The stunning coastlines of Norfolk offer some of the most underrated beaches in the UK. Think endless stretches of sand, dunes tufted with marram grass, and utterly vast skies. This isn’t the place for towering cliffs or roaring surf – it’s softer, slower, and absolutely beautiful in its own way.
If you visit the Norfolk coast, you can wander for miles without seeing another soul, paddle in the gentle shallows, or just flop down on a blanket and watch the clouds drift by. Families will love it for sandcastle-building and cricket matches, dog walkers for the space to roam, and nature lovers for the birdlife along the salt marshes.
If you are visiting Norfolk soon, and fancy a trip to the beach, then take a look at some of our favourite Norfolk beaches below.
Holkham Beach
Holkham Beach is pure magic. Stretching for miles with golden sands and endless space, it’s the kind of place that makes you stop and just take it all in. Getting there involves a little wander along boardwalks and across some mud (go round the edge if you like clean shoes!), but trust us - it’s more than worth it.
Once you’re there, you can stroll, beachcomb, fly a kite, or just lie back and watch the clouds drift by. Behind the dunes, a pine forest gives a perfect shady escape if the sun gets too much, and it’s packed with wildlife for anyone who loves spotting birds or deer. Being part of the Holkham Nature Reserve, it’s beautifully cared for, and with Holkham Hall just a stone’s throw away, plus local cafés and pubs nearby, you can easily spend a whole day exploring.
Wells-next-the-Sea Beach
Just a stone’s throw from the previously mentioned Holkham Beach, Wells-next-the-Sea is another must-visit Norfolk gem. Its vast, sandy beach and iconic colourful huts make it the perfect spot to kick back, soak up the sea air, and just have fun. Paddle in the shallows, or relax on the sand with a good book as you feel the sand between your toes.
Beyond the huts, the pinewoods are a peaceful, shady escape. Planted in the 1800s to protect the dunes, these Corsican, Scots, and Maritime pines are full of character - and in summer, foxgloves add a pop of colour. Wildlife spotting and tranquil walks guaranteed.
When it’s time to refuel, Wells Beach Café has you covered with coffee, cake, pizzas, and dog-friendly treats - perfect for both humans and your four-legged friends.
Brancaster Beach
Brancaster Beach is one of those places that feels like a proper escape. Part of the Brancaster Estate, managed by the National Trust, this glorious stretch of Norfolk coastline is all about wide open skies and mile after mile of golden sand. It’s the kind of beach that’s brilliant at any time of year. Dog walkers love this beach, and you can also enjoy great views of the nearby salt marshes as you traverse the sand with your canine companion in tow.
Tides are worth keeping an eye on here, as the access road can vanish under water at high tide (and trust us, it’s deeper than it looks – many a car has been caught out). Time it right, though, and you’ve got the whole day to soak it up. To top it off, out to the west you’ll spot the eerie, rusting remains of the SS Vina, a shipwreck stranded on a sandbank – a hauntingly beautiful slice of history.
Old Hunstanton Beach
Nicknamed “Sunny Hunny,” Hunstanton Beach is well-loved along the Norfolk coast for its rare west-facing views and spectacular sunsets. Just a short distance away lies its quieter neighbour, Old Hunstanton Beach.
Old Hunstanton Beach is a gem on the Norfolk coast, offering a quieter and more natural experience than its lively neighbour. Backed by soft dunes and the striking red-and-white striped cliffs, this beach feels unspoiled and inviting. The beach slopes gently into the sea, creating shallow waters that are safe for paddling, making it especially appealing for families with children. Unlike Hunstanton’s pebble beach, Old Hunstanton always has plenty of sand, so even on the busiest summer days you’ll find space to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Another unique feature is its rare west-facing position, unusual for Norfolk’s coastline, which means the beach enjoys shelter and some of the county’s most breathtaking sunsets. At low tide, visitors can stroll along the base of the famous cliffs, adding a touch of adventure to a day out. Tranquil yet picturesque, Old Hunstanton is the perfect blend of beauty and charm.
