Beaches & Coastal Areas

GORLESTON BEACH BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.5667, 1.7327
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

One of Norfolk's dog-friendly beaches, Gorleston Beach is a sandy beach that offers plenty of activities, including sailing, surfing, wind surfing and fishing opportunities. Local facilities include a cafe, toilets and disabled facilities, a first aid point and shop.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

GREAT YARMOUTH SOUTH BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.5963, 1.7388
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

South of Welling Pier is Great Yarmouth South Beach, featuring a wide sandy beach with grassy sand dunes, ideal for families wanting a quieter time, but still being close to all the action and fun around Marine Parade. On-street parking is available, where you will also find public toilets and disabled access to the beach. Dog walking welcome all year.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

GREAT YARMOUTH PIER BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.6052, 1.7396
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

The Great Yarmouth Pier beach can be found between Britannia and Wellington Piers next to Marine Parade. There are plenty of activities for all the family, and the promenade is home to plenty of shops, cafes and ice cream vendors. Deck chairs are available to hire at the beach, and boat trips that take daytrippers to Scroby Sands are popular. Lifeguards are in operation on the beach between April and September. Public and disabled toilets available.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

GREAT YARMOUTH NORTH BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.6322, 1.7428
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

A glorious sandy beach that reaches to the north of the seafront and Britannia Pier. Wide sand dunes are perfect for dog walking, and tennis courts and bowling greens are also located nearby, with a range of cafes. Parking is available on North Drive with disabled access to the beach and public toilets located nearby.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

LOWESTOFT (GUNTON DENES) BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.4958, 1.75833
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

CAISTER POINT BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.6462, 1.7375
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Caister Point beach in Norfolk is a great day out for all the family. Backed by sandy cliffs and dunes, this is a small family beach resort with all the usual facilities and entertainments you'd expect. Horseriding and golf are popular pastimes on the beach. Dogs are allowed. Local facilities include toilets, shops and parking nearby.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

LOWESTOFT (NORTH OF CLAREMONT PIER) BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.4683, 1.7488
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

This lovely wide beach is set in front of a promenade, cafe, shops and other facilities that make it perfect for families. Its sandy beach is great for watersports - although this is sectioned off. A lifeguard service is available during summer months, and dogs are banned from certain areas of the beach from May - September. Activities include surfing, wind surfing, jets-skiing, fishing and snorkelling.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

LOWESTOFT (SOUTH OF CLAREMONT PIER) BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.4638, 1.7452
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Gorgeous stretch of sandy beach known locally as Victoria Beach. Part of the area of Suffolk known as Sunrise Coast, water quality is good for swimming and bathing. Diving, snorkelling, lawn bowls and tennis are popular local activities. Lifeguard service is available during summer months.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

HEMSBY BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.6952, 1.7101
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

As one of the major tourist draws of Hemsby, the beach features miles of sandy coastline with large sand dunes forming a natural barrier between the village and beach. An unusual feature is the scattering of anti-tank blocks across the beach, a reminder of WWII coastline defences. The beach features fun fairs, crazy golf and childrens rides, as well as cafes, shops and amusement arcades.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

SEA PALLING BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.7906, 1.604
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Backed by sand dunes, Sea Palling Beach has lovely golden sands and sea that's perfect for swimming. Having won several Blue Flag awards for cleanliness and safety, the shallow sea is popular with windsurfers, canoeing and jetskiis. However, this is a very long beach, so it's easy to find a quite place to relax and take in the sun. A lifeguard is on duty from May to September. Kayak hire is available next to the beach during summer. A public car park is available at the nearby Beach Road.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

SOUTHWOLD THE PIER BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.3308, 1.687
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Southwold Pier is one of the finest examples of a pier beach to be found in the British Isles. Attracting thousands of visitors it is one of Suffolk's greatest attractions, and was awarded the prestigious title of 'Best Tourism Experience'. The beach is a fantastic place to relax, bathe and have some quality family fun together.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

SOUTHWOLD THE DENES BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.3193, 1.6787
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

A quiet shingle beach that is bordered by the River Blyth on one side, and the historic seaside town of Southwold, this beach provides good activities, including fishing and windsurfing. Toilets are situated nearby, and a cafe/restaurant can also be found nearby.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

