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Brancaster Estate
Iconic coastline famous for its sandy beaches
Brancaster Beach, Beach Road, Brancaster, Norfolk, PE31 8BW
Important notice
Permissive access to Branodunum: For public safety, this site is temporarily closed. We are reviewing this situation regularly and will re-open the site when it is safe to do so.
Opening times for 2 November 2024
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Parking at Brancaster Beach (not owned by National Trust). Chargeable pay and display including for National Trust members. Very limited parking at Brancaster Staithe adjacent to Dial House, subject to tidal flooding.
Toilet
Toilets at Brancaster Beach (inc disabled) open 6am to 6pm, tide dependant. Toilet at Brancaster Staithe harbour.
Dogs allowed
Dogs welcome, but some restrictions apply. Please ensure they are kept under close control at all times.
Parking at Brancaster Beach (not National Trust). Accessible toilet at Brancaster Beach. Toilet at Brancaster Staithe harbour, limited parking.
Accessible toilet
Accessible toilet available at Brancaster Beach and Brancaster Staithe harbour.
By road
On A149
Parking: Beach Road, Brancaster (not National Trust), charge including members. Limited parking at Brancaster Staithe (Harbour Way) subject to tidal flooding
Sat Nav: For Brancaster Beach please use PE31 8AX (Beach Road), If you are visiting Brnacaster Staithe Harbour, please us PE31 8BW (Harbour Way)
On foot
Brancaster Estate is on the Norfolk Coast Path.
By bus
Coasthopper buses run all year round between King's Lynn, Hunstanton, Wells, Fakenham, Sheringham and Cromer
Brancaster Beach, Beach Road, Brancaster, Norfolk, PE31 8BW
Planning your visit
Article
Horse riding on Brancaster Beach
Information for horse owners planning to ride on Brancaster Beach.
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Bringing your dog to Brancaster Estate
Brancaster Beach is a two pawprint rated place. Dogs and responsible owners are very much welcome here. We know your pets will enjoy it as much as you.
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Venue hire
Article
Wedding photography at Brancaster Beach
Find out about using Brancaster as a beautiful beach backdrop for your wedding or engagement photographs.
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Dial House meeting room
At Dial House we have a medium-sized room which is available to hire for meetings, training events, team building etc.
Highlights
Brancaster Beach
Iconic coastline with a wide expanse of golden sandy beach.
Refreshment kiosk (not National Trust)
The kiosk opposite the car park has seaside essentials including ice cream, teas, coffees and buckets and spades.
Brancaster Harbour
Once a busy cargo port, trade declined in the 1800s. Now a thriving fishing industry survives alongside recreational pleasure craft.
Branodunum
A Scheduled Ancient Monument, once a Roman army fort and now a grassy meadow and home to skylarks and insects.
Stay
Stay at one of our tranquil holiday homes at Burnham Overy Staithe. Mrs Preedy's Cottage, Watermill and Millstream offer picturesque accommodation options close to the beautiful, wildlife-rich, north Norfolk coast.
Things to see and do
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Discover Brancaster Estate
Brancaster Estate, with its wide expanse of golden sands, is perfect for summer sunbathing or winter wanders. Here’s everything you need to know when planning your visit.
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Family days out at Brancaster beach
Plan a fun-filled day out at Brancaster beach. With its wide expanse of golden sands, it is perfect for sandcastles, wanders, picnics and paddling.
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Brancaster Staithe Harbour
The charming village of Brancaster Staithe has a harbour with a long history dating back to the days when Brancaster was a Roman town and port.
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Branodunum Roman Fort
The ancient Roman fort of Branodunum, just outside Brancaster, was built in the 230s and later became part of the Saxon Shore fortification system.
Outdoor activities
Activity
Kite sports at Brancaster Beach
Find out where the safe zones are for kitesurfing and other kite sports, plus tips and advice to keep everyone safe when you visit.
Top trails
Trail
Burnham Overy Staithe walk
Enjoy a circular walk through Burnham Overy Staithe near Brancaster, soaking up the beautiful sights of the North Norfolk coast and its wildlife as well as local history.
Trail
Brancaster Staithe wildlife walk
Wander through Brancaster Staithe and enjoy the sights of the coast and its wildlife. There are views from Barrow Common and the chance to visit the site of Branodunum Roman Fort along the way.
Places to stay
The Dial House
A historic flint building with a colourful and bright interior sleeping up to 22, this is an ideal place to celebrate a large family get together.
Mrs Preedy's Cottage
A pretty cottage overlooking the mill stream near the Norfolk coast and Blakeney Nature Reserve.
Millstream
Part of a converted watermill, with an open plan layout overlooking the mill pool and close to the coast.
Watermill Apartment
Close to the Norfolk coast, this stylishly converted old mill has beautiful vaulted ceilings you’ll love.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Brancaster Estate
Brancaster beach with its wide expanse of golden sands is perfect for summer sandcastles or winter wanders, even on the busiest of days there is room to find your own space and get lost in its tranquil calm.
Visit Branodunum, an intriguing Scheduled Ancient Monument. Once the home of the Roman Army, it is now a grassy meadow home to skylarks and a vast variety of insects.
Walk along the Norfolk Coast Path and explore the coastline, taking in the panoramic views of the saltmarsh across to Brancaster Harbour and Scolt Head Island National Nature Reserve (managed by Natural England) beyond. Home to a variety of wildlife, the sights and sounds of thousands of over-wintering pink footed geese flying over the estate to roost with the backdrop of a coastal sunset is an unforgettable experience.
History
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Brancaster Estate and the D-Day landings
Discover the part that Brancaster Beach played in the D-Day landings that took place during the Second World War.
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Looking after the archaeology of the coast
National Trust staff and volunteers help preserve dozens of archaeological sites along the north Norfolk coast – from Roman fortifications to Cold War installations.
Our work
News
Tower Windmill conservation
The National Trust has begun a phased programme of repairs to Tower Windmill at Burnham-Overy-Staithe.
News
Brancaster Staithe harbour moorings and tender chain
Information for boat owners wishing to moor their craft, or enter the ballot for a place on the chain, in 2025.
News
Environmental improvements along Brancaster Beach Road
The National Trust is working with partners to improve the environment along the approach to Brancaster Beach.