Study any map of Norfolk and you can’t help but notice that the coastline is fringed by an almost continuous strip of yellow. There are certainly plenty of beaches to choose from in this part of the world. While I have in no way even got close to exploring them all, my recent trip to Holkham makes be believe this one will be hard to beat. For that reason, here are five reasons why Holkham may well be the best beach in Norfolk:
1- Its Size
If Snowdonia and The Lake District are big mountain country, then Holkham Beach must be nicknamed ‘Big Sky Country’. When first setting eyes on this beach, its size may well blow you away.
It is without doubt the largest beach I’ve ever visited in England. Its massive when the tide is in, but when it goes out, it is nearly a one kilometre walk from the back of the beach to the sea. I was half tempted to start playing tricks with my camera just like I did when visiting the Salar De Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia. It’s very rare you can have a totally blank landscape with only one element to play with. If you aren’t sure what I’m talking about, feel free to check out this site to find out more.
A bit of research reveals that Holkham Beach stretches 2.2 miles from the quaint village of Burnham over Staithe in the west to Wells in the east. Plenty of space to go around then. The video I filmed below hopefully shows its size and beauty well. Excuse the dodge accent at the beginning though. Not sure what I was thinking!
2-It’s Wild and Remote
Some parts of North Norfolk are known as ‘ Chelsea By The Sea’ such is its ability to lure wealthy Londoners away from the big smoke to enjoy the big skies instead. As you drive the A149 along the coast, you can’t help but grin as you pass through some truly beautiful little villages along the way. Take a drive through Cley Next The Sea on a sunny day and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
This is a rural part of the country, but these many settlements, coupled with the visitors who flock to the area in good weather means it can seem hard to escape other people. Another reason why I think Holkham is the best beach in Norfolk is because this feat isn’t hard to achieve here. In some ways it is similar to Covehithe Beach in Suffolk. Both beaches are ideal if you are seeking peace and quiet.
Instead of hotels, arcades and even houses, Holkham Beach is instead backed by pine forest, salt flats and sand dunes. There are various routes to the beach, but you’ll feel like you’ve left civilization behind no matter which one you take. You are unlikely to have the whole place to yourself, but there is enough space to get darn close to feeling like you do. I reckon the drone footage I took below goes a good way in showing how peace and nature rules at Holkham Beach.
3- Dog And Child Friendly
A bit of reading shows that dogs are very much permitted on Holkham Beach. This isn’t the case on many other Norfolk beaches, so this stretch of sand is ideal for those with a four-legged companion.
I went for an early morning run on the beach after catching a stunning sunrise and saw several other people doing the same thing with their dogs. Can you think of a better way to start the day? I couldn’t help but feel a bit like like Rocky Balboa during the whole process. I suspect I might be alone with that thought there! Feel free to check out the ridiculous little video I filmed below on the back of that thought:
Holkham is also an excellent place to take children due to the clean sand and gently shelving beach. It is perfect for paddling unlike some other beaches further along the coastline, which deepen far nearer the shore. You’ll need to wade out a fair way to swim as an adult, but with children it’s perfect. There are hardly any pebbles either, but just soft sand for you feet to sink into. Another reason why Holkham is the best beach in Norfolk.
4- An Ideal Place For Sunrise And Sunset
These times of day are special wherever you are, but a beach like Holkham just takes it to the next level in my opinion. With the beach facing north, you will be blessed with great views of the rising or setting sun. Watching the sky and sea change colour almost by the minute is an experience I won’t forget. Even with some beautiful photos taken, it still doesn’t do it justice.
5- It’s Good For The Soul
So this last reason could probably apply to most beaches in Norfolk or the UK for that matter. There is something about being by the sea, which can just empty your mind of stress and anxiety. I guess the vast size of it puts all of our fears into some sort of context.
For me, I found the trip to Holkham very good for my well being. I visited on a Friday evening after spending a long hot week teaching nine year old children in a cramped classroom. It is fair to say that I often need a release by the end of the week and Holkham was perfect. The sound of the waves, sand between the toes and a walk in the surf soon made school feel like a distant memory.
