– Some hidden gems for your summer trips
4) Hunstanton Beach
Hunstanton has two areas of the beach, the part nearest the resort being largely made of shingle and boulders heading into the sea, and just north of that, the delightful beach of Old Hunstanton, which has a vast expanse of fine, golden sand when the tide is out. It is the only resort town in East Anglia which faces west, making the beach relatively sheltered from sea breezes and an excellent place to enjoy watching the sunset.
From buzzing family ventures such as Crazy Golf, Pitch-and-Putt, and the Oasis Leisure Centre to the tranquil Esplanade Gardens there is something for everyone
Type of beach = Sandy
Lifeguard service = Yes
Dogs friendly beach? = Not allowed during summer months
Activities = Donkey rides, Kite surfing, Windsurfing
Facilities = Promenade
3) Cromer Beach
Cromer is such a scenic beach with beautiful blue waters. Norfolk Beach facilities are good with toilets, shops, food stands, and a slipway. The 70m high cliffs support Cromer Lighthouse and are rich in fossils dating back to the Pleistocene era.
Fishing is a cherished activity for both locals and tourists. Cromer is renowned for the quality of the crabs which have been fished in the region for centuries. The town, situated at the top of the cliffs, has a handsome church and is surrounded by good walks. The chalk cliffs are very steep and care should be taken when walking.
Type of beach = Sand & shingle
Lifeguard service = Yes
Dogs friendly beach? = restrictions may apply (usually from Easter until the end of Summer)
Activities = Kayaking/canoeing, Fishing, Crabbing, Swimming/bathing, Surfing
Facilities = Pier
2) Brancaster Beach
Brancaster beach is a member of the Brancaster Estate, which is now owned by the National Trust. This expansive stretch of smooth golden, unblemished sand is a year-round favourite. With literal miles of beach, there is plenty of room for summer picnics and romantic winter walks.
As well as being a good family beach with all this sand space, Brancaster is a popular spot for windsurfing, kite surfing and various buggies. There’s so much to do, but we mainly like to walk around and paddle leisurely. You can visit and find a beautiful inlet where you can potentially sit and observe the seals on the opposite bank. There are also beautiful rock pools and a pebbly outcrop where you can search for shells and starfish or build sandcastles with your child.
Type of beach = Sandy
Lifeguard service = No
Dogs friendly beach? = Dogs allowed all year round
Activities = Kite surfing, Windsurfing
Facilities = Shop
1) Mundesley Beach
Mundesley is considered one of Norfolk’s finest beaches, long and sandy with safe swimming at low tide and all the amenities and charm of a popular seaside resort. It is ideal for children and families, and couples. The long stretch of firm golden sand is backed by cliff-top gardens housing the world’s smallest maritime museum! A further point of interest is a clifftop memorial to the Bomb Disposal teams that cleared the Norfolk coast of landmines post WW2.
Dog walkers are allowed at certain times in the designated areas. The surrounding countryside is charming with plenty of walks, plus only a fairly short distance to the broads, for example, Wroxham not far.
Type of beach = Sandy
Lifeguard service = Yes
Dogs friendly beach? = Allowed during certain months, in certain areas
Activities = Kayaking/canoeing, Good fishing, swimming/bathing, Surfing
Facilities = Shop
