Fancy a bit of sea air without straying too far from Norwich? You’re in luck because there are some amazing beaches less than an hour’s drive from the city. Whether you’re after sun, sand, or just a peaceful spot to unwind, the Norfolk coast has plenty to offer.
We’ve rounded up ten of the best beaches near Norwich, each with its own charm and character. From quiet, unspoilt stretches to family favourites, there’s something for everyone. Let’s take a look at what’s waiting just beyond the city.
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Best Beaches Near Norwich
From popular resort towns to tranquil hidden gems, the beaches within an easy reach of Norwich cater to a range of preferences. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach with amusement arcades and lively attractions or a secluded stretch of shoreline where you can lose yourself in the sound of crashing waves, there’s a coastal spot waiting to be explored within a short drive.
Allow me to share the inside scoop on our choices for top beach destinations near Norwich, so you choose the one that suits you best and plan your next beach day trip. Don’t forget your sun cream!
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Gorleston-on-sea Beach
Approximate Driving Time: 35 minutes
Situated just south of the bustling town of Great Yarmouth, Gorleston Beach offers a serene and less crowded alternative for beachgoers. With its pristine sands and inviting waters, this hidden gem boasts a charm that even caught the attention of filmmakers, as it served as a backdrop for a concert scene in the movie Yesterday.
Gorleston-on-Sea Beach stretches out for over two miles, with a lovely bay and clean, golden sand that’s perfect for building sandcastles, flying kites, or enjoying a picnic when the tide’s out. You can even hire deckchairs and windbreakers to make your visit that bit more comfortable.
The beach is a haven for various recreational activities such as fishing, sailing, swimming, bodyboarding, and even surfing. With RNLI lifeguards patrolling the area daily from May to mid September, you can take part in water sports or simply relax with peace of mind.
Right next to the beach, there’s a lovely promenade that runs for nearly a mile, It’s perfect for a gentle stroll with plenty of benches to stop and take in the sea views. About halfway along, there’s a cosy café for a pit stop, and at the town end you’ll find more places to eat and drink, plus a sweet little gift shop.
In summer, the bandstand comes to life with live music on Sunday afternoons. Kids will love the Splashpad, a fun wet play area, and there’s even a little pond from 1927 where you can sail model boats.
Please note that dogs are not permitted on the main section of the beach between 1 May and 30 September. However, south of the tennis courts, they are welcome throughout the year, with the reminder to always clean up any mess.
Adding to its allure, Gorleston offers free parking options for visitors. You can conveniently park in the car park by the Gorleston Pavilion Theatre or opt for the midway car park along the beach. Additionally, some roadside parking is available to accommodate your needs. Public and disabled toilets are conveniently available on the beach as well.
Great Yarmouth Beach
Approximate Driving Time: 30 minutes
Central Beach in Great Yarmouth stretches along the scenic Marine Parade from Britannia Pier to Wellington Pier. Please be aware that Great Yarmouth’s Central Beach can become quite busy during the peak season as it is a popular spot.
This expansive sandy beach offers a perfect playground for visitors of all ages. The clear waters are ideal for swimming, and for added safety, lifeguards are on duty from April to September.
Families will particularly enjoy Great Yarmouth’s Central Beach because it has a lively promenade brimming with shops, cafes, and more. There are also a lot of attractions for kids in the town and convenient public and disabled toilets.
For a unique experience, consider hiring one of the charming beach huts located by the Sea Life Centre. Simply inquire at the nearby cafe for availability.
Marine Parade offers various paid parking options, making it easy to access the beach. Some parking areas are equipped with ramps, providing convenient disabled access. Alternatively, it’s a short 30-minute train ride from Norwich. Check train ticket prices here.
Remember, if you are accompanied by your furry friends, kindly note that dogs are not permitted on the Central Beach itself between 1 May and 30 September. Nevertheless, they are more than welcome to enjoy the coastal delights either to the north or south of the piers.
Caister-on-Sea Beach
Approximate Driving Time: 30 minutes
Caister-on-Sea might not be as well-known as some of Norfolk’s other beaches and that’s exactly what makes it such a gem. Just a short drive from Norwich, it’s the perfect spot to escape the crowds and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet.
The beach has a lovely, laid-back feel, with soft sands and a sprinkling of pebbles, plus picture-perfect dunes that give it that wild, untouched look. You’ll also get a good view of the Scroby Sands Wind Farm just off the coast, a striking contrast to the natural surroundings.
One of the big pluses here is that it’s dog-friendly all year round, so it’s ideal if you’ve got a four-legged friend in tow. There’s a pay and display car park right by the beach too. Keep in mind that it’s coin-only unless you visit in winter , when parking is free.
While you’re there, don’t miss the Caister Lifeboat Experience. It’s a great little spot for families, where you can hop aboard a vintage lifeboat, try on some rescue gear, and hear stories of real-life sea rescues. Just be sure to check the current opening times before you go here.
And here’s a lovely extra: only a 15-minute walk from the beach, you’ll find Caister Roman Fort. It’s free to visit and well worth a wander if you fancy a bit of history to round off your coastal day out.
