Beach Guide
Norfolk and Suffolks pristine and spacious beaches are at the heart of their attractiveness as a holiday destination, and as a place to live. And the District Councils takes great care in making sure they are safe and clean for everyone. This year, four of the district's most popular beaches boast Seaside Awards (the Tidy Britain Group's award for cleanliness and facilities). These are Cromer, Sheringham, Mundesley and Sea Palling, and all achieved this standard with the highest possible grade.
In addition, Cromer, Sheringham and Mundesley also fly Blue Flags - taking pride in having achieved and maintained the strict European Union standard for water quality. That is not to say that North Norfolk's other beaches are not equally clean, but only "resort" beaches can qualify for Blue Flags, and few of North Norfolk's quiet beaches fall into that category.
Winterton
Reached by several winding country roads, the pretty village of Winterton (with the rather good Fisherman's Return) has a rather rugged beach where you can lose yourselfin the dunes. You can park practically on the beach and the little cafe is a gem. keep your eye out for seals as they're often spotted just off shore. Certainly a beach for those who like the beach and sea a bit wild and rugged and horsey - just up the road - is another treasure. back to top
Mundesley
The village is stuck in a 50s timewarp but it's got a certain charm with several decent shops and pubs, including the Jonet cafe on the High Street which is named after a shipwreck and contains various memorabilia and the like about it. You can park just across the road from the beach and a decent path akes you right to the seafront (excellent for prams). A lifeguard is in attendance and there are plenty of opportunities for ice cream and the beach cafe is great - chips with everything! Remember your bucket and spade and be ready for some serious sand castle building contests between competitive parents. The beach huts are in good condition and there's a lovely, friendly feel to this little town.back to top
Hunstanton
The only resort in norfolk which faces west. Very confusing but think of its position. This charming town, which became a fashionable spot in Victorian times, is known as Sunny Hunny to locals and holiday-makers alike. Search for fossils at the nearby chequed cliffs, hire a deck chair, walk along the prom or check out the rides and high jinx at the amusement park - don't worry it's all very low key. The swimming opportunities are some of the best in the country and there's a lifeguard on duty, too.
Wells
Another north Norfolk gem, this beach is a little way from the town but you can either catch a little train the half mile or so or simply drive your car to the large-ish beach car park. Be sure to get your ingredients for a slap-up picnic at wells Deli although there is a cafe (and loos). It's a fairly dramatic setting, especially when the tide is out and you look backthe harbour to the town. The beach has the benifits of a lifeguard station although you should be carful as the tides are savage here. Enjoy the lovely sand, explore the many little creeks and admire the beach huts which are among the best kept in the region. And if it all becomes too much for you, head to rococo's at the crown, a very upmarket restrant in the town centre.
GOOD BEACH GUIDE On the north Norfolk coast there are wonderfully wide beaches where the sea goes out for miles and where it is possible to get away from everything. The East Coast beaches tend to be narrower and steeper. Beware under currents, particularly where beaches shelve steeply. Remember too, that the current flows south on the flood and north on the ebb and can run quite strongly, especially when the wind is in the same direction.
