Lace up your sandals and get ready to feel the soft sand beneath your toes as we unveil the best beaches in Norfolk!
Offering golden sands, expansive landscapes, and pristine water, each beach is a haven for those seeking to create unforgettable memories on Norfolk’s idyllic coast.
Norfolk boasts beauty around every corner. From the charming traditional seaside at Cromer to the breath-taking sunsets at Old Hunstanton, there is something to captivate everyone!
The seaside beckons! Read on to discover the finest beaches in Norfolk…
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Norfolk Beaches FAQ
The Best Norfolk Beaches
Norfolk Beaches Map
Norfolk Beaches FAQs
What is the nicest beach in Norfolk?
With over 80 miles of breath-taking coastline, Norfolk is home to endless wonderful beaches. Narrowing it down to the best is difficult however in my opinion the nicest beach in Norfolk is Horsey Beach due to the seals and fluffy seal pups that you can see. However, our guide covers 10 more of the nicest beaches in Norfolk with something for everyone!
Are there any sandy beaches in Norfolk?
Yes of course! There are lots of sandy beaches in Norfolk! Brancaster, Hemsby and Mundesley are a few of the best Norfolk sandy beaches that spring to mind. Find more of them in our guide.
Which beach in Norfolk is best to watch the sunset?
Old Hunstanton Beach is the best beach in Norfolk to watch the sunset. This Norfolk beach is unique as it is west facing meaning you can admire the washes of orange and purple that fill the sky as the sun dips behind the horizon.
The Best Norfolk Beaches
1. Brancaster Beach, Brancaster
The first beach on our guide to the best Norfolk beaches is the beautiful Brancaster Beach. Tucked away along the captivating Norfolk coastline, this beach offers a truly enchanting destination for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts!
With golden sand reaching as far as the eyes can see, this picturesque Norfolk beach guarantees a memorable visit! Enjoy the tranquil sound of the rhythmic waves lapping at the shore while you bask in the sun and enjoy leisurely walks.
Owned by the National Trust this spectacular beach is home to the tidal salt marshes of Scolt Head as well as thrilling activities. The brave among you can even try your hand at kite surfing on the open water! There is something for everyone at this Norfolk beach.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Pay and Display parking available at Brancaster Beach Car Park, PE31 8AX
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: PE31 8AX
2. Cromer Beach, Cromer
Perched on the edge of the Norfolk coast is the Victorian seaside resort of Cromer. This bustling town plays host to another of the best beaches in Norfolk. Find a wide beach offering a perfect blend of sand and shingle, backed by colourful buildings that date back to the Victorian era.
Look forward to basking in the sunshine upon this Blue Flag-awarded beach, where fishing boats bob at anchor or are catching the famous Cromer crab. Alternatively, families can partake in popular pastimes, including sandcastle building, swimming, watersports and rock-pooling, whilst the pier is great for sea angling for cod and bass.
After a full day on this Norfolk beach, end your afternoon at the intimate Pavilion Theatre or venture to the high cliffs that are rich in fossils dating back to the Pleistocene era.
With so much to see and do, it’s not surprising that Cromer Beach features in our best beaches in England guide!
Type of beach: Sand and Shingle
Dog-friendly: Yes but restrictions apply between 1st May and 30th September
Lifeguard service: Yes between April and September
Parking: Pay and Display parking at Ruton Road NNDC car park, NR27 9AU
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: NR21 9AT
3. Heacham South Beach, Heacham
The idyllic Heacham South Beach is our next recommendation for the best Norfolk beaches. With its tranquil and unspoiled atmosphere, this wondrous beach offers a quintessential British seaside experience.
Pack up all your beach essentials and bring the whole family to the golden shores of this Norfolk beach. Delight in building sandcastles, splashing around in the clear water, and creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Compared to other beaches in Norfolk, Heacham South is quieter, making it perfect for leisurely walks with your four-legged friends!