Winterton Beach
Approximate Driving Time: 35 minutes
Just beside the peaceful village of Winterton-on-Sea, Winterton Beach is another beach along the Norfolk coast that you need to check out. Unlike its livelier neighbours, Hemsby and Great Yarmouth, this beach has managed to stay wonderfully quiet and unspoilt.
With its wide stretch of soft sand, there’s always plenty of space, even in the height of summer. No need to rush down early to claim a spot, there’s room for everyone to relax, walk, or just enjoy the view.
Winterton’s charm comes from its sand dunes that frame the beach. More than just scenic, they’re protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to their diverse wildlife. Take advantage of the paths that wind through the dunes for a relaxed walk. You can even bring along your dog as there aren’t any restrictions to worry about.
There’s a grassy, cash-only car park at the top of the cliff, with just a short walk down to the sand. While the much-loved Dunes Café was sadly lost to coastal erosion in 2020, the new Seal View Café near the car park is a lovely spot for a drink with a view. Plus, it’s only a short walk into the village, where you’ll find a few more cafés to choose from.
Winterton has also become a favourite for seal watching. In winter, the colony from nearby Horsey spreads to include Winterton, and you can often spot seals lounging on the beach or bobbing in the waves. Even in summer, you might catch sight of a few. For something really special, take a walk along the beach to Horsey during pupping season as seeing the seals and their pups up close is an unforgettable experience.
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Horsey Beach
Approximate Driving Time: 40 minutes
Horsey Beach offers a secluded haven where nature reigns supreme just a short drive from Norwich. With its untouched stretch of sandy shoreline and vast sand dunes, Horsey Beach showcases the unspoiled beauty of East Anglia and serves as a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife throughout the year.
One of Horsey’s primary attractions is its thriving seal population. While seals can be spotted at various times of the year, the best time to see them is between November and January, when they gather ashore to give birth. During this time, parts of the beach are closed to visitors to protect the seals (you have to stay on the dunes).
As you walk along the designated viewing area, you’ll be treated to the heartwarming sight of these adorable creatures dotting the beach. It’s important to remember to keep a safe distance of at least 10 meters, as the seals are wild animals and are protective of their young.
While dogs are technically allowed on the beach, it is best to avoid bringing them, especially during the winter months, to prevent disturbing the seals. If you do decide to bring your four-legged friend, it is essential to keep them on a short lead to ensure the safety of all.
As Horsey Beach lacks amenities, you should bring your own picnic supplies. Alternatively, you can find Poppylands Tea Room and Restaurant conveniently located nearby on the main road.
Please note that the road leading to the pay and display car park may be a bit bumpy, but rest assured, the parking machine accepts credit cards for your convenience. It is important to plan your visit accordingly, as the parking gates lock at 20:00.
Sea Palling Beach
Approximate Driving Time: 40 minutes
Sea Palling Beach is a peaceful, family-friendly spot that’s perfect for a classic day out by the sea. With its calm, clear waters and soft golden sand, it’s no wonder this Blue Flag beach is such a favourite along the Norfolk coast.
While you won’t find colourful beach huts here, Sea Palling more than makes up for it with some brilliant facilities. There are public toilets, a friendly pub, cosy cafés, traditional amusements, a fresh fish stall, and even a beachside chippy.
The beach is great for swimming, but it’s also a brilliant place to try watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Thanks to nine man-made offshore reefs, which are part of a flood defence project, the sea stays calm and sheltered, making it safe for all sorts of water adventures. You might even spot a seal or two popping up to say hello!
During the summer, lifeguards are on duty to keep swimmers safe within marked areas. It’s a popular spot when the weather’s good, so if you’re driving, it’s worth arriving early. There’s an overflow car park nearby, but queues can build up at the pay machine. Signal can be patchy too, so it’s a good idea to download the MiPermit app (used to pay for parking) before you go to save time.
There is a paved ramp over the dunes to make accessing the beach easier, but it is a bit steep. Along the back of the beach, you’ll find steps that double as walkways or handy places to sit and take in the view. Just be careful on the rocks between the steps and the sand as they can get slippery.
From 1 May to 30 September, dogs aren’t allowed on a large part of the beach, so do check the signs near the ramp. If you’re bringing your pup during this time, make sure they’re on a lead and stick to the designated dog-friendly areas to keep everyone happy.
Mundesley Beach
Approximate Driving Time: 45 minutes
With its delightful promenade lined with colourful beach huts, Mundesley Beach offers a quintessential seaside experience. Although the beach may appear narrow, particularly at high tide, its soft sand and calm waters make it an ideal destination for swimming and a great spot for the whole family to enjoy.
From May to September, the beach is overseen by dedicated RNLI Lifeguards. Dog owners should be mindful that dogs are only allowed in the designated dog-friendly zone during this time. Also, if you are walking your furry companion on the promenade, they must be kept on a lead.
Access to the beach is by a steep paved path leading to an elevated promenade, followed by a series of steps to the sand. It’s important to exercise caution near the cliff edges, as erosion can be a concern. To help mitigate the natural drift of sand, groynes are strategically placed along the beach.
