Best Beaches in Norfolk for Kids
Planning a family day out to the beach? Norfolk is bursting with beautiful coastal gems that are perfect for little ones to explore, paddle, and play. Whether you're a local parent planning a weekend treat or visiting the county on a family holiday, Norfolk's coastline offers something for everyone. With wide sandy shores, gentle waves, and charming seaside towns, it’s easy to find the perfect beach for your family.
From traditional bucket-and-spade fun to seal spotting in the dunes, the Norfolk coast is packed with adventures. Many of the beaches here are well-equipped for families, with public toilets, baby-changing facilities, cafes, amusements, and easy parking. Whether you're entertaining toddlers, young children, or even just enjoying a slow stroll with a pushchair, this list is full of practical details to make your day as smooth as possible.
We've picked out 10 of the best beaches in Norfolk for kids, each with its own unique charm. You'll find a mix of peaceful nature spots and lively, amusement-filled promenades – all with important information like car parks, food stops, beach types, amusements, and whether dogs are allowed.
So pack the beach towels, snacks, sunscreen, and spades, and let’s explore the very best Norfolk has to offer for fun family beach days.
Map of Norfolk’s Best Family Beaches
Here’s a map highlighting the 10 best beaches in Norfolk for kids. Click each marker to view facilities, parking info, and family-friendly tips:
1. Sheringham
Sheringham is a charming seaside town that blends sandy stretches with shingle areas and exciting rock pools. The beachfront is full of character, with a traditional promenade, friendly cafes, and arcades. Families love exploring the rock pools at low tide or hopping aboard the North Norfolk Railway steam trains nearby. With lifeguards, toilets, and easy parking, it's a safe and accessible choice for little ones.
Beach Type: Sand and shingle, with rock pools at low tide.
Facilities: Sheringham has well-maintained toilets, baby changing facilities, and beach huts available for hire. There is a lifeguard service during the summer months, adding peace of mind for parents.
Car Parking: Large pay-and-display car park on Cliff Road (NR26 8BJ) just a short walk from the beach.
Food & Drink: Plenty of family-friendly cafes and takeaways nearby, including traditional fish & chips at "The Sheringham Trawler" and ice cream stalls on the promenade.
Amusements: You’ll find arcades and the North Norfolk Railway (Poppy Line), where kids can ride on steam trains!
Dogs: Seasonal restrictions apply (May to September) on the main beach.
2. Gorleston-on-Sea
