From vast, wild sands to traditional seaside resorts, these Norfolk beaches have all been named among the best places to visit in the county this year.
1. Mundesley
Mundesley has enjoyed a particularly strong summer, being crowned north Norfolk’s best beach for 2026 in North Norfolk District Council’s annual online vote.
It received 857 votes in the final, beating West Runton’s 478 and ending its rival’s three-year run as champion. Both beaches received Blue Flag awards this year.
It was also the only East of England beach to feature in a UK-wide top 10 for coastal-adventure staycations, ranking seventh.
The SportsCover Direct study considered water quality, Blue Flag and Seaside Awards, RNLI lifeguard cover, sunshine hours and sea temperatures.
2. Holkham
Holkham placed 13th in Time Out magazine’s 2026 list of the 40 best UK beaches.
The magazine described it as “easily one of the best-looking beaches in the UK”.
The beach is known for its long, open sands, pinewoods and the salt marsh landscape of the surrounding nature reserve.
Time Out highlighted the area’s orchids, sea lavender and rare birdlife, while its relative distance from major cities is seen as part of its quieter appeal.
3. Cromer
Cromer was named the best beach in the East of England in The Times and The Sunday Times’ 50 Best UK Beaches guide.
The guide judges locations against criteria including cleanliness, water quality, accessibility, parking, facilities, safety, dog-friendliness, lifeguard provision and community involvement.
The beach has also been ranked fifth out of 228 Blue Flag beaches in the UK and Ireland in an AA study, scoring 71.49 out of 100.
The research considered safety, visitor reviews, local amenities, parking costs, lifeguard facilities, closeness to an RNLI lifeboat station and water quality.
4. Brancaster
Brancaster was ranked among the UK’s top 10 beaches this summer in research by travel specialists Ski Vertigo.
The study assessed beaches using sand colour, water clarity and the quality of visitor information.
The north Norfolk beach was praised for its “tropical-style” white sands.
Its wide, open shoreline and coastal setting make it a popular place for long walks, paddling and enjoying views across the Wash.
5. Thornham
Thornham was named one of the best “alternative” beaches for summer by The Sun, which put it eighth in a list of quieter places where visitors can escape crowds.
The paper suggested it as a lower-key alternative to nearby Hunstanton, which is often busy during the school holidays.
It was also included in a separate list of the UK’s must-visit beaches for 2026.
The beach is particularly suited to walkers, birdwatchers and dog owners, rather than those looking for traditional deckchairs and ice creams.
6. Old Hunstanton
This beach, situated in west Norfolk, was named among the UK’s must-visit beaches for 2026 by The Sun.
It was described as the calmer and more scenic neighbour of Hunstanton, around a 15-minute walk away.
Visitors can walk alongside its recognisable red-and-white striped cliffs, follow paths through pinewoods and reach wide stretches of golden sand.
The beach also links with the Norfolk Coast Path towards Holme Dunes Nature Reserve.
7. Hunstanton
Hunstanton was named among the best UK beaches for a seaside holiday by Holidaycottages.co.uk, following a survey of more than 12,000 holidaymakers in which Norfolk was voted the UK’s fourth happiest holiday destination.
Norfolk expert Indy Harrison praised the resort’s west-facing position, where visitors can watch the sun set over the sea.
She highlighted its miles of golden sand, dramatic cliffs and blend of wild coastal scenery with a traditional seaside atmosphere.
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