Beyond the promenade, there is a charming cliff top garden area with a small hut that houses the world’s smallest maritime museum. Additionally, a poignant clifftop memorial pays tribute to the courageous Bomb Disposal teams that cleared the Norfolk coast of landmines following the Second World War.
While Mundesley may not boast the same level of commercialisation as larger seaside towns like Cromer or Sheringham, it still offers a range of amenities to enhance your visit. Just across the street from the gardens and promenade, there is a convenient pay-and-display car park. Moreover, a fish and chips shop and several other food options can be found within a short walk.
Overstrand Beach
Approximate Driving Time: 50 minutes
Just southeast of Cromer, Overstrand Beach is a peaceful spot with a wide stretch of sand at low tide, perfect for relaxing, paddling, and sandcastle building. At high tide, though, the sea comes right up to the wall, so it’s a good idea to check tide times before you go.
Quieter than nearby Cromer, Overstrand has a much more laid-back vibe, making it a great place for a swim or a bit of surfing. Just keep in mind there’s no lifeguard cover here, so take care in the water.
You can’t drive right down to the beach, but there’s a handy car park on the cliff with public loos. From there, it’s a fairly long, steep path down to the shore – a bit of a workout on the way back up, but well worth it.
The village itself has a lovely café or two, a friendly pub, and a village shop for anything you might need. If you fancy a short detour, the neighbouring village of Sidestrand is home to a unique bit of history, a parish church that was moved inland in the 19th century to save it from coastal erosion. Its original tower still stands on the cliff, a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the past.
A row of beach huts sits just off the promenade east of the car park ramp, adding a splash of colour. These are available to lease through North Norfolk District Council on a five-year basis if you’re dreaming of your own little beach base.
Dogs are welcome most of the year, but from 1 May to 30 September, they’re not allowed on the main beach, promenade, or access paths. If you’re bringing your pup, just check the signs and plan accordingly.
Cromer Beach
Approximate Driving Time: 50 minutes
Cromer Beach is expansive sand and shingle blue-flag award winning beach that has long been a favourite among families, with activities to suit all ages. From sandcastle building and swimming to surfing and rock pooling, Cromer Beach provides endless entertainment.
The iconic pier is centre stage on Cromer Beach. It’s a popular spot for crabbing for those special Cromer crabs and offers excellent facilities. In addition to toilets, food and drinks options, and a gift shop, the pier is home to the Pavilion Theatre, where the renowned Cromer Pier Show takes place.
There are also amusement options for children and the popular No 1 Cromer Fish & Chips shop located to the west of the pier. With RNLI lifeguards keeping a watchful eye during the summer months, visitors can enjoy the water with peace of mind.
Colourful beach huts are also available for hire on both ends of the beach. You will need to book in advance through the North Norfolk District Council here. Please note that overnight stays in the huts are not permitted.
From May to September, dogs are not allowed on the beach and must be on a lead on the seaside promenade. However, during the offseason, Cromer has a more dog-friendly attitude, allowing furry companions to enjoy the beach alongside their owners.
If you have travelled to Cromer by car, there are several pay and display car parks along the top of the cliff, just west of the town centre. Additionally, it is easily accessible by public transportation, with train and bus services connecting Norwich to Cromer. Check the train schedule here and get information for the bus here.
Sheringham Beach
Approximate Driving Time: 55 minutes
Sheringham Beach is a lovely mix of sand, shingle, and cobbles, giving it a unique character that changes with the tide. At high tide, the beach is mostly rocky with plenty of pebbles to explore, but when the tide goes out, a wide stretch of sand appears that is perfect for sandcastle building. Keep an eye out for rock pools among the boulders too, there’s always something fascinating hiding in them.
Behind this Blue Flag beach, a row of colourful beach huts lines the promenade. They’re available to hire from mid-April to mid-October, making a great base for the day. Just note that overnight stays aren’t allowed.
During the summer (May to September), the beach is looked after by two teams of RNLI lifeguards, based on the East and West promenade, to help keep everyone safe. If you’re bringing your dog, there is a dog-free zone during the peak season (check the Beach Information Board at the entrance) but you can still walk them on the promenade if they’re on a lead.
Facilities are great here too, with public toilets, showers, and a choice of cafés dotted along the promenade. You’ll also spot some lovely street art that adds a splash of colour to the seaside vibe. And being so close to the town centre means you’ve got easy access to plenty of restaurants, pubs, and shops.
Getting to Sheringham is simple. There are several car parks in town, with the biggest one near the North Norfolk Railway Station. You can pay by card, but there’s a £3 minimum. For shorter visits, you might want to bring £1.50 in cash. There’s also a ramp to the beach at the end of Beach Road, making access nice and easy.
Prefer public transport? Trains and buses run regularly between Norwich and Sheringham. Or for something a bit special, hop on the steam train from Holt to Sheringham via the North Norfolk Railway. Holt station is about a mile north of town, and there’s a bus that’ll take you there from the centre.
And while the beach is a big draw, Sheringham itself is full of charm. There’s plenty to see and do around town, so check out our guide to Sheringham for making the most of your visit!
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