If you are looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience in the UK, Horsey Gap in Norfolk is the place to be. Known for its stunning coastline and rich biodiversity, Horsey Gap offers a unique opportunity to watch seals in their natural habitat.
In this blog, I will guide you through everything you need to know about visiting Horsey Gap, including how to get there, rules of the beach, parking facilities, nearby attractions, and places to stay.
Personal Experience
When I visited the beach at Horsey Gap with my family, we had the best time watching the seals, the biggest surprise was the amount of them in the sea and in groups all along the coast. We have such wonderful memories from our trip to Norfolk together and would certainly return again one day.
My family and I were looking forward to a day out together but had no sure plans where to go. Our daughter, Jemma had heard about the seals at Horsey Gap beach in Norfolk, she researched it and found us a good route to take by car. It looked like a fun idea, despite the distance from home, my husband didn’t mind driving, and we were all in agreement that we’d love to search for seals in Norfolk, our youngest son, Jeremy, included.
It was an August day trip, and the weather was good but cloudy mostly with some sunny spells. The cloudy weather made the sea look a slight shade of grey, making the seals blend into the waves, but once we spotted them it was fantastic to watch them pop up and bob down under the waves again, watching us too. It was a shock to us how many grey seals were there. We hadn’t expected to see so many.
As we walked along the beach there were more seals of different ages basking on the shore line. Of course we kept ourselves a long distance away so as not to disturb them in any way, and our dog, Bandit on his lead. I had to zoom in to get photos, I should have taken my extra lens with me had I been properly prepared.
Our eldest son came along with us too that day. He taught us some yoga moves while on the beach and that was lots of fun too, learning new moves peacefully at the top of the beach.
If you follow the basic rules to safeguard the seals wellbeing and stay quiet, you’ll have a wonderful visit and enjoy seeing lots of beautiful seals in the wild, behaving naturally. They really are a wonderful sight. Noise scares them and they’ll go back into the sea where they feel safe. At one point a helicopter passed overhead along the coast, and the colony of seals all barked their disapproval and belly flopped into the sea where they stayed a while before settling down again to rest.
The beach itself is a mixture of sand and shale and at the time we visited in late August, it was rather quiet in terms of visitors. These were absolutely perfect conditions for seeing lots of seals in their natural habitat. I’ve never seen so many seals in the wild like this before and it was a wonderful sight to see.
My photos don’t give the experience full justice, but you get the idea hopefully, of a beautiful beach full of happy healthy seals and a very memorable family day trip.
How to Get to Horsey Gap
Horsey Gap is located on the northeastern coast of Norfolk, part of the picturesque Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The nearest town is Great Yarmouth, about 15 miles away, making Horsey Gap easily accessible by car.
By Car
If you are driving, enter “Horsey Gap” or postcode “NR29 4EQ” into your GPS. The journey from Norwich takes about 45 minutes, while from London, it is roughly a 3-hour drive.
By Public Transport
Though public transport directly to Horsey Gap is limited, you can take a train to Great Yarmouth or Norwich and then catch a bus or taxi. The bus route 1/1A from Great Yarmouth will take you to the village of Horsey, from which it is a 30–40-minute walk to the beach.
Best Time to Visit
The peak seal-watching season is from November to January when seal pups are born. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.
Rules of the Beach at Horsey Gap
To protect the seals and ensure the safety of visitors, it is important to follow the rules of the beach:
1. Keep Your Distance: Stay at least 10 meters away from seals. They may look friendly, but they are wild animals and can become aggressive if they feel threatened.
2. No Dogs Allowed in pupping season: To prevent disturbances to the seals, dogs are not allowed on the beach during the pupping season.
3. Stay Quiet: Seals are sensitive to noise. Speak quietly and avoid sudden movements to prevent startling them.
4. Stick to Designated Paths: Follow the marked paths to avoid trampling sensitive dune habitats and to get the best views of the seals.
5. No Flash Photography: Flash photography can distress the seals, so ensure your camera flash is turned off.
6. Respect the Wardens: There are volunteer wardens present during peak season. Follow their guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone.
Parking Facilities at Horsey Gap
Horsey Gap has a small car park close to the beach, which can fill up quickly during peak season. The parking fee is typically around £3 for a few hours. From the car park, it’s a short walk to the beach and seal viewing areas.
Alternative Parking:
If the main car park is full, additional parking is available at the nearby Horsey Mill, operated by the National Trust. From here, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the beach along scenic footpaths.
Other Places of Interest Nearby
While the seals are the main attraction, there are several other places of interest worth exploring in the area:
Horsey Windpump: A restored National Trust windpump offering panoramic views of the Norfolk Broads. Take a leisurely stroll around the area and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
The Norfolk Broads: Just a short drive from Horsey Gap, the Norfolk Broads is a vast network of rivers and lakes, ideal for boating, walking, and birdwatching.
Winterton-on-Sea: Another nearby coastal village with sandy dunes and a beautiful beach, perfect for a peaceful walk.
Great Yarmouth: For a more lively experience, visit Great Yarmouth with its traditional seaside attractions, including amusement arcades, museums, and restaurants.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Near Horsey Gap
Whether you’re looking for a cozy cottage, a charming B&B, or a luxurious hotel, the area around Horsey Gap has something for everyone:
1. The Lion at Somerton: A traditional inn offering comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere, located just a few miles from Horsey Gap.
2. Horsey Holiday House: A self-catering cottage perfect for families, situated in the heart of Horsey Village.
3. The Norfolk Mead Hotel: Located in Coltishall, this luxurious hotel offers beautifully furnished rooms, a spa, and fine dining, about a 30-minute drive from Horsey Gap.
4. National Trust Holiday Cottages: For a unique experience, stay at one of the National Trust’s properties, such as Horsey Barns, offering rustic charm and easy access to the beach.
5. Parkdean Resorts Caister-on-Sea: If you’re traveling with family, this holiday park offers plenty of amenities, including a pool and entertainment, and is just a short drive from Horsey Gap.
Conclusion
Horsey Gap in Norfolk is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its incredible seal-watching opportunities, stunning scenery, and a wealth of nearby attractions, it’s perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Remember to respect the local rules to protect the seals and their environment, ensuring that this unique experience remains available for generations to come.
Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay, Horsey Gap offers a blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and peaceful relaxation that you won’t soon forget.
When we visit Norfolk, our usual place to relax is at Burnham Overy Staithe beach, but now we have enjoyed Horsey Gap beach, we’re spoilt for choice.
This was a trip our family will remember forever and I hope you enjoy reading about this wonderful beach, and this lovely seal colony. If you decide to visit, just keep to the rules and don’t forget that it’s their home you’re visiting.
