Norfolk’s Most Family Friendly Beaches
Norfolk’s coastline is a dream for family beach holidays thanks to its huge uncrowded shores, safe shallows, idyllic dunes for picnics and soft golden sand for sandcastle marathons. But one of Norfolk’s most overlooked advantages is the lack of rain, rendering its beaches among the driest in England, twice as dry as Devon and Cornwall and almost three times as dry as those in Wales (something to do with the western hills and drier continental air systems). Add to these drier beaches some quite lovely seaside towns and you have all the ingredients for a fabulous Norfolk beach holiday.
So, if you’re considering staying in one of the Norfolk cottages by the sea advertised with us for your next coastal getaway, then this guide will be invaluable. This list of eight of Norfolk’s most family-friendly beaches will give practical details you need regarding things like: toilets, parking, buggy/disabled access, cafés, lifeguards, dog restrictions, swimming safety and Blue Flag status. That said, not every brilliant family beach has a Blue Flag especially if they are wilder and more natural, so we’ve included a good mix of both.
1) Cromer Beach
Cromer is loaded with classic seaside favourites including a promenade, a pier, ice cream shops, amusement arcades, a fun-fair and a theatre. It’s also one of North Norfolk’s Blue Flag beaches (2025), which is reassuring when you’re planning a day of swimming with the family. There are also fabulous rock pools and great fun to be had fossil hunting and crabbing.
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Beach facilities for families
- Toilets/showers: Facilities are available on/near the promenade (opening times vary).
- Parking: Parking and beach access via the promenade is convenient for buggies.
- Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguard cover in main seasons (see local RNLI listing for guidance).
- Food & extras: Cafés, fish n chip shops, amenities and seaside entertainment in town.
Dog restrictions
Cromer Beach has seasonal dog restrictions between May and September, during which time dogs are not allowed on the areas near the pier unless they are on a lead. The rest of the beach away from the pier is dog friendly during summer.
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Swimming safety
Cromer has always been a favourite swimming beach, that said, beach goers should stay within the flagged areas when lifeguards are on duty, as tides and currents differ throughout the day.
2) Sheringham Beach
Sheringham is a fantastic family beach destination with a bustling town and plenty to do. It’s another Blue Flag beach (2025) with excellent facilities, a fabulous promenade and a shoreline that promises excellent rock pooling and crabbing adventures, especially around the town slipway. Don’t miss the nearby heritage steam railway, putting green, museum, theatre, parkland, boating lake, leisure centre and coastal paths for alternative thrills for longer stays.
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Beach facilities for families
- Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards operate seasonally, typically May–September.
- Toilets: Toilets and showers are on the beach at both ends of the promenade.
- Parking: Plenty of parking around Station Approach, Morris Street, Tesco and Sheringham Park.
- Promenade access: Great access for prams and scooters.
Dog restrictions
Sheringham Beach has restrictions in place from May to September, banning dogs from the stretch between the Lifeboat Station and the beach huts. However, dogs are allowed on a lead along the promenade.
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Swimming safety
Norfolk beaches are very tide sensitive so always adhere to flag warnings in lifeguard season.
3) Mundesley Beach
Mundesley, another Blue Flag beach, fully deserves its status due to its soft sandy beach, classic colourful beach huts, amazing sea views from the cliff-top promenade and gorgeous coastal gardens. At low tide there are creature filled rock pools and easy-to-reach crabbing spots close to the beach entrance. Off the sand kids will love to visit the beautifully restored Stow Mill, which can also be admired from the promenade.
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Beach facilities for families
- Lifeguards: Lifeguards operate seasonally, generally May–September.
- Toilets/disabled facilities: Disabled friendly toilets.
- Parking: Parking is readily available near the beach, with numerous amenities close by.
- Family interest: The coastal gardens above the beach are perfect for sea view picnics.
Dog restrictions
Mundesley has a designated dog-free zone during peak season from May–September, with details shown on local information boards/maps.
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Swimming safety
Safe swimming is advised during lifeguard season and between the flags; keep an eye on tides and any currents near the wooden groynes.
4) Sea Palling Beach
Sea Palling is ideal for families because its soft golden sandy shores are very spacious, so it feels more peaceful than other resort beaches. This Blue Flag beach on the East Coast offers calm swimming areas, beach huts and cafés, with sheltered rock pools for easy exploring and crabbing opportunities around groynes and sea defences.
Beach facilities for families
- Lifeguards: Seasonal RNLI lifeguards typically operate May-September.
- Toilets/disabled facilities: Toilets offer disabled access and baby-changing.
- Parking: Plenty of parking available close to the beach.
- Great for: Kids playing on the sand and paddling in the sea.
Dog restrictions
There are restrictions on dogs from May to September from the area left of the access ramp, with the right side of the access ramp being dog-friendly all year round.
