Holkham Beach and Nature Reserve

Holkham Bay on the north Norfolk coast is a long windswept sandy beach, fringed by sand dunes and pine trees.

Part of a large nature reserve, stretching from Wells in the west to Holkham in the east, there are four main zones to the shore; the beach itself, dunes, salt-marsh and pinewoods, each supporting different types of plant and animal life.

Wildlife fans may be lucky enough to spot seals, as well as oyster catchers, curlews and terns. The dunes are home to skylarks, rabbits and Natterjack toads, and the pinewoods to fungi, crossbills and warblers.

Top Tips
On a fine day in summer Holkham Beach is a fantastic place for a visit to the sea, although take care if you are swimming. Even if the sun is warm, the North Sea isn’t, and waves and strong currents shift constantly.

In colder weather, wrap up warm. The lack of obstacles means that the wind will be stronger and colder.

If you are planning to spend some time on the beach, it’s a good idea to come prepared with any extra food, drink or clothing you think you might need, as there aren’t any shops nearby.

To get to the beach take the A149 to Holkham, and park in the car park (£3.00 per day). Then take the path north to the coast for about 1.5 miles.