provide a perfectly peaceful place for family-friendly beach days. This dog-friendly beach has a cafe, toilets and a pub nearby. Not only that, but Old Hunstanton Beach is part of the only stretch of Norfolk’s coast to face West, so you can look forward to the fiery skies of a Norfolk sunset once your perfect beach day draws to a close.  

Sheringham Beach

Sheringham Beach embodies the classic charm of a traditional British seaside resort, complete with a promenade, rock pools, and colourful beach huts. Families flock here to enjoy sun-soaked days spent building sandcastles, exploring rock pools, and embarking on scenic coastal walks along the Norfolk Coast Path. With its lively atmosphere and range of amenities, Sheringham Beach offers endless opportunities for fun and relaxation by the sea.

Cromer Beach

This classic Victorian seaside resort beach with its pristine golden sands is famed for its Pavilion Theatre. Here crowds gather from all over to experience shows in one of the only seaside piers in the UK with a fully flourishing working theatre. The manicured gardens and dainty Victorian buildings which surround Cromer Beach make it an enchanting place to visit all year round. If you like crab sandwiches, Cromer Beach is the spot to enjoy the freshest there is as the crab boats land right up on the gangway.  

Gorleston Beach

With two miles of beautiful sand stretching around the bay, Gorleston Beach has plenty to offer and is one of the loveliest spots for family beach days on the Norfolk coast. Whilst not far from neighbouring Great Yarmouth, it is quieter and has an olde-worlde charm. Gorleston is popular with kite surfers, has a promenade, and is also known for its model sailing boat pond which has been popular with kids and adults alike since it was built in 1927. 

Sea Palling Beach

Regularly awarded the Blue Flag status as a result of its clean sand and crystal waters, Sea Palling Beach is the perfect family-friendly beach which is blissfully just off the beaten track. The offshore man-made reefs keep the waters calm and have also created sand spits which enhance the sweeping shoreline around the bay. This is often touted as one of the best beaches on the Norfolk coast thanks to its peaceful, natural beauty – you can even spot colonies of seals at certain times of the year sunbathing on the sand.

Mundesley Beach

On the east corner of the North Norfolk coast sits Mundesley Beach; a charming seaside spot where rainbow-coloured beach huts flank the long stretch of sand. This beautifully spacious beach boasts a smattering of amenities, all backed by sheltering cliffs. Whether walking the beach or exploring the coastal paths which run alongside, a day at Mundesley Beach will create fond memories for the whole family. 

Winterton-on-Sea Beach

This picturesque beach is framed by what is touted as the best dune system in Norfolk. The dunes not only provide a striking backdrop to this vast stretch of sand but also serve as an important habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. Visitors can explore these sand dunes via designated walking trails, immersing themselves in the raw beauty of the coastal landscape. Winterton Nature Reserve is both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an area of outstanding natural beauty and for good reason – the dunes are a haven for nesting seabirds, seals can often be seen basking on the sandbanks just offshore, and the dunes are also home to the rare Natterjack Toad! 

Discover Dog-Friendly Beaches in Norfolk 

Norfolk’s stunning coastline isn’t just a paradise for humans; it’s also a haven for our four-legged friends and the Norfolk coast is a great place for a dog-friendly holiday. With miles of sandy shores, rugged dunes, and tranquil coves to explore, Norfolk offers a plethora of dog-friendly beaches where furry companions can run, play, and splash to their heart’s content.  

List of Dog-Friendly Beaches

Before heading out to any of these dog-friendly beaches, it’s always a good idea to check for any local regulations or restrictions, as well as to ensure you have everything you need to keep your furry friend safe and comfortable during your seaside adventures. So grab your leash, pack some treats and poo bags, and get ready for a tail-waggingly good time exploring the dog-friendly beaches of Norfolk:

1. Winterton-on-Sea Beach
2. Holkham Beach
3. Burnham Overy Staithe
4. Wells-next-the-Sea Beach
5. Cart Gap
6. Brancaster Beach
7. Mundesley Beach
8. Old Hunstanton Beach
9. Cley Beach
10. Sea Palling Beach
11. Happisburgh
12. Great Yarmouth South 
13. Great Yarmouth North
14. Holme-next-the-Sea
15. Waxham
16. Snettisham Beach
17. Weybourne
18. Heacham North
19. Horsey

Accessible Beaches in Norfolk

For those seeking accessible beaches, Norfolk offers several options that cater to individuals with various mobility needs. You can also hire beach wheelchairs at Cromer and Sheringham beaches (in high season) to ensure that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the seaside.  

List of Accessible Beaches in Norfolk

With accessibility features such as ramps, disabled toilets, designated parking, and beach-friendly wheelchairs, these beaches strive to provide inclusive experiences for all visitors to the beautiful Norfolk coastline. 

1. West Runton Beach
2. Wells-Next-The-Sea Beach
3. Holkham Beach
4. Sea Palling Beach
5. Mundsley Beach
6. Hunstanton Beach
7. Waxham Sands
8. Sheringham Beach
9. Cromer Beach

Beaches with Bars and Restaurants in Norfolk

Whilst many of the best beaches in Norfolk are favoured for their quiet, untouched nature, there are a whole host of beaches in Norfolk with bars, restaurants and cafes to make a day at the beach just that little bit more fun. Meal with a sea view? Don’t mind if we do!

List of Norfolk Beaches With Eateries

Whether you’re looking for a casual meal with friends, a romantic dinner for two, or a fun night out by the sea, Norfolk’s beachside bars and restaurants have something for everyone to enjoy.  

1. Old Hunstanton Beach
2. Hunstanton
3. Wells-Next-The-Sea
4. Wells Beach
5. Sheringham Beach
6. West Runton Beach
7. Cromer Beach
8. Great Yarmouth
9. Winterton-On-Sea Beach
10. Brancaster Staithe
11. Gorleston Beach
12. Mundesley Beach

Coastal Walks in Norfolk

With miles of sweeping sands and picturesque marshlands, Norfolk boasts some of the most breathtaking coastal landscapes in the United Kingdom. For avid walkers and nature enthusiasts, the Norfolk coast offers an array of scenic routes that promise awe-inspiring views, fascinating wildlife encounters, and a deep sense of tranquillity.  

Stretching for 84 miles from Hunstanton to Sea Palling, the Norfolk Coast Path is a long-distance trail that showcases the diverse beauty of the Norfolk coastline. Whether you choose to tackle the entire route or just a section of it, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of sandy beaches, salt marshes, and rolling dunes. Highlights along the way include the iconic striped cliffs of Hunstanton, the bird-filled salt marshes of Titchwell, and the serene beauty of Holkham Bay. 

Planning Your Stay

If you’re looking for a revitalising, relaxing stay on the Norfolk coast, then our elegant Georgian spa hotel in Norfolk ticks all the boxes. We’ll spoil you with a choice of 31 individually designed bedrooms and suites, friendly service, delicious food and drink, and a luxury spa. What more could you ask for?

Summary 

Whether you’re seeking serene coastal walks, panoramic views, or stunning sunsets, Norfolk’s coastline offers a stunning backdrop for relaxation and exploration. Get in touch today and let us help you plan your perfect trip to Norfolk, we’re just a phone call away…