The beach’s unique position on Norfolk’s coast means that watching breath-taking sunsets is a must here. Bring a blanket and enjoy a romantic evening on the sand as an orange haze fills the sky; a truly unforgettable experience.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, however in summer there are some restrictions due to birds nesting on the beach
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Pay and display parking across the road from the beach, however, spaces are limited
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: PE31 7LH
4. Hemsby Beach, Hemsby
Offering two miles of sandy beach, with lots of shelter for sunbathing, is Hemsby Beach, one of the more popular Norfolk beaches on our list.
Hemsby is a charming coastal resort that attracts tourists from all over, who come to enjoy its golden beach, relaxed atmosphere, and unique attractions. With amenities, exciting arcades, and funfairs, this Norfolk beach has everything you need for a fun-filled family visit.
The water quality here is exceptional, and during the summer season, a lifeguard is present, ensuring your safety. You can enjoy a variety of watersports, including swimming, surfing, and canoeing, with peace of mind.
As well as a wealth of entertainment, this beach in Norfolk has lots of history to uncover! Here, you will find remains of anti-tank blocks and a concrete bunker, used during World War II as their coastal defences.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, however, there are restrictions between 1st May and 30th September
Lifeguard service: Yes, between July and September
Parking: Pay and display car park available opposite the beach
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: NR29 4HS
5. Holkham Beach, Holkham
Widely considered to be the best beach in Norfolk, Holkham Beach offers a pristine stretch of sand resting close to the town of Wells-next-the-Sea.
Following a short amble along the boardwalk, be rewarded by endless miles of unspoilt golden sands and wide open landscapes. Even in the summer months, you will be able to find a peaceful spot at this Norfolk beach!
Holkham Bay is rich in nature, with its wild beauty captured in the final scenes of Shakespeare in Love, as well as in The Avengers and the TV series, Kingdom. A must-visit for those uncovering UK filming locations!
It is also part of one of the largest National Nature Reserves in the UK, featuring windswept dunes, salt marshes and the Holkham Pines, together forming habitats for rare animals and plants. You can also find a variety of dog-friendly Norfolk coastal walks for you and your pooch!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round. However, dogs must be kept on leads from 1st April to 31st Agust due to birds breeding on the sands
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Pay and Display parking on Lady Anne’s Drive, NR23 1RG
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: NR23 1RJ
6. Horsey Beach, Horsey
Next up on our guide to the best beaches in Norfolk is Horsey Beach. It is an idyllic beach that is often deserted outside of summer and backed by the largest sand dune system on the east coast of the UK.
This Norfolk beach enjoys an unspoilt and peaceful position great for escaping the usual crowds and traditional seaside amusements. However, the main attraction of the beach is the opportunity to catch a glimpse of seals taking to the sands in the winter or bobbing around in the waters during the warmer months.
After basking in the sunshine on this Norfolk beach, be sure to explore Horsey Warren, which is the largest dune in East Anglia. Savour the views across the barren dunes and spot the abundance of wildlife that retreat here each year.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, however during winter it is advised that dogs do not go onto the beach because of the seals
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Pay and display parking available at NR29 4EQ
Public toilets: No
Postcode: NR29 4EJ
7. Old Hunstanton Beach, Hunstanton
With a sprawling view of the sky, Old Hunstanton Beach is irrefutably one of the best Norfolk beaches. Look forward to a day out at this beach close to the Victorian seaside town of Hunstanton.
Old Hunstanton Beach enjoys an expanse of fine golden sand, backed by renowned striped cliffs. The famous cliffs are divided into three layers: red chalk, white chalk and cornerstone. A feature that truly makes Old Hunstanton Beach unique!
It is a great spot for families to enjoy, with the sand gently sloping into the sea and lots of space to spread out, even during the height of summer. If you want to try something more adventurous, this Norfolk beach has you covered as it is one of the best kite-surfing beaches in the UK.