Although Norfolk has more sunshine than most parts of the country there can be onshore easterly winds so a windbreak can be useful. Groynes constructed to stop erosion also make useful shade and shelter for picnics. Beware of strong offshore winds, these take effect 50 to 100 metres from the beach, thus are beds and small inflatables are very vulnerable.Caister-On-Sea - Wide sandy beach which shelves steeply in some places. At the north end, towards California, there are low sandy cliffs. Low sea wall with dunes behind. Boat trips, deck chairs, car parking on the Beach Road (central beach) and toilets.Corton - Sand and shingle beach, with southern area available to naturists. Car parking in official car park.Great Yarmouth - A very long sandy beach lined by the Marine Parade with its colourful gardens and countless attractions and amenities. Two piers with entertainment. Dunes at North Beach, boat trips, trampolines and numerous refreshment stalls, Marine Centre, deck chairs, car parking and toilets.Gorleston - Quieter than nearby Great Yarmouth. Flat sandy beach with some pebbles. Pier forming part of harbour entrance. Amusement, beach chalets, deck chairs, cart parking, toilets. Low cliffs between sea wall and promenade.Hemsby - A wide sandy beach scattered with stones and backed by grassy dunes. Amusements, boat trips, deck chairs, toilets and car parking.Kessingland - Easy access to pebble, shingle and sand beach, one of Britain's best rural beaches.Lowestoft - South Beach is the sandy pleasure beach with two piers, Punch & Judy. Ness point is Britain's most easterly point The North Beach is somewhat quieter and sandy with cliffs and sand dunes, car parking and toilets.Mundesley - A quiet holiday resort built in a dip in the cliffs.Pakefield - Sandy beach scattered with shingle below low grassy cliffs, car parking and toilets. Scratby / Californis - Low cliffs and long track down to the wide sandy beach. Shallow pools at low tide. Amusements on cliff top at California, car park at Scratby.Winterton-on-Sea - A very wide sandy beach backed by extensive dune, pools at low tide, nature reserve and car park.
Sand, Sun and Hours of Fun on the Sunrise Coast of Lowestoft, Southwold and Kessingland
If you love the sand and sea, you'll love the Sunrise Coast. Stretching from Corton in the north to Southwold in the south, we have some of the best beaches in the country - and have got the awards to prove it! In 1996 all three of the Sunrise Coast's resorts: Lowestoft, Southwold and Kessingland, won the Tidy Britain Group Seaside Awards - proving we have attained the highest levels of cleanliness and safety. With miles of gently shelving sands, you can rest assured while your children play safely on the clean, golden beaches. Forget Baywatch - all of our fully trained lifeguards are on full alert - and from sea to shore and back again, they keep a watchful eye over paddlers and swimmers at all times. And when they need a break after hours of building sandcastles, there's plenty of ice-creams and lollies to choose from, to help recharge their batteries! Kind's Fun is the order of the day, whether its joining in the sandcastles competitions, riding the train up and down the seafront or chanting "he's behind you!" at the Lowestoft's Punch and Judy show. There's also thrills to be had at the all-weather Discovering Adventure play platform situated at Lowestoft's East Point Pavilion. Why not hire one of the colourful beach chalets that can be found all along the seafront. These can be hired on a weekly or seasonal basis at both Lowestoft and Southwold. If you prefer to bare all on the beach, we have a naturist beach at Corton.
Resort Beaches:
The key areas for the management of Resort Beaches are cleanliness, lifeguards, first aid safety and chalet/beach hut letting; What we ask of you Enjoy your visit to the beach help us to keep the beaches clean and tidy by taking your rubbish home. If young children are with you, always keep them in your sight and do not let them swim in the sea unsupervised. Do not swim in the sea when it is unsafe to do so and always obey the information flags Report any bad cases of pollution or dumping so that we can arrange to have it cleared. If you hire a chalet please leave it as you would wish to find it. Observe beach bylaws such as dog free areas and no cycling. If you see anything suspicious or concerning please contact the Beach Officer, a lifeguard or the number overleaf. If you have any suggestions on how the service may be improved these would be most welcome. Resort Beaches are found at Victoria Beach, Lowestoft (between the South Pier and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries) South Beach, Lowestoft, between South Pier and Claremont Pier and at Southwold. These are the beaches most popular with families and offer a wide range of facilities. They have received many internationally recognised awards for their safety and good management. In 1991 the English Tourist Board awarded the prestigious title of England's Beach of the Year to the Lowestoft South Beach. This year all the Resort Beaches hold the Tidy Britain Group Seaside Award.