MUNDESLEY BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.8769, 1.4418
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

A lovely sheltered beach with plenty of golden sand that's exposed at low tide, Mundesley Beach is set in front of low grassy cliffs and colourful beach huts. It's considered to be one of the best beaches on the North Norfolk coast, perfect for families. The coastal path is excellent for local walks with the children or dogs.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

CROMER BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.934, 1.3005
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

A popular destination for families, Cromer beach became popular in the Victorian period. It's a sand and shingle beach which backs onto the North Norfolk cliffs. A popular surfing beach due to its shelter and consistency of waves, this beach is one of seven beaches in Norfolk that has featured in the Marine Conservation Society's Good Beach Guide in 2005. Toilets, showering facilities, and a promenade with shops selling souvenirs, amusement arcades and cafes are also available. Lifeguards are on duty from Spring Bank Holiday to the end of the school summer holidays.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

EAST RUNTON BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.9372, 1.2742
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Sandstone cliffs loom large behind lovely beach at East Runton. When the tide is out you'll be treated to a large expanse of firm golden sand which is perfect for families or dog-owners. A car park is available at the top of the cliff, with toilet facilities available. Pubs and restaurants are also a short stroll away.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

SHERINGHAM BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.9462, 1.2165
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

When the tide is in you'll be forgiven for thinking that Sheringham beach is just a stony beach. However, wait for the right time and when the tide has retreated you'll be treated to a vast expanse of sand and rock pools for the kids to explore. Awarded a Blue Flag for cleanliness and visitor facilities in 2005, the beach's facilities include amusement arcades, beach huts for hire, toilets and The North Norfolk Steam Railway, a ten minute walk from the beach.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

FELIXSTOWE NORTH BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.9603, 1.3551
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

A wonderful seaside beach with plenty to do and see. The beach itself is sand and shingle that slopes gently towards the sea in its own sheltered bay, and backed by a two-mile promenade and gardens. Local facilities include catering, toilets (including disabled facilities), and convenience stores. Parking for around 100 cars is available nearby. Don't forget the Martello Coast Path that runs by the beach, perfect for family walks or dog walking.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

FELIXSTOWE SOUTH BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.9543, 1.3415
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Felixstowe South Beach is a wonderful shingle and sand beach that slopes gently towards the clear sea. Set in front of seafront gardens and a promenade with amusements, this beach has been awarded a Blue Flag and an ENCAMS Seaside Award for quality of water, its facilities and cleanliness. A pier is available nearby, as is crazy golf and a leisure centre.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

WELLS BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.9735, 0.8491
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Take a car from Wells and explore Wells beach with its fantastic views and excellent fish and chip shops. With a miniature railway for the whole family to enjoy, it's not all about sunbathing. Backed by pine trees and dunes, this unspoilt beach is perfect for birdwatching, although nearby you can take part in trampolining, boating, crazy golf and of course a bite to eat. A lifeguard is on duty at weekends from Wells Lifeguard Club. 300-space car park is nearby (pay and display).

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

DOVERCOURT BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type estuary
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.9287, 1.2737
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Situated between Walton and Manningtree in Essex, Dovercourt Beach could well be the best in Essex with its Blue Flag status. Renowned for being the location for the 80's sitcom Hi-De-Hi, there is plenty to do and see on and around the beach, including restaurants and hotels along the coast.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

WALTON BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.847, 1.2733
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

FRINTON BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.8284, 1.2464
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

HOLLAND BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.8131, 1.2259
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

HEACHAM BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type estuary
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.9092, 0.4715
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Heacham features two sandy beaches, North and South beach, and are ideal for lounging about on the golden sand or building sand castles with the children. It's the only beach in Norfolk that faces west, and it sits beautifully on the glorious North Norfolk coast.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

HUNSTANTON MAIN BEACH BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type estuary
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.9368, 0.4839
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Located just outside Hunstanton in Norfolk, Main Beach is renowned for its famous white and red striped cliffs. When the tide goes out the glorious sandy beach is exposed, and is extremely popular in the summer months. Facilities include toilets, cafes, restaurants and pubs, and a leisure centre is situated nearby. A Sea Life centre can also be found nearby, and children can take donkey rides along the beach. Pay and display parking is available.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.