9 of the Best Beaches in Norfolk
Norfolk stands tall at top of East Anglia and is one of the biggest tourism hotspots in the UK. With over 90 miles of unblemished coastline, it’s easy to see why the county’s visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches.
You’re never short of options in this eastern county, and in order to help you separate the cream of the crop from the rest, we’ve put together this much-debated list of the best beaches in Norfolk. These stretches of sand feature along a wide spec of the county’s coastline, meaning you’re never too far from one of the best on a stay in this rural region. Several are close to some of the best caravan parks in the county, namely the heavenly Haven spots at Caister-on-Sea, Hopton, Seashore and Wild Duck. All that’s left to do is have a nose, see where to stay and get planning your next great staycation to Norfolk.
1. Hopton Beach, Hopton
Steps from Hopton Holiday Village
With direct access to our Norfolk holiday park at Hopton, Hopton Beach is one of the best stretches of sand to enjoy on a Haven holiday. A short step-free walkway takes you down to the beach that extends in parallel to all the great Haven accommodation our guests come to expect from us. You’re close to the easternmost point of the UK here, with the coasts of Belgium and the Netherlands around the same distance from Hopton village as London is.
Running alongside the low grassy cliff that hosts all of the park’s facilities, the beach overlooks the North Sea magnificently and forms a small part of what is effectively a coastal collection the whole way up to Gorleston-on-Sea. This is a great route to take if you fancy stretching the legs and taking in that all important fresh sea breeze. Suitable for all the family, dogs are allowed all year round so this is an ideal place to bring your furry friend along for the adventure.
2. California Beach, California
5 minutes from Caister-on-Sea Holiday Park
11 minutes from Seashore Holiday Park
We know what you’re thinking, but there’s no typo to see here. California is indeed the name of a pretty part of the Norfolk coast. It shares a name with the famous American state because of the discovery of gold coins on its beach in 1848, at a time where the gold rush stateside was capturing global attention.Today, California’s beach captures the hearts and minds of all who visit, with smooth sand sitting at the bottom of sloping cliffs. Quiet and peaceful, it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle. This beach in Norfolk is only a short drive away from our parks at Caister-on-Sea and Seashore, making it a fantastic change of scenery when you come away for a break with us.
Today, California’s beach captures the hearts and minds of all who visit, with smooth sand sitting at the bottom of sloping cliffs. Quiet and peaceful, it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle. This beach in Norfolk is only a short drive away from our parks at Caister-on-Sea and Seashore, making it a fantastic change of scenery when you come away for a break with us.
3. Great Yarmouth North and South Beach, Great Yarmouth
7 minutes from Seashore Holiday Park
13 minutes from Caister-on-Sea Holiday Park
17 minutes from Hopton Holiday Village
17 minutes from Wild Duck Holiday Park
No list of the best beaches in Norfolk would be complete without the inclusion of what is Norfolk’s seaside staple. Great Yarmouth is edged into UK coastal folklore, and with good reason. The beach is a centre of activity, with the famous pier providing more than a few slices of entertainment over the years. In fact, it’s been welcoming visitors since it was built in 1858, becoming a bastion of leisure throughout the calendar year ever since.
Formed by stretches of sand north and south of the pier structure, the latter is often considered the quieter with dunes ideal for quiet relax as you take in the fresh sea air. Whether you’re close to the centre or a little further afield, a dip in the North Sea is always enticing with some of the calmest waters in the region. Great Yarmouth’s beaches are also some of the most developed in the county, coming to life over the summer months with a whole host of events organised. There’s an array of rides just steps from the sand, and you can’t leave the Norfolk coast’s poster town without trying the poster meal. A firm favourite of this writer, the fish and chips options really are endless. Stick to the seafront and you’ll find something that’s sure to satisfy yours and the family’s tastebuds.
4. Winterton Beach, Winterton-on-Sea
11 minutes from Caister-on-Sea Holiday Park
16 minutes from Seashore Holiday Park
Type of beach: sandy Postcode: NR29 4DE
A short drive north of our Norfolk parks is Winterton-on-Sea, a fantastic addition to our list of the best beaches in Norfolk. The sand here brings fluffy to the next level, with the dunes widely regarded as some of the finest in the county. One of the quieter stretches on this list, it’s another where you can guarantee an escape from the hustle and bustle, and that comparison doesn’t just apply to the rest of the country, but to the busier places in Norfolk too.
Serene but easy to access, you’ll spot a range of wildlife making this part of the coast their home. The aforementioned seals of Horsey also show their face from time to time around here. The blustery breeze from the North Sea is often full of beans, which is just as well as there’s another rather large wind farm out in the distant water. When you’re done on the sand, head for the nearby quaint village to be fed and watered.
