As the heatwave continues, now is a great time to visit these award-winning villages and beaches along the Norfolk coast.

With inland temperatures set to hit 30C over the weekend, coastal parts of Norfolk are likely to see milder conditions with highs of 25C.

Here are five nationally recognised coastal beauty spots you can enjoy this September.

1. Sheringham

Eastern Daily Press: Sheringham was mentioned as a sweet spot on the lovely north Norfolk coastSheringham was mentioned as a sweet spot on the lovely north Norfolk coast (Image: Newsquest)

"Jolly" Sheringham was mentioned as a "sweet spot on the lovely north Norfolk coast" by The Sunday Times in a recent report, noted for its affordability.

The popular holiday destination is a stony beach with sand and rock pools at low tide. 

2. West Runton

Eastern Daily Press: West Runton is a popular beach to visit in NorfolkWest Runton is a popular beach to visit in Norfolk (Image: Colin Finch)

West Runton is an award-winning Blue Flag beach with sand and shingle shores.

Visitors were stunned to see rare bottlenose dolphins swimming off the coast at West Runton last month.

It is currently in the running to be named the best beach in north Norfolk.

3. Holkham

Eastern Daily Press: Holkham was described as heaven on earth by The Sunday TimesHolkham was described as heaven on earth by The Sunday Times (Image: Ian Burt)

Holkham beach was chosen as the best beach in the East of England by The Times in July, highlighting its "mesmeric appeal".

The north Norfolk gem was described as "heaven on earth" and praised by Times reader Stephen Chittenden for its vast expanse of pure sand and its picturesque dunes and trees.

4. Brancaster

Eastern Daily Press: Brancaster beach has been recognised by two national publications this yearBrancaster beach has been recognised by two national publications this year (Image: Newsquest)

Brancaster also made the Times list, with its "beautiful natural expanses of golden sand, clean sea and grasses".

The beach was included in a round-up of the top 20 beaches in the country by the Telegraph.

5. Old Hunstanton

Eastern Daily Press: The Sunday Times named Old Hunstanton Beach as the best beach in the EastThe Sunday Times named Old Hunstanton Beach as the best beach in the East (Image: Newsquest)

Old Hunstanton beach made the top 50 in the Daily Mail's list of best UK beaches to visit earlier this year - the only Norfolk location to feature in the list.

Just north of Hunstanton, the sandy beach is quieter and distinguished by the "amazing striated rock colours in the cliff wall".