With over 90 miles of coast, Norfolk has some of the country’s most varied coast and shoreline.
You can enjoy vast stretches of sand in front of you with space to walk where you like and as far as you like.
If you fancy a stroll along the beach, you can go as far as you like in either direction. The beach may change its name every mile, but it is one long stretch of sand most of the way around the Norfolk coast.
Here are some of our favourite beaches a short distance from Dairy Barns, all under a 15-minute drive away.
Sea Palling – Family Fun
This sandy expansive beach is ideal for walking, and dogs are allowed in certain areas. The village has plenty of cafes, shops, amusement arcades, and a pub. Treat yourself to a pint, fish and chips or a hot doughnut! This beach can get busy in the summer months, but there are multiple car parks and different routes down to the beach away from the crowds.
This is the closest beach to Dairy Barns in the next village, and you can even walk there in just over 30 minutes.
1.7 miles from Dairy Barns (5 min drive or 30 min walk).
0.9 miles from Willow Farm and Dune View Cottages (3 min drive or 18 min walk).
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Horsey – Popular for Seal Watching
Horsey Gap beach is tucked down a sandy track. If you want to come seal watching in Norfolk and you want to see baby seals, then Horsey beach is the place to come. You can park at Waxham and follow the coastal path to Horsey.
Visiting the seal colony at Horsey, especially when the grey seals have their babies in the winter, is a fantastic site. Around half the world’s grey seal population is found in the UK and they are a protected species and come onto the beach at Horsey, to have their babies and breed.
Last year over 2,000 fluffy white seal pups were born on the beach. It’s one of the highlights of Norfolk’s seasonal wildlife calendar and a must-see. It is magical to see these animals, but they are vulnerable to disturbance from people and their dogs, so please keep your distance and follow the advice given by the volunteer wardens at the beach during pupping season.
5 miles from Dairy Barns (12 min drive).
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Waxham – Sand Dunes
It’s beautifully hidden away amongst trees and sand dunes. It’s a Norfolk beach that’s a real gem, attracting those who like peace, quiet and tranquillity. Grab a hot drink or breakfast bap from Dunes Cafe.
2.3 miles from Dairy Barns (5 min drive).
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Happisburgh – Coastal Cliffs
Happisburgh Norfolk (pronounced Haysbrough) is most well-known for its striking red and white lighthouse. But many people don’t know that it also has a beautiful sandy and quite secluded beach. You can also walk along the cliff tops overlooking the beach.
5.6 miles from Dairy Barns (13 min drive).
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Cart Gap – Hidden Gem
Located at the end of a narrow, single-track lane, the beach here is somewhat off the beaten track. As with all the beaches along this stretch of coast, Cart Gap is a lovely sandy beach.
A little way back up the lane from the car park is Smallsticks Café. Set in an old flint barn, this tea room has a good selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals.
4.8 miles from Dairy Barns (11 min drive).
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For more information on Norfolk beaches, visit;
