2 days on the Norfolk coast: a weekend itinerary
Huge beaches, beach huts and a seal trip, planned around the tides.
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- Updated October 2026
The north Norfolk coast is a slow, outdoorsy weekend, so this plan uses a car and puts a long beach walk and a seal trip at the heart of it. Tides matter a great deal, since beaches change shape and boat trips depend on water depth, so check times before you finalise your plans.
Bring layers and waterproofs, because the coast is exposed even on sunny days.
Day 1: Holkham and Wells
- Morning: Walk on Holkham Beach, a huge sweep of sand backed by dunes and pine trees, and allow a couple of hours.
- Lunch: Eat in Wells-next-the-Sea, a small harbour town with a line of colourful beach huts.
- Afternoon: Walk along the quay or the pine-fringed beach at Wells, or visit Holkham Hall if you prefer a house visit.
- Evening: Have dinner at a village pub, for example in Burnham Market or Blakeney, booked ahead.
Day 2: Seals and the coast
- Morning: Take a seal-watching boat trip from Blakeney or Morston Quay, timed for the tide.
- Lunch: Eat in Blakeney, or at a village cafe near the quay.
- Afternoon: Visit Cley Marshes for birdwatching, or drive to Cromer for its pier, or to Sheringham for a steam train ride.
- Heading home: Leave in the late afternoon to avoid traffic on the coast road.
Where to stay
Wells-next-the-Sea is a good all-round base. Blakeney and Cley are quieter, and Cromer and Sheringham offer more shops and attractions in traditional seaside towns.
Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.
Getting there and around
- From London: About 2 hours by train to Norwich, then the Bittern Line to Cromer or Sheringham. A car is easier for the coast.
- From Manchester: About 4.5 to 5 hours by car. It works better as a longer trip.
- From Liverpool: About 5 hours by car. It works better as a longer trip.
A car is by far the easiest way to get around the coast, as buses and trains are limited. Parking at the beaches is busy in summer and charged, so arrive early.
If it rains
If it rains, swap the beach for a house visit at Holkham, the museums in Cromer and Sheringham, and a long pub lunch.
Packing list for Norfolk coast
Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.
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More kit guides: Beach and coast gear Walking gear Dog travel gear
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car on the Norfolk coast?
Almost always. There are coastal buses and trains to Cromer and Sheringham, but a car gives far more freedom.
How do tides affect the trip?
Seal trips depend on water depth, and some beaches are only walkable at low tide, so check times before you plan.
Is the coast good for dogs?
Yes. It is one of the most dog-friendly parts of the country, but check signs for seasonal beach restrictions.
Keep planning
Wide sandy beaches, salt marshes and seal trips
A day at Holkham BeachHolkham, NorfolkHolkham Beach is one of the largest and most beautiful beaches in England, a vast sweep of sand backed by dunes and pine woods within a national nature reserve.
Blakeney Point seal tripBlakeney and Morston, NorfolkBlakeney Point is a long sand and shingle spit on the north Norfolk coast, and a nature reserve with large colonies of grey and common seals.
North Norfolk Railway (the Poppy Line)Sheringham to Holt, NorfolkThe North Norfolk Railway, known as the Poppy Line, runs heritage steam and diesel trains about five miles through woodland and heath between Sheringham and Holt, passing the coast at Weybourne.
Last reviewed October 2026. Prices, opening times and travel details change, so check before you go. Report an error or share a tip.