Norfolk beaches for toddlers

[Natasha198]

Hi, please can someone recommend good areas in norfolk with nice sandy beaches? I know Sheringham is nice but wanted to see what else is around. We're hoping to go end of June and would like some fun activities to do with our DS who will be nearly 3 by then. thanks!

I've been to many Norfolk beaches especially when mine were toddlers. My favourites are probably Brancaster, West Runton, Old Hunstanton and then Cromer and Sheringham.

Brancaster, West Runton and Old Hunstanton all have car parks with toilets and cafe stand, but Brancaster car park is not massive so can fill up on a hot day. Cromer and Sheringham you would need to park in a town car park which could be busy, but both have toilets etc near the beach.

In terms of beach itself, all are very much subject to tides. Sheringham disappears completely at high tide. For all, the tide goes out a long way which can be delightful for toddlers are there is a huge expanse of sand and shallow water to paddle in. Cromer and West Runton have rocks as well as sand (at least in some areas) so you can go rock pooling. Old Hunstanton is a bit shingly higher up but lovely soft sand when the tide is out. It also has the striped cliffs which are nice.

Holkham and Wells are nice but as others have said I find it a bit of trek to get out to the sea, especially at Holkham. Wells is very popular though and has a big car park. I didn't like the Eastern beaches as much (eg Yarmouth, Sea Palling etc). They have lovely golden sand but the landscape is much flatter so it felt a bit more bleak to me. In contrast the beaches to the west all are lined with cliffs or trees.

If you go to Great Yarmouth you have Joyland, a small theme park aimed at small children and a great sandy beach.

If you go to Gorleston it's more of a locals beach, carparking up the top is free, easy access right to the beach with proper paths. The beach is sandy but near the water has become a bit pebbly so bring water shoes, the shore slopes gently and is generally very safe compared to the likes of Sea Palling which has some wicked riptides however with toddlers that's not likely to be too big an issue. In Gorleston there is a splash park (check it's open(, a boating lake for remote control boats, a small arcade, a couple of pubs/restaurants with sea views, ice cream and beach paraphenalia. There is also Pops Meadow which has small coin operated type rides.
Accomodation wise there are a couple of hotels in Gorleston but the Havens in Hopton and Belton are 5 minutes drive away.

Wherever you go in Norfolk factor in a day at Bewilderwood, you won't regret it.

The beaches to the North tend to get very busy, car parking can be an issue and although they are beautiful, access can be a trek away from the carpark over sandy dunes and are perhaps better suited to Primary school age who don't want carrying or the extra bits and bobs that very small children need and can lend a hand

Another vote for Old Hunstanton. The beach itself is lovely, and the car park is right by it, with toilets and a cafe/shop. It's the quieter end of the town but if you want to venture to the main bit of Hunstanton there are fairground rides which are tacky but fun, I have good memories of racing down slides in a sack

If you're staying in Norfolk for a few days I highly recommend Roarr! Dinosaur Park (for the dinosaur fans but it also just has great play areas and a splash water play bit). Bewilderwood is great too but I think DC get more out of it when they're a bit older.

Personally I wouldn't recommend Great Yarmouth as I found it all very old, run down and depressing - and found 'Joyland' anything but joyful!

It's been a long time since I went to Cromer but I remember it having some charm, classic old fashioned seaside place with a pier and for some reason I remember the crazy golf on the sea front!

Thanks so much everyone, this is so helpful! I think we might stay in Cromer or Mundesley, although Mundesley is a bit further away to go to Hunstanton for the day. Love the look of Brancaster beach!!

I did go to wells a few years ago when DS was small and I remember it being a trek. Wasn't too much of a issue as he wasn't mobile then, but not sure I want to be running on the sand for miles towards the sea!!

Cromer beach looks quite shingly from the pictures or is it ok in low tide?

If you are going to Cromer take beach shoes regardless for rockpooling when the tide is out.
I think most beaches around there are quite stony at the moment due to the erosion further down the coast line and the sediment and other bits being moved up and down the shore.

Crabbing off Cromer Pier is always popular, you'll want a line with a net not just a line as it's a long drop back to the sea for the crabs and not good for them.

We had a fabulous beach holiday in Mundesley - heavenly.

Cromer has rocky bits for rock pooling etc but also really nice soft sand when the tide is out. Crocs/sandals would probably be fine.

If you are staying around Cromer then just visit the beaches around there - you don't need to venture over to Old Hunstanton. If you have issues parking in Cromer then West Runton is good as plenty of parking from my memory.

I wouldn’t go across to Hunstanton for a day from Mundesley (or Cromer).

Sea Palling etc would be closer.

Cromer, Sheringham and W Runton all shingle at high tide.

Blakeney Quay is good for crabbing.

How pebbly the beach at cromer is varies from year to year depending on how much movement by the sea. There is always sand at high tide on the end of west beach. Low tide there is sand everywhere but usually a band of stones closer to shore.

Im heading there later today so can let you know.

Another shout for west runton
loads of sand, rock pools, cafe, short walk from the car park
or get the train from Cromer and walk from the station

Just some other things to do in the area

Park at Shearingham and go on the steam train, it's fab and if you can time it with one of their Dads Army type events it's even better with era appropriate music and food, people dressed up, cars and other vehicles from the time period. You can get off at different stops including Kelling Heath which is a lovely woodland spot.

Also Bewilderwood, I mentioned it earlier in the thread but it really is magical for little ones.

Caister, west runton, Hunstanton.
Cromer is lovely but once the tide comes in there is no beach. It's also pebbly and heaving. It's notoriously windy year round so if you are considering then bring a beach tent or wind break.
Wherever you choose please stay away from the area under the cliffs as there have been several large collapses recently and, having been along the tops of Cromer yesterday, there's a lot more waiting to come down.