About

Set along the stunning east coast of Norfolk, Horsey Beach at Horsey Gap is widely regarded as one of Norfolk’s most special coastal destinations. Home to one of the UK’s largest and most accessible colonies of grey seals, together with miles of beautiful sandy beach, spectacular dunes and wonderful coastal walks, it’s easy to see why this special stretch of coastline has become one of Norfolk’s favourite places to visit throughout the year.

Horsey Beach has earned a place among Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best”, ranking in the top 20 beaches in Europe.

Whether you’re hoping to experience the famous seal colony, enjoy a peaceful day on the beach, explore the dunes, photograph wildlife or simply walk for miles along the coast, Horsey Gap offers one of Norfolk’s most memorable days out.

Grey seals abound on the sand dunes and beaches of Horsey and Winterton-on-Sea, all year round. As the beach starts to fill up with pregnant seals in late October/early November, a voluntary beach closure is put in place by Friends of Horsey Seals wardens.  You can still access two great viewing areas on the top of the dunes from Horsey Gap Car Park*. 

The paths are roped off and clearly marked, so you will be able to see the seals without disturbing them.  These paths are moved periodically to allow regeneration of worn areas of the dunes. Friendly Wardens are on duty at weekends and every day during term-time and throughout the Christmas school holidays.

From Horsey Gap Car Park*, it’s just a couple of minutes’ walk over the sandy ramp—known locally as “The Gap”—through the sea wall and straight onto miles of unspoilt coastline.

The area sits within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, celebrated for its rich wildlife, spectacular dune landscape and wide, peaceful beaches.

Dogs must be kept on leads. See here for guidelines for visiting the beach and seals: https://www.friendsofhorseyseals.co.uk/visit/

*Horsey Gap Car Park (NR29 4EQ): The car park at Horsey Gap is owned and operated by the Horsey Estate. There are pay and display machines on site accept cards and cash. There is also an overflow car park.adjacent. Food and beverages are available a short distance away at the Poppylands Cafe by the turn off onto the Horsey Gap car park access road. Overnight parking, motorhomes, camping and barbecues are not permitted.

There is alternative parking at the National Trust site at Horsey Windpump (just over a mile away). It is also pay-and-display but free to NT members. There is a small giftshop and café (check NT website for opening times).