Rural Beaches:
Kessingland is a Rural Beach and has won Seaside Awards for a number of years. Other award winning Rural Beaches include Gunton, Lowestoft, and Southwold Denes. Rural Beaches are maintained to Tidy Britain Group Seaside Award standards. However because of their quieter nature they do not have the same level of facilities and services as Resort Beaches.back to top
Basic Beaches:
As with Resort Beaches there are dog free zones and water quality is monitored. The remainder of our beaches are referred to as "Basic Beaches". These beaches are popular with walkers, fishermen and for other kinds of casual enjoyment. These beaches are cleaned on an as needed basis but at least four times a year.back to top
Cleanliness:
Cleaning to a very high standard is carried out daily on these beaches and adjacent areas before 9am. A cleaner remains on each beach through to 4.30pm to keep it clean. At extra busy times a second cleaner is kept on. Some areas of Resort Beaches are declared as dog free. Water quality is an important factor in well managed beaches and is regularly monitored.
Lifeguards:
The lifeguards are on duty daily, throughout the summer season, from 10am to 6pm. At Lowestoft there are two zoned areas which are supervised by the lifeguards, each being two hundred metres wide. One zone is situated mid-way between the Claremont and South Piers and the other mid-way between the Claremont Pier and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. At Southwold the Resort Beach is lifeguard supervised as a single zone. The role of the lifeguard is to advise on beach and water safety, carry out emergency rescues, offer first aid, assist the coastguard and emergency services and help make your visit safe and enjoyable.
Safety: For the safety of beach users lifebelts, throw bags, emergency phones, information notices and flag systems are provided. They are all inspected weekly in the summer and monthly in the winter. Any safety equipment found to be damaged, missing or not in a fully useable condition is replaced or repaired.
Chalets and Beach Huts: Chalets are available to let on a weekly basis. Seasonal lets are also available. There are a limited number of privately owned chalets/beach huts for which we lease sites; the lease can be transferred to the new owner of a chalet/beach hut when it is sold.
Dogs on Beaches
Dogs are banned from certain beaches during the summer season.
From 1st May to 30th September, Dogs are not permitted on the Beach between the South Pier and a point adjacent to the eastern end of Pakefield Street (below the Jolly Sailors Public House). Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times on the promenade from South Pier to the Pakefield end, below the Jolly Sailors public house.
Beach Safety & Telephone numbers
Advice for beach users
Water safety advice
Motorised and powered craft
A code of conduct for all
Useful telephone numbers
Bye Laws
Emergency at Sea
Advice for beach users
Swim at Lifeguard-supervised beaches - these are safer
Do not swim when the red flag is flying
Obey the lifeguards' advice and read warning notices before entering
the sea
Be aware of the cold, and wear suitable clothing
Do not swim straight after a meal
Alcohol and watersports do not mix
Children should be supervised at all times
Do not dig in or climb on the cliffs, and keep clear of sand dunes
Please take your litter home
Water safety advice
Never swim, sail or take part in a watersport alone. Always tell
someone of your whereabouts
Check local conditions before going into open water
Wear suitable clothing for your activity and keep all equipment
in good condition
Be courteous and polite to other water users, and be aware of
possible dangers
Do not climb on or swim close to breakwaters or piers
Keep an eye on your children - know where they are at all times
Motorised and powered craft
Obey the seaside byelaws, do not exceed the speed limit and act
responsibly
Be considerate to other water users. Do not enter swimming zoned
areas
Keep well away from swimmers at all times
Keep out of the way of shipping and learn the "rules of the
road"
Listen to the radio weather forecast, and check local sea conditions
and times of tide with the Coastguard
Keep an eye on each other and report anybody in trouble as soon
as possible. Learn how to help and carry out self rescue
Please park your towing vehicle with consideration, and DO NOT
OBSTRUCT ACCESS FOR OTHER USERS OR THE EMERGENCY SERVICES
Water skiers - do not dry launch from the beach
Please use the preferred launching sites
Cars are not permitted on the beaches
A code of conduct for all
Stay away from wildlife areas, especially at nesting-time