Swimming safety
Follow lifeguard flags but waters are generally calmer on the right side of the access ramp. Smaller children should be properly supervised around changing tides.
5) Wells-next-the-Sea Beach
Wells Beach is picture postcard perfect, surrounded in idyllic pinewoods and sandy dunes with colourful beach huts backing an enormous expanse of soft sand. It’s brilliant for families who want space to run wild and build epic sand forts without bothering anyone. This beach delights photographers with stunning wooded coastal paths and the kids will relish a delve into the tidal rock pools and creeks or crabbing at the picturesque harbour. Don’t miss a ride on the miniature railway.
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Facilities for families
- Lifeguards: Patrolled by RNLI lifeguards typically from June–September.
- Toilets: Very good (clean and modern) toilet facilities.
- Parking: A large pay & display car park at the entrance to the beach.
- Getting there: It’s a longer walk from the parking areas to the beach, but the wooded paths amongst the pines are well worth the effort.
Dog restrictions
Wells Beach is popular with dog walkers, but there are restrictions near main entrances/beach huts, although large stretches remain totally dog-friendly, just follow the very clear signage.
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Swimming safety
As with all of Norfolk’s wide, tidal beaches, be cautious of strong waves and stay within the flags.
6) Holkham Beach
Holkham Beach is a thrill for families who love nature with miles of sand, dunes, pine woods and space to run free. It is connected to a National Nature Reserve and Holkham Estate, giving it an unspoiled quality that has made it a popular film location. It is ideal for exploring, kite flying, dune picnics, and nature trails, spotting wildlife along nearby tidal creeks and rock pooling. Don’t miss a visit to Holkham Hall Estate to see the deer.
Beach facilities for families
- Parking & amenities: Holkham Estate visitor areas include a beach café and plenty of parking.
- Toilets & accessibility: Toilets are available at Holkham’s visitors and lookout area.
- Accessible terrain: Most of the path between Holkham and Wells Beach is flat and accessible.
Dog restrictions
Due to sensitive wildlife Holkham encourages dogs-on-leads during ground-nesting season with roped-off areas and clear signage.
Swimming safety
This vast, flat, tidal beach can be deceiving so monitor kids and never underestimate distances because a quick paddle can seem a few minutes stroll away but require a scramble back to avoid an incoming tide. Check tide times.
7) Brancaster Beach
A far cry from the resort beaches in Norfolk, Brancaster offers a totally wild beach experience with dreamy seascapes of vast golden sands whilst providing convenient beach facilities. This gorgeous stretch offers unforgettable dune walks and space to launch jumbo kites without stepping on toes. Kids can enjoy rock pooling around the tidal channels and epic crabbing fests around the harbour.
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Facilities for families
- Toilets: National Trust toilets are available next to the car park
- Parking: Pay-and-display parking close to the beach.
- Café: There is a seasonal kiosk that sells snacks, ice-creams, refreshments and hot drinks
Dog rules
Generally dog-friendly with clearly signed seasonal roped-off areas for ground-nesting birds.
Swimming safety
Another tidal-sensitive coastline so caution should be taken around tide times, avoid channels, and keep children within arm’s reach near the waterline.
8) Hunstanton Beach
Lastly, if you are looking for fuss-free, easy seaside fun with all the trimmings then Hunstanton Beach is the place to be. The amusements and promenade snacks will guarantee happy, giggling kids, every parent dream! It delivers fast food, amusements, arcades and a fully loaded promenade, whilst still providing plenty of marine life. You’ll find top-notch rock pools near colourful cliffs, and great crabbing opportunities near the remains of the old pier.
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Beach facilities for families
- Toilets & cafés: Toilets and kiosks/cafés line the promenade.
- Access: Ramps onto the promenade/beach facilitate buggies/wheelchairs.
- Parking: Pay-and-display parking near the beach.
- Lifeguards: There are seasonal beach patrols from May-September.
Dog rules
Dogs are welcome all year round although there are some restrictions on parts of the main beach. Old Hunstanton Beach is totally dog friendly.
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Swimming safety
Check tide times as they move fast and always keep children close, choose shallow paddling and rock pools at low tide and avoid swimming in deep water.
Family Beach Safety Tips
- Choose lifeguarded beaches – If it’s all about swimming then follow the red/yellow flags when patrols are active.
- Check tide times – Always check tides before you arrive as Norfolk’s beaches can change a lot over a few hours.
- Look for Blue Flag/Seaside Awards – as a quick indicator of managed bathing areas and facilities (but still follow local safety signage).
- Dog rules vary by beach and season – generally 1 May–30 September in designated areas.
For your next family holiday by the sea in East England, consider renting one of the fabulous coastal cottages in Norfolk listed on Beachlets, many that enjoy sea views and allow well behaved pets. If you are travelling with pets, then you may want to check out our guide to dog friendly Norfolk beaches, offering great advice on where to go including where to stay.