5. Horsey Gap, Horsey
19 minutes from Caister-on-Sea Holiday Park
24 minutes from Seashore Holiday Park
Horsey Gap is located at the point where the east Norfolk coast starts to be talked about as the northern edge of the county. A quiet beach even by East Anglian standards, a spot here is never a problem no matter what time of year you come, with easy access from a car park that puts you a matter of steps from the sight of the sea. Such is the serenity, seals migrate here every year between November and January, and human visitors flock here for a peek at these amazing animals.
The Horsey Windpump is the seal’s human made, visitor-enticing accompaniment. Owned by the National Trust, it sits just south of the sand in area of lovely waterways and lush Norfolk countryside. Seals or no seals, the beach and windpump are around a 30 minute journey from our parks, making it an ideal day out when you stay with us.
6. Sea Palling Beach, Sea Palling
24 minutes from Caister-on-Sea Holiday Park
29 minutes from Seashore Holiday Park
A generously sized stretch of sand, Sea Palling is another beach that sits on Norfolk’s northeast corner and is formed by nine artificial offshore reefs that were originally created as part of a flood prevention scheme but undoubtedly add a certain charm to the surroundings. Another with Blue Flag status, its pristine waters are made all the more beautiful by the fact that the beach never gets too busy with locals or sightseers.
As great for a few games as it is for a swim, there’s a range of amenities to take the entertainment off the sand and enjoy some of the local seafood staples. Less than 45 minutes away from our parks, it’s one of the most viable options for a day out with the little ones, and a great way to see even more sights and sounds of Norfolk.
7. Mundesley Beach, Mundesley
Southeast of the much more widely known Cromer, Mundesley is a beach in Norfolk that seamlessly blends peaceful surroundings with all the amenities you’d expect from a much busier seaside haunt. You’ll spot the beach easily as you approach from land, its position marked by colourful beach huts and golden sand that glistens when the weather is spot on.
The beach’s history is marked by a clifftop memorial to bomb disposal teams that cleared this beautiful but once dangerous and strategically important stretch of Norfolk coastline of explosives. Blue Flag accreditted, you can access the sand past the memorial via a slope. Lifeguards are on hand in the summer and there are a range of walking routes in every direction if you fancy a bit of exercise. The icing on the cake is that you’re less than an hour from our Norfolk parks in the car from here.
8. Cromer Beach, Cromer
Type of beach: sand and shingle Postcode: NR27 9HP
Cromer is a colossal name amongst Norfolk residents, and with good reason. Its sandy shores attract many visitors from far and wide, taking advantage of its position with great links to both the North and South of England. Located firmly within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Blue Flag beach is immensely popular amongst swimmers and surfers taking advantage of the waves the North Sea never fails to conjure up. A sand and shingle base forms the beach itself.
It’s the unique Victorian buildings standing over the sea that make this one of the best beaches in Norfolk, with one of the most quaint backdrops of any coastal stretch in the country, let alone the county. The Victorian vibe is joined by the charming pier and a whole host of seafood eateries that confirm Cromer’s place as one of the hubs of good food by the sea. Your tastebuds will be satisfied, and with it being just an hour’s drive from our Norfolk parks, you can’t go wrong on a day out here.
9. Sheringham Beach, Sheringham
Sheringham Beach is one that paints a dramatically different picture depending on the level of the tide. One of the largest in the region when the tide is out, it all but disappears when it’s in, making a check of the times essential before you make the journey of an hour or so from our Norfolk caravan parks. A popular spot for families, access is easy and the sand sits on the town’s promenade.
There is an abundance of things to do in the vicinity, including Sheringham Museum, a putting green and a whole host of easy-going pubs and restaurants for all the family to try the local specialities. The catch of the day is particularly great here, and the town’s love affair with fishing very much continues to the present day.
Start planning your Great British break
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Important information
Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay.
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Combe Haven, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Golden Sands, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, Skegness, The Orchards, Quay West and Wild Duck only until the stock has been sold. Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £29,995 – reduced from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £29,995 until 31 August 2024 at which point it will revert to £33,995. At Far Grange the holiday home price point is reduced from £33,995 and will revert to this price on 31 August 2024.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at – Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, The Orchards, Quay West, and Wild Duck
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995
Holiday home price is based on a Bronze Grade pre-owned holiday home 6 years or older and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.
Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Free 2024 site fees when you buy a Haven holiday home
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 19 April 2024, completing by 31 December 2024.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on new & pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Kent Coast, Burnham-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Orchards, Skegness and Wild Duck.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2024 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.