Please do not wave jump or water-ski in the launch area
Avoid conflict with other beach users
Swimmers - KEEP CLEAR OF BOAT LAUNCHING AREAS
Noise from powered craft can disturb people on the beach - BE
CONSIDERATE AND KEEP WELL AWAY
Remember - noise travels much further during onshore winds, so
keep well offshore
Offshore winds can blow you out to sea - BE CAREFUL
Useful telephone numbers
Royal Yachting Assoc. (01703) 627499
British Marine Indst. Fed. (01784) 473377
Environment Agency (Rec. & Nav.) (01454) 624376
Police Headquarters Norwich (01603) 768769
Police North Walsham (01692) 402222
Police Cromer (01263) 512211
Police Wells (01328) 862211
Downtide Marine (01263) 768813
North Norfolk District Council (01263) 513811
Beach Office & Lifeguard Cromer (01263) 511475
Beach Office & Lifeguard Sheringham (01263) 823969
Lifeguard Mundesley (01263) 722236
Norfolk Coast Project (01328) 711533
King's Lynn & West Norfolk Council (01485) 532516
Great Yarmouth Borough Council (01493) 856100
Coastguard Great Yarmouth (01493) 851338
Coastguard Wells (01328) 710219
Tourist Information Centres:
Cromer (01263) 512497
Sheringham (01263) 824329
Wells (01328) 710885
Fakenham (01328) 851981
Mundesley (01263) 721070
Holt (01263) 713100
Hoveton (01603) 782281
Walsingham (01328) 820510
Weather Marine Call (01891) 505355
Emergency at Sea? dial 999 and ask for "Coastguard"
Norfolk and Suffolks pristine and spacious beaches are at the heart of their attractiveness as a holiday destination, and as a place to live. And the District Councils takes great care in making sure they are safe and clean for everyone. This year, four of the district's most popular beaches boast Seaside Awards (the Tidy Britain Group's award for cleanliness and facilities). These are Cromer, Sheringham, Mundesley and Sea Palling, and all achieved this standard with the highest possible grade.
In addition, Cromer, Sheringham and Mundesley also fly Blue Flags - taking pride in having achieved and maintained the strict European Union standard for water quality. That is not to say that North Norfolk's other beaches are not equally clean, but only "resort" beaches can qualify for Blue Flags, and few of North Norfolk's quiet beaches fall into that category.
Winterton
Reached by several winding country roads, the pretty village of Winterton (with the rather good Fisherman's Return) has a rather rugged beach where you can lose yourselfin the dunes. You can park practically on the beach and the little cafe is a gem. keep your eye out for seals as they're often spotted just off shore. Certainly a beach for those who like the beach and sea a bit wild and rugged and horsey - just up the road - is another treasure. back to top
Mundesley
The village is stuck in a 50s timewarp but it's got a certain charm with several decent shops and pubs, including the Jonet cafe on the High Street which is named after a shipwreck and contains various memorabilia and the like about it. You can park just across the road from the beach and a decent path akes you right to the seafront (excellent for prams). A lifeguard is in attendance and there are plenty of opportunities for ice cream and the beach cafe is great - chips with everything! Remember your bucket and spade and be ready for some serious sand castle building contests between competitive parents. The beach huts are in good condition and there's a lovely, friendly feel to this little town.back to top
Hunstanton
The only resort in norfolk which faces west. Very confusing but think of its position. This charming town, which became a fashionable spot in Victorian times, is known as Sunny Hunny to locals and holiday-makers alike. Search for fossils at the nearby chequed cliffs, hire a deck chair, walk along the prom or check out the rides and high jinx at the amusement park - don't worry it's all very low key. The swimming opportunities are some of the best in the country and there's a lifeguard on duty, too.
Wells
Another north Norfolk gem, this beach is a little way from the town but you can either catch a little train the half mile or so or simply drive your car to the large-ish beach car park. Be sure to get your ingredients for a slap-up picnic at wells Deli although there is a cafe (and loos). It's a fairly dramatic setting, especially when the tide is out and you look backthe harbour to the town. The beach has the benifits of a lifeguard station although you should be carful as the tides are savage here. Enjoy the lovely sand, explore the many little creeks and admire the beach huts which are among the best kept in the region. And if it all becomes too much for you, head to rococo's at the crown, a very upmarket restrant in the town centre.