Continuing to impress, with its west-facing position, this Norfolk beach is well-sheltered and is an excellent spot for captivating sunsets! No wonder Old Hunstanton is one of the best beaches in the UK.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Pay and display parking available at Clifftop Car Park, PE36 6EL
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: PE36 6JJ
8. Mundesley Beach, Mundesley
Another one of the best beaches in Norfolk is the Blue Flag award-winning Mundesley Beach. With its endless expanse of golden sand, excellent water quality, and a promenade adorned with colourful beach huts, it’s no wonder this Norfolk beach is a popular choice for families.
Imposing cliffs form the backdrop to the beach, where you will find the Mundesley Maritime Museum, believed to be one of the smallest museums in England. Whilst here, savour the spectacular views over the sea before uncovering the local maritime history.
Back on this Norfolk beach, look forward to safe swimming at low tide, as well as the traditional charm of a popular seaside resort; a haven for families!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, however, dogs are not allowed on the promenade section between 1st May and 30th September
Lifeguard service: Yes between April and September
Parking: Yes at Beach Car Park, NR11 8BG
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: NR11 8BG
9. Sheringham Beach, Sheringham
Enveloped by majestic cliffs and picturesque wooded areas is Sheringham Beach, an exceptional Norfolk beach located on the north coast.
This Blue Flag award-winning beach rests just moments away from the bustling town of Sheringham and features miles of golden sands, with areas of shingle and larger stones. With miles of sand to enjoy, as well as a collection of rock pools filled with marine life, this Norfolk beach is perfect for families.
After spending the day on this Norfolk beach walk along the West Promenade to the top of the cliffs, where striking views of the sea and uplands, covered with golden gorse and purple heather await you. A truly breath-taking sight!
Type of beach: Sandy and Rocky
Dog-friendly: Yes, however, dogs aren’t allowed on the main section of the beach between 1st May and 20th September
Lifeguard service: Yes on West Beach between April and September and on East Beach from July to September
Parking: Pay and display parking at Morris Street NNDC, NR26 8JY and East Cliff NNDC, NR26 8BN
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: NR26 8LS
10. Wells-next-the-Sea Beach, Wells-next-the-Sea
Neighbouring Holkham Bay is the harbour town beach of Wells-next-the-Sea. This Norfolk beach is the epitome of a traditional English beach, with colourful beach huts, miles of golden sands, unspoilt scenery and great birdwatching.
This beach is located just a stone’s throw away from the town centre, with plenty of car parking opportunities, whilst in the summer, you can travel to the beach by the Wells Harbour Railway, a 10¼” gauge miniature railway!
As well as being a dog-friendly Norfolk beach, it is exceptional for families, boasting wonderfully soft sand for sandcastles and calm waters for paddling. Whilst here, be sure to admire the beautifully decorated beach huts, something that kids are sure to love!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, however, dogs are not allowed on the eastern end of the beach close to the beach huts
Lifeguard service: Yes between July and September
Parking: Yes, pay and display car park next to the beach
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: NR23 1DR
11. Weybourne Beach, Weybourne
Concluding our guide to the best Norfolk beaches is the pebble paradise of Weybourne Beach, sitting to the north of the archetypal English village of Weybourne.
This Norfolk beach is truly a hidden gem; find a stretch of shingle beach that you can enjoy all to yourself! It is said to have been the favourite haunt of smugglers many centuries ago, and its deep waters were considered a possible site for invasion. Today on this hidden UK beach, you are more likely to see fishermen than smugglers!
Discover the beach by following the coastal path along the cliffs, making a great spot for avid ramblers, beachcombers and dog walkers alike!
Type of beach: Pebble
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Yes at Weybourne Beach Car Park, NR25 7AH
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: NR25 7AH
Norfolk Beaches Map
Are you ready to book your next beach getaway now? Then book one of these Norfolk coastal cottages to begin your adventure by the sea! Look for more inspiration then browse our Norfolk Travel Guide.