Seal cow on the beach at Blakeney Point, Blakeney National Nature Reserve, Norfolk | © National Trust Images/Hanne Siebers

Coast and beaches in Norfolk

Norfolk is well known for its natural coastline. Enjoy the sandy beaches, picturesque harbours and nature reserves, which are a haven for wildlife all year round.

Explore coastal places to visit for invigorating rambles and plenty of opportunity for wildlife spotting

Common seals, on a sand and shingle spit at Blakeney Point, Norfolk, amongst a breeding colony of sandwich terns

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Blakeney National Nature Reserve

Find out the things to see and do at Blakeney National Nature Reserve, from seeing the seal colony at Blakeney Point to exploring Friary Hills and Blakeney Freshes.

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Brancaster Beach

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.

Boats moored on the tidal creeks and mudflats at Morston Quay.

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Morston Quay

Explore the Norfolk Coast from Morston Quay

View of Brancaster beach with walkers in the distance

Place

Brancaster Estate

Iconic coastline famous for its sandy beaches

Purple sea lavender surrounding a pool of water in a marsh landscape with purple-grey moody, cloudy sky above, which is reflected in the pool

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Stiffkey Saltmarshes

Spectacular wildlife and uninterrupted views of beautiful coastline

Blakeney Point is home to England's largest grey seal colony.

Many seals from the Grey Seal Colony laying on the sand at Blakeney Point, Norfolk at sunset,

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Seal trips from Morston Quay

The best way to get up close and personal with the wildlife on Blakeney Point is to book onto one of the locally operated ferry trips departing from Morston Quay.

Seal pup at Blakeney Point, Norfolk in winter

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Caring for grey seals on Blakeney Point

Find out about England’s largest grey seal colony, how we’ve changed the annual count due to ever-increasing numbers and why the seals call Blakeney Point home.

Remember to keep a watchful eye on your family when you're at the beach, stay together and don't use inflatables in the sea. In an emergency dial 999 for the Coastguard.

Brancaster Beach at Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk

Know the risks

Don’t walk out to the shipwreck of the SS Vina at Brancaster Beach. The fast-flowing channel of tidal water and the quickly changing tides, will put your life in danger. Each year multiple people require rescuing as they get cut off from the land.

A kitesurfer at Brancaster Estate, Norfolk

Follow the signs

When you arrive at the beach, the first thing to look for are the signs, giving you all the information about the beach you’re visiting. It’s worth noting that we don’t have RNLI lifeguards on duty at these beaches, but we'd still recommend following their advice.

Aerial view of Brancaster Staithe Harbour at low tide, Brancaster Estate, Norfolk

Understand the sea

A beach can seem like a vast playground, but the tide can come in surprisingly quickly at Brancaster. Tide times and heights vary throughout the month and can easily catch you out if you haven’t checked them.