Norfolk has some of the most stunning coastlines in Britain and these popular seaside towns in Norfolk are great for visiting for some “life by the sea.”
These towns offer a mix of sandy beaches, traditional seaside attractions, beautiful coastal scenery, and charming village atmospheres, making them great destinations for a coastal break in Norfolk.
On a personal note, my parents lived in Bedfordshire for several years and often went for breaks on the Norfolk coast, and I have joined them there for that and can say that these seaside towns in Norfolk are great to visit.
Seaside Towns In Norfolk
1. Cromer
Known for its iconic Cromer Pier and delicious Cromer crab, this town has a more relaxed and traditional seaside atmosphere. The beach is famous for its colourful beach huts and lovely coastal walks.
The town’s most iconic landmark, Cromer Pier, is a Victorian structure that extends into the North Sea. It offers stunning views of the coastline and hosts various entertainment events, including theatre performances and concerts.
The sandy Cromer Beach is a popular destination for families and tourists looking to relax, swim, or enjoy traditional beach activities like building sandcastles.
Located in a historic fisherman’s cottage, the Cromer Museum provides insights into the local history, fishing heritage, and the town’s connection to the sea.
Dedicated to the life and heroic deeds of Henry Blogg, a famous lifeboatman, the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum showcases the history of life-saving efforts off the Norfolk coast.
Cromer is renowned for its delicious and sweet Cromer crabs, which are often enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.
2. Wells-next-the-Sea
This picturesque town is famous for its beautiful beach and sand dunes and is one of the best seaside towns in Norfolk.
The beach at Wells-next-the-Sea is a vast stretch of sandy shoreline, backed by the distinctive colourful beach huts and sand dunes. It’s a perfect spot for beachcombing, sunbathing, and enjoying leisurely walks along the coast.
The bustling Wells Harbour area is home to a small fleet of fishing boats and leisure craft. It’s a great place to watch the boats coming and going or enjoy some freshly caught seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants or cafes.
The town itself has a charming and traditional feel, with narrow streets, independent shops, galleries, and places to eat and drink. You can explore the local shops and find unique souvenirs and gifts.
Holkham National Nature Reserve is a vast nature reserve adjacent to Wells-next-the-Sea and offers a diverse range of habitats, including salt marshes, sand dunes, and pine woodlands. It’s a great place for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts.
3. Sheringham
Another charming town with a lovely beach and a bustling promenade. Sheringham is also home to the North Norfolk Railway, a preserved steam railway that offers scenic journeys through the countryside.
The town boasts a sandy and pebbly beach, perfect for beachcombing, building sandcastles, and enjoying the fresh sea air. At low tide, expansive stretches of sand are exposed, providing ample space for leisurely walks.
Sheringham Park offers fantastic views of the North Norfolk coastline. The park features woodland, gardens, and landscaped grounds, making it a delightful place for nature walks and picnics.
North Norfolk Railway, also known as the “Poppy Line,” this heritage steam railway runs between Sheringham and the nearby town of Holt. The nostalgic train journey takes you through picturesque countryside and is a popular attraction for visitors of all ages.
Sheringham Little Theatre is a charming community-run theatre that hosts a variety of shows, including plays, musicals, concerts, and film screenings, providing entertainment options for locals and visitors alike.
4. Hunstanton
Often referred to as “Sunny Hunny,” this resort place is a better one of the seaside towns in Norfolk and boasts stunning sunsets over the sea due to its west-facing beach. It’s a popular spot for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts.
The town’s main beach is a wide expanse of sandy shoreline that stretches along the coast. It’s a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles.
The cliffs of Hunstanton are famous for their unique red and white stripes, which are a result of the various geological layers in the rock formations. They make for a stunning and picturesque backdrop to the beach.
Esplanade Gardens provide a pleasant space for leisurely strolls and picnics, offering beautiful views of the sea and the cliffs.
Hunstanton Heritage Gardens are located near the town centre and showcase a range of floral displays and sculptures, making for a lovely place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Old Hunstanton features a picturesque village green, historic buildings, and the ruins of St. Edmund’s Chapel, adding a touch of history and charm to the area.
5. Great Yarmouth
A bustling and vibrant coastal town with a long sandy beach, amusement arcades, and a historic pier. It offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. This is one of the main seaside towns in Norfolk to visit for its bustling atmosphere.
Great Yarmouth Beach stretches for miles along the coastline and is a major draw for visitors. It’s perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, and taking leisurely walks along the promenade.
One of the town’s iconic landmarks, Britannia Pier offers a range of traditional seaside entertainment, including amusement arcades, live shows, and funfair rides.
