The beaches of South Norfolk are some of the most beautiful in the UK, meandering dunes, miles of fine yellow sand. They are perfect for walking dogs, splashing in the sea and building sandcastles with your children. Like all areas though, some beaches are better than others.
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Getting away from it all
If you want to spend a few hours without having another family sitting nearby, head to Waxham. The beach backed by dunes is great for swimming, walking and simply just lying there admiring the view.
Downside
Ÿ There’s nowhere official to park, you’ll just need to tuck your car away on the side of the road and hope for the best.
Ÿ It’s a bit of walk over the dunes to get to the beach, no good for buggies or wheelchairs.
Ÿ If you’re desperate for a Cornetto you’ll have to wait ’til later. Not a shop in sight.
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Upside
Ÿ The sea is shallow and the sand not too stony, even when the tide’s out.
Ÿ The groynes that have been placed to help with coastal erosion can actually come in handy to shelter you from the wind. Especially if you don’t want sand in your packed lunch.
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Living the highlife
There isn’t really much of a highlife in Norfolk. The biggest tourist town is Great Yarmouth, there are holiday parks galore and plenty of B&Bs. The seafront is packed with arcades, candy floss, rock and souvenir shops. Both the downside and upside is that it’s a bit like little Southend-on-Sea, it just depends what you’re looking for from your day. If it’s donkeys, chips and bingo then you’re on to a winner. If you don’t want to hear the chime of the 2p machines whilst you’re paddling you might want to head somewhere else.
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A happy balance
Great Travels recommends the beach at Winterton-on-Sea which boasts one of the best fish and chip shops in the area, so everyone’s a winner. At the top of the dunes is a cheap car park and also a really good cafe selling home-cooked meals, sandwiches, buckets and spades, as well as Cornettos. The beach is best when the tide is in as it can be a little stony down by the sea otherwise. When the tide is going out however, lots of great little pools are created down the beach – perfect for teeny toes to have an exploratory paddle!
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Dog Friendly
Norfolk has to be one of the most dog-friendly places in the country – and this includes the beaches. If you’re not a fan of dogs, this might not be the place for you. However if you own a four-legged friend, there is generally no problem with having your dog off the lead – just remember to take a pocket full of little black bags. Locals frown upon anyone that doesn’t pick up after their dog. In fact it makes everyone cross. In saying that, you can fully take advantage of enjoying the beaches with your mutt, just follow the general rule – take only photos and leave only footprints.
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The Isle of Wight is a strong contender for beautiful beaches too but it also has downsides. Each beach in the country is unique in its own way – it’s up to you to discover and enjoy them.