GOOD BEACH GUIDE On the north Norfolk coast there are wonderfully wide beaches where the sea goes out for miles and where it is possible to get away from everything. The East Coast beaches tend to be narrower and steeper. Beware under currents, particularly where beaches shelve steeply. Remember too, that the current flows south on the flood and north on the ebb and can run quite strongly, especially when the wind is in the same direction.
Although Norfolk has more sunshine than most parts of the country there can be onshore easterly winds so a windbreak can be useful. Groynes constructed to stop erosion also make useful shade and shelter for picnics. Beware of strong offshore winds, these take effect 50 to 100 metres from the beach, thus are beds and small inflatables are very vulnerable.Caister-On-Sea - Wide sandy beach which shelves steeply in some places. At the north end, towards California, there are low sandy cliffs. Low sea wall with dunes behind. Boat trips, deck chairs, car parking on the Beach Road (central beach) and toilets.Corton - Sand and shingle beach, with southern area available to naturists. Car parking in official car park.Great Yarmouth - A very long sandy beach lined by the Marine Parade with its colourful gardens and countless attractions and amenities. Two piers with entertainment. Dunes at North Beach, boat trips, trampolines and numerous refreshment stalls, Marine Centre, deck chairs, car parking and toilets.Gorleston - Quieter than nearby Great Yarmouth. Flat sandy beach with some pebbles. Pier forming part of harbour entrance. Amusement, beach chalets, deck chairs, cart parking, toilets. Low cliffs between sea wall and promenade.Hemsby - A wide sandy beach scattered with stones and backed by grassy dunes. Amusements, boat trips, deck chairs, toilets and car parking.Kessingland - Easy access to pebble, shingle and sand beach, one of Britain's best rural beaches.Lowestoft - South Beach is the sandy pleasure beach with two piers, Punch & Judy. Ness point is Britain's most easterly point The North Beach is somewhat quieter and sandy with cliffs and sand dunes, car parking and toilets.Mundesley - A quiet holiday resort built in a dip in the cliffs.Pakefield - Sandy beach scattered with shingle below low grassy cliffs, car parking and toilets. Scratby / Californis - Low cliffs and long track down to the wide sandy beach. Shallow pools at low tide. Amusements on cliff top at California, car park at Scratby.Winterton-on-Sea - A very wide sandy beach backed by extensive dune, pools at low tide, nature reserve and car park.
Sand, Sun and Hours of Fun on the Sunrise Coast of Lowestoft, Southwold and Kessingland
If you love the sand and sea, you'll love the Sunrise Coast. Stretching from Corton in the north to Southwold in the south, we have some of the best beaches in the country - and have got the awards to prove it! In 1996 all three of the Sunrise Coast's resorts: Lowestoft, Southwold and Kessingland, won the Tidy Britain Group Seaside Awards - proving we have attained the highest levels of cleanliness and safety. With miles of gently shelving sands, you can rest assured while your children play safely on the clean, golden beaches. Forget Baywatch - all of our fully trained lifeguards are on full alert - and from sea to shore and back again, they keep a watchful eye over paddlers and swimmers at all times. And when they need a break after hours of building sandcastles, there's plenty of ice-creams and lollies to choose from, to help recharge their batteries! Kind's Fun is the order of the day, whether its joining in the sandcastles competitions, riding the train up and down the seafront or chanting "he's behind you!" at the Lowestoft's Punch and Judy show. There's also thrills to be had at the all-weather Discovering Adventure play platform situated at Lowestoft's East Point Pavilion. Why not hire one of the colourful beach chalets that can be found all along the seafront. These can be hired on a weekly or seasonal basis at both Lowestoft and Southwold. If you prefer to bare all on the beach, we have a naturist beach at Corton.
