‘Unspoilt and quiet’ beach named the ‘best’ in England

A beautiful beach in Norfolk has been listed as the “best beach” in England according to a ranking and is described as a “wild and barren” beach, perfect for a quiet day out. Horsey Beach is a stunning stretch of sand on the Norfolk Coast located 2.5 miles (four km) from West Somerton and four miles (6.4km) from Winterton-on-Sea. The beach was recently named the top beach in England in a ranking of the “best beaches” in the UK by experts from Iglu Cruises.

Although the beach came fourth overall in the ranking, being beaten by Luskentyre Beach in Scotland and Rhossili Bay and Barafundle Beach in Wales, it was the highest rated Beach in England.

The team looked at 30 of Tripadvisor’s most popular beaches in the UK and discovered which had the highest percentage of excellent reviews (five out of five stars). Only beaches with over 1,000 reviews on Tripadvisor were used in the sample. At the time of writing, the beach has been rated a full five stars on Tripadvisor based on reviews and was awarded a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2023.

While the golden sand beach and sea views are highly rated, there is another draw to this beach that makes it particularly unique. Horsey Gap is home to one of the largest colonies of Grey Seals in the UK. Numbers have been steadily increasing with over 3,500 seal pups born on the coastline in the 2023/24 season.

Even in the summer months, seals can be seen on the beach or swimming along the shoreline. Explore Norfolk UK said: “Horsey Beach is one of the many unspoilt and wonderfully quiet sandy Norfolk beaches on the east coast of the UK.”

The Seal Pup Season runs from the end of October until February and during this time the beach is closed to the public so as not to disturb the seals.

However, dedicated viewing platforms are set up and visitors may also stand on the sand dunes to see the seas. When visiting at this time, people are reminded to keep their distance and not to disturb the seals or their pups. Dogs must be kept on their leads at all times.

The charity Friends of Horsey Seals has a dedicated team of volunteers who look out for and protect the grey seals and their pups along the coast at both Horsey and Winterton.

Posting to Tripadvisor, a previous visitor who went to Horsey Beach in June 2023 described it as a “seals paradise”. He added: “Value for Mother Nature at her best. The beach can have many seals basking in the sun and enjoying the attention they provide for many observers.”

Another reviewer described the experience as “incredible”, adding: “Seeing the seals at Horsey beach was incredible, the highlight of an amazing week here. They are in their element, having a rest and chat before another swim and the experience was incredible.

“Keep your distance, pay at the car park and enjoy this unique time.”

Although this beach is great for seal watching, it is also a great place to enjoy a picnic, paddle in the sea or relax on the soft sand. The beach is also dog-friendly although in the summer dog owners are reminded to keep their dogs away from the seals and in the winter the beach is closed off to protect the seal pups.