Great Yarmouth’s Pleasure Beach is a classic amusement park with a variety of rides and attractions for all ages, making it a popular destination for families.
Great Yarmouth Market is a bustling marketplace, where you can find a mix of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to clothing and souvenirs.
The Time and Tide Museum showcases the town’s rich maritime and fishing heritage, providing an interactive experience to explore the past.
The town features a network of narrow alleyways known as “Rows,” where you can find an array of shops, cafes, and pubs.
Gorleston-on-Sea: Just south of Great Yarmouth, Gorleston offers a more tranquil beach and promenade, providing a quieter alternative to the busy town centre.
Out of all the seaside towns in Norfolk, Great Yarmouth should be seen at least for a day.
6. Mundesley
A peaceful and less crowded one out of the seaside towns in Norfolk with a sandy beach, offering a serene escape for visitors looking for a more tranquil experience.
It’s also a great place to head south to Horsey Gap Beach where you can do seal spotting.
Mundesley Beach itself has the Blue Flag sandy beach, which is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The beach is backed by a promenade and offers stunning views of the North Sea.
The Norfolk Coast Path passes through Mundesley, providing opportunities for scenic walks along the coast with breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding countryside.
Located nearby, Bacton Woods is a beautiful woodland area ideal for nature walks and picnics.
7. Blakeney
Although not directly on the coast, Blakeney is a quaint place with a picturesque quay and marshlands. It’s a great location for birdwatching and seal-spotting boat trips.
One of the main attractions in the area, Blakeney Point is a narrow spit of land and shingle dunes that extends into the sea. It is a designated National Nature Reserve and a haven for wildlife, including seals and a variety of bird species. Seal-watching boat trips to Blakeney Point are a popular activity for visitors.
The harbour is a lively spot where you can watch fishing boats, leisure crafts, and the comings and goings of the tide. The Quay is a great place to stroll and enjoy the views.
Blakeney Guildhall dates back to the 15th century and offers insights into the area’s maritime history. It is managed by the National Trust.
Blakeney and the surrounding area offer excellent opportunities for scenic walks along the coast and through the Norfolk countryside. The Norfolk Coast Path passes through the village, providing stunning views of the coast and salt marshes.
8. Overstrand
Overstrand is located on the North Norfolk coast in England. It is situated just a few miles east of Cromer and about 20 miles north of Norwich, the county town of Norfolk.
The town boasts a lovely sandy beach with colourful beach huts, making it a popular spot for sunbathing, beachcombing, and leisurely walks along the coast.
Overstrand offers stunning views from the cliff-top paths, providing excellent opportunities for coastal walks and birdwatching.
Overstrand is home to a distinctive white lighthouse, providing an iconic feature along the coastline.
9. Heacham
Heacham is a village located on the west coast of Norfolk, England. It is situated near the popular seaside resort town of Hunstanton and is about 12 miles north of King’s Lynn.
Heacham is known for its sandy beaches, beautiful countryside, and its historical connection to the cultivation of lavender.
The town has a lovely sandy beach that stretches along the coastline. It’s a great spot for beachcombing, enjoying the sea air, and watching the sunset.
Heacham has a long history of lavender cultivation, and visitors can still find lavender fields and gardens in the area. The scent and vibrant colours of the lavender make it a delightful sight during the blooming season.
Norfolk Lavender: Norfolk Lavender, located nearby, is a lavender farm and visitor centre that showcases different varieties of lavender and offers products made from lavender.
10. Brancaster
Brancaster is located on the North Norfolk coast and is situated between the popular seaside towns of Hunstanton and Wells-next-the-Sea mentioned earlier.
Brancaster is known for its expansive sandy beach, salt marshes, and its scenic coastal surroundings, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and beachgoers.
Brancaster Staithe is a small harbour village located nearby and is known for its boating and sailing activities. It’s a great spot for watching boats come and go or enjoying a leisurely walk along the quay.
A short distance from Brancaster, Scolt Head Island is a nature reserve that can be reached by boat during certain times of the year. It is an important habitat for wildlife and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature walks.
Brancaster is home to The Ship Inn, a popular pub and restaurant known for its seafood and picturesque views of the marshes.
The Norfolk Coast Path: Brancaster is part of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Norfolk Coast Path runs through the village, providing opportunities for scenic coastal walks.
Travel Norfolk
The seaside towns in Norfolk are some of the best you can visit in Britain, with their gorgeous coastline and charming towns.
For more towns by the sea in Britain, look at the best seaside towns in Cornwall.
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