7 Norfolk beaches as good as award-winning Gorleston

The Travellers' Choice Awards for 2023 named Gorleston-on-Sea among the top spots in Europe, coming twelfth in a list of the top 25 beaches.

Here are seven of the beaches in Norfolk which were highly recommended by you. 

1. Holkham

Holkham beach (Image: Newsquest)

This bay filled with golden sand, a nature reserve and a pine forest is a much-loved area of the north Norfolk coast.

At low tide, the beach stretches endlessly from the dunes as you are immersed in sea, sky and sand.

2. Overstrand

Overstrand beach. Picture: Malcolm Bubb (Image: Malcolm Bubb)

Situated along the coast from Cromer, Overstrand has a wide sandy beach.

The village features cafes, a pub and a village shop to grab a picnic or a pint.

The clifftop walk between Cromer and Overstrand is a popular sea-view amble and is part of the Norfolk Coast Path.

3. Walcott

End of the day at Walcott. Picture: Marion Green (Image: Marion Green)

Walcott beach, also known as Walcott Gap, is one of Norfolk's more rural spots for a paddle and a picnic or a stroll along the sand.

Looking down the beach from Mundesley, you can see Walcott and Happisburgh.

4. Winterton-on-Sea

Winterton-on-Sea (Image: Newsquest)

As you walk over the stretching dunes at Winterton-on-Sea, you are met with miles of isolated beach.

Near Great Yarmouth, this open beach is a favourite for a winter walk or a summer dip in the sea. 

It is perfect for seal spotting or a bite to eat at the Seal View Café.

5. Mundesley

Mundesley Beach (Image: Newsquest)

Sitting along the Norfolk coastline from Overstrand is Mundesley.

Colourful beach huts line the beach which sits at the base of the cliffs and the sandy shores are perfect for a day spent building sandcastles.

READ MORE: 9 cafés you can visit for a pit stop along the Norfolk Coast Path

6. Waxham

Waxham beach (Image: Newsquest)

One of the best spots in Norfolk for seeing the seal colonies on the beach, Waxham is a spot loved by winter walkers and summer beach days alike. 

Dunes Café at Waxham Barns offers homemade cakes and full English breakfasts as well as lots of other dishes made with local ingredients.

7. Sea Palling

Sea Palling beach (Image: Antony Kelly / Newsquest)

The award-winning beach of Sea Palling is loved by families for a day of building sand castles. 

There is ample parking, fast-food offerings, dunes and miniature bays created by the sea defences.