Resort Beaches:
The key areas for the management of Resort Beaches are cleanliness, lifeguards, first aid safety and chalet/beach hut letting; What we ask of you Enjoy your visit to the beach help us to keep the beaches clean and tidy by taking your rubbish home. If young children are with you, always keep them in your sight and do not let them swim in the sea unsupervised. Do not swim in the sea when it is unsafe to do so and always obey the information flags Report any bad cases of pollution or dumping so that we can arrange to have it cleared. If you hire a chalet please leave it as you would wish to find it. Observe beach bylaws such as dog free areas and no cycling. If you see anything suspicious or concerning please contact the Beach Officer, a lifeguard or the number overleaf. If you have any suggestions on how the service may be improved these would be most welcome. Resort Beaches are found at Victoria Beach, Lowestoft (between the South Pier and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries) South Beach, Lowestoft, between South Pier and Claremont Pier and at Southwold. These are the beaches most popular with families and offer a wide range of facilities. They have received many internationally recognised awards for their safety and good management. In 1991 the English Tourist Board awarded the prestigious title of England's Beach of the Year to the Lowestoft South Beach. This year all the Resort Beaches hold the Tidy Britain Group Seaside Award.
Rural Beaches:
Kessingland is a Rural Beach and has won Seaside Awards for a number of years. Other award winning Rural Beaches include Gunton, Lowestoft, and Southwold Denes. Rural Beaches are maintained to Tidy Britain Group Seaside Award standards. However because of their quieter nature they do not have the same level of facilities and services as Resort Beaches.back to top
Basic Beaches:
As with Resort Beaches there are dog free zones and water quality is monitored. The remainder of our beaches are referred to as "Basic Beaches". These beaches are popular with walkers, fishermen and for other kinds of casual enjoyment. These beaches are cleaned on an as needed basis but at least four times a year.back to top
Cleanliness:
Cleaning to a very high standard is carried out daily on these beaches and adjacent areas before 9am. A cleaner remains on each beach through to 4.30pm to keep it clean. At extra busy times a second cleaner is kept on. Some areas of Resort Beaches are declared as dog free. Water quality is an important factor in well managed beaches and is regularly monitored.
Lifeguards:
The lifeguards are on duty daily, throughout the summer season, from 10am to 6pm. At Lowestoft there are two zoned areas which are supervised by the lifeguards, each being two hundred metres wide. One zone is situated mid-way between the Claremont and South Piers and the other mid-way between the Claremont Pier and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. At Southwold the Resort Beach is lifeguard supervised as a single zone. The role of the lifeguard is to advise on beach and water safety, carry out emergency rescues, offer first aid, assist the coastguard and emergency services and help make your visit safe and enjoyable.
Safety: For the safety of beach users lifebelts, throw bags, emergency phones, information notices and flag systems are provided. They are all inspected weekly in the summer and monthly in the winter. Any safety equipment found to be damaged, missing or not in a fully useable condition is replaced or repaired.
Chalets and Beach Huts: Chalets are available to let on a weekly basis. Seasonal lets are also available. There are a limited number of privately owned chalets/beach huts for which we lease sites; the lease can be transferred to the new owner of a chalet/beach hut when it is sold.
Dogs on Beaches
Dogs are banned from certain beaches during the summer season.
From 1st May to 30th September, Dogs are not permitted on the Beach between the South Pier and a point adjacent to the eastern end of Pakefield Street (below the Jolly Sailors Public House). Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times on the promenade from South Pier to the Pakefield end, below the Jolly Sailors public house.
- Enjoy your visit to the beach - What we ask of you:
- Help us to keep the beaches clean and tidy by taking your rubbish home.
- If young children are with you, always keep them in your sight and do not let them swim in the sea unsupervised.
- Do not swim in the sea when it is unsafe to do so and always obey the information flags
- Report any bad cases of pollution or dumping so that we can arrange to have it cleared.
- If you hire a chalet please leave it as you would wish to find it.
- Observe beach bylaws such as dog free areas and no cycling.
- If you see anything suspicious or concerning please contact the Beach Officer, a lifeguard or the number overleaf.
- If you have any suggestions on how the service may be improved these would be most welcome.
Beach Safety & Telephone numbers
NorfolkBroads.com
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Travel Information | Boating Tips | Things To Know
Useful Numbers | Weather Guide | Currency Convertor
Tide Tables | Don't Forget These... | Buy Travel Books Online