Big skies, golden beaches, seal colonies, colourful beach huts, seafood stops and some of the best sunsets in East Anglia — this Norfolk beach road trip is a beauty.
Starting at Hunstanton and finishing at Great Yarmouth, this route follows the Norfolk coast through wild nature reserves, traditional seaside towns and peaceful sandy stretches that feel made for slow exploring.
Norfolk’s Stunning Beach Road Trip 🌊🚗
About the Journey
It’s a favourite with motorcyclists, who love the sweeping coastal roads, open countryside and relaxed pace, while drivers, campervan travellers and day trippers will find plenty of opportunities to stop, explore and soak up the scenery. Along the way you’ll discover famous beaches such as Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea, watch grey seals at Horsey Gap, enjoy fresh Cromer crab by the pier, wander picturesque harbours and experience everything from peaceful dunes to lively seaside resorts.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets at Hunstanton, enjoying fish and chips overlooking the sea, or simply taking your time between one beautiful beach and the next, this road trip perfectly captures the best of the Norfolk coast.
Perfect for: Motorbikes • Cars • Campervans • Couples • Families • Dog owners • Beach lovers • Wildlife enthusiasts • Photographers
Top tip: Set aside a full day if you’re driving straight through, but a weekend allows plenty of time to explore the beaches, enjoy the local food and experience the charming coastal towns without feeling rushed.
Table of Contents
Route Stops
A) Hunstanton Beach — PE36 6GB
Parking: South Promenade Car Park
Known as “Sunny Hunny”, Hunstanton is famous for its red-and-white striped cliffs and west-facing position, which makes it one of the best sunset spots on the Norfolk coast. Expect rock pools, shallow water, family fun and classic seaside charm.
🚗 Road Trip Essentials
- 🕶 Polarised Sunglasses
- 📱 Car Phone Holder
- 🔋 Portable Power Bank
- 🔌 Multi USB Car Charger
- 🧊 Insulated Cool Bag
- 🥤 Reusable Water Bottle
B) Brancaster Beach — PE31 8AX
Parking: Brancaster Beach Car Park
Huge skies, wide sands and a wild coastal feel. Brancaster is brilliant for long walks, dog-friendly beach time and big open views. The SS Vina shipwreck can be seen offshore, but don’t try to walk out to it — the National Trust warns of fast tides, hidden channels and the danger of being cut off.
C) Holkham Beach — NR23 1RJ
Parking: Holkham Beach Car Park
One of Norfolk’s real showstoppers. Holkham is vast, natural and backed by dunes, pinewoods and nature reserve landscapes. It’s part of Holkham National Nature Reserve, known for rare wildlife and beautiful open habitats.
D) Wells-next-the-Sea Beach — NR23 1DR
Parking: Wells Beach Car Park
A Norfolk classic. Colourful beach huts, soft sand, pinewoods and a proper holiday feel. It pairs perfectly with Wells harbour, fish and chips, ice cream and a slow wander along the quay.
🏖 Beach Essentials
- 🧺 Picnic Blanket
- 🪑 Folding Camping Chairs
- ☀️ SPF 30+ Sunscreen
- 🧢 Sun Hat
- 🧴 After Sun Lotion
- 🩴 Flip Flops / Beach Shoes
- 🏖 Windbreak
- 🏐 Beach Games
E) Sheringham Beach — NR26 8BG
Parking: Station Road Car Park
A lovely traditional seaside stop with a mix of sand and shingle, rock pools at low tide, cafés, shops and a proper coastal town atmosphere.
F) Cromer Beach — NR27 9HX
Parking: Cromer Pier Car Park
Cromer brings the classic Victorian seaside magic — pier, promenade, beach, seafood and that proper Norfolk coast feel. It’s a great place to pause for crab, chips or a sunset stroll.
G) Mundesley Beach — NR11 8BQ
Parking: Beach Road Car Park
A quieter, family-friendly beach with colourful huts, cliffs and a relaxed village feel. Ideal if you want a softer stop away from the busier resorts.
H) Horsey Beach — NR29 4EF
Parking: Horsey Gap Car Park
One of Norfolk’s most memorable wildlife stops. Horsey is famous for its grey seal colony, especially during winter pupping season. Keep well back, follow signs, use viewing areas and never approach seals — guidance is to stay at least 100 metres away from seals and wildlife.
I) Great Yarmouth Beach — NR30 2EN
Parking: North Drive Car Park
Finish with full seaside energy: golden sands, amusements, piers, arcades and classic family holiday fun. It’s the liveliest stop on the route and a big contrast to the wild beaches earlier in the trip.
Why This Route Works
This route gives you the full Norfolk coast in one adventure — peaceful beaches, wildlife, wide-open sands, beach huts, seafood, seaside towns and proper coastal drama.
Best for: families, couples, dog walkers, photographers, beach lovers and road trip fans.
Top tip: check tide times before visiting Brancaster, Holkham, Wells and Horsey. Some beaches are huge and tidal, and conditions can change quickly.
FAQ’s
How long is the Norfolk Beach Road Trip?
Driving directly between all nine beaches is around 75–85 miles (120–135 km) depending on your chosen route. Most visitors spend a full day or enjoy it over a relaxing long weekend with plenty of stops.
What are the must-see highlights on this route?
Some of the biggest highlights include:
🏖 Holkham Beach
🌈 Wells-next-the-Sea beach huts
🦭 Horsey Gap seals
🌅 Hunstanton sunsets
🦀 Cromer Pier and famous Cromer crab
🏖 Brancaster’s huge sandy beach
🎡 Great Yarmouth’s traditional seaside attractions
When is the best time to visit Norfolk’s beaches?
Late spring through early autumn offers the warmest weather and longest days. Winter can also be a fantastic time to visit if you want quieter beaches and the chance to see the famous seal pups at Horsey Gap.
Can I swim at these beaches?
Many of the beaches are suitable for swimming, including Sheringham, Cromer, Mundesley and Great Yarmouth. Always check local conditions, tides and any safety flags before entering the water.
Is parking available at every stop?
Yes. Every destination featured on this road trip has public parking nearby, making it easy to explore each beach at your own pace. Some car parks can become busy during weekends and school holidays, so arriving early is recommended.
Which beach is best for sunsets?
Hunstanton is famous for its spectacular sunsets because it’s one of the few places on England’s east coast that actually faces west across The Wash.
Is this road trip suitable for motorbikes?
Absolutely. The route is particularly popular with motorcyclists thanks to its scenic coastal roads, sweeping countryside, charming villages and plenty of cafés and pubs to stop at along the way.
Is the Norfolk Beach Road Trip suitable for a day trip?
Yes. You can drive the full route in a day if you simply want to visit each beach. However, allowing 2–3 days gives you time to enjoy the coastal towns, beaches, cafés, pubs and attractions without rushing.
Which beach is the best on the Norfolk coast?
Many people consider Holkham Beach to be Norfolk’s most spectacular beach thanks to its vast sands, pinewoods and dunes. Wells-next-the-Sea, Brancaster and Hunstanton are also among the county’s most popular beaches.
Where Will You Explore Next?
Choose a region and discover unforgettable walks, scenic road trips, hidden gems, places to stay and days out planned to help you explore more of the UK.
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Explore Scotland →England
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Explore Cornwall →
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