Cromer Beach
Cromer is a traditional Victorian seaside resort that captures the charm of the Norfolk coast, and its beautiful beach is at the heart of the experience. Stretching beneath striking cliffs, Cromer Beach offers wide expanses of sand and shingle, perfect for swimming, paddling, or simply relaxing by the shore. At low tide, families can enjoy rock pooling, while the gentle waves attract surfers and watersport enthusiasts. Anglers also flock to the pier, hoping to catch cod or bass.
The town’s famous Victorian Pier adds character to the seafront, housing the Pavilion Theatre and a lifeboat station that reflects Cromer’s strong maritime heritage. Above the beach, landscaped gardens, cafés, and shops provide plenty to explore, while the cliff-top walks offer sweeping views of the coastline. Cromer is also renowned for its freshly caught crabs, a true local delicacy. With its mix of seaside tradition, natural beauty, and family-friendly activities, Cromer Beach is a must-visit destination.
Mundesley Beach
Tucked away on the North Norfolk coast, Mundesley Beach is one of those seaside spots that feels a little bit timeless. A raised promenade runs behind the beach, dotted with cheerful wooden huts in bright colours, while the cliffs rise up to pretty gardens with benches for when you fancy a sit and a sea view. Hidden up there you’ll also find the dinky Mundesley Maritime Museum – often called the smallest museum in the UK – now doubling as a Coastguard Watch. Right next door is a moving memorial to the Royal Engineers who cleared the coast of landmines after the war.
Down on the sand, Mundesley really comes into its own. Long, wide, and perfect for stretching your legs, this is a beach made for dog walks, barefoot paddles, or just breathing in that fresh salty air. It’s family-friendly too, with lifeguards in summer – just keep an eye on the tides.
Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth, on Norfolk’s stunning east coast, is a traditional seaside resort famous for its golden sands and lively atmosphere. Stretching along 15 miles of coastline, its beaches are perfect for families, offering soft, clean sand for sunbathing, sandcastles, and paddling. The central beach is the heart of the action, lined with amusements, donkey rides, bouncy castles, and the ever-popular Pleasure Beach, where thrilling rides and family favourites guarantee endless fun.
For those seeking a quieter escape, North Beach beyond Britannia Pier and South Beach beyond Wellington Pier offer a more peaceful setting, while still leaving plenty of sand even at high tide. Backed by traditional seaside entertainment, colourful gardens, and plenty of cafés, Great Yarmouth perfectly blends relaxation with excitement.
Horsey Beach
Tucked away on Norfolk’s wild east coast, Horsey Beach is a proper hidden gem. If you’re after peace, quiet, and a real sense of space, this is the spot. No arcades, no busy promenades - just miles of soft sand, windswept dunes, and the kind of views that make you pause and breathe. It’s the kind of beach where you can feel like you’ve got the whole coastline to yourself.
Seal spotting is the main attraction here, and it’s absolutely magical. In winter, the beaches fill with seals sunbathing on the sand, and even in summer, you might catch a cheeky one popping up in the waves. Climb the marram-covered dunes for epic views across the beach and a peek at the iconic National Trust Horsey Windpump nearby. Horsey Beach is the kind of place you come to switch off, wander, watch wildlife, and feel completely connected to Norfolk’s wild, windswept coast.
Winterton-on-Sea
Winterton-on-Sea is pure Norfolk magic. Stretching for miles, this beach is all soft, pale sand and wide-open space - you can spread out, soak up the sun, and not worry about bumping into anyone. And those dunes! The rolling Winterton Dunes National Nature Reserve is just waiting to be explored. Wander along winding paths, clamber up the sandy banks for epic coastal views, or peek into the little pools where rare Natterjack Toads and all kinds of birds hang out.
Winterton is also a hotspot for seal spotting, with grey seals often basking on the sand or peeking from the waves nearby. The beach is also never overwhelming, meaning you can find your own quiet spot to relax, snooze, or just watch the tide roll in. No arcades, no noise, no stress - just endless sand, incredible dunes, and that perfect feeling of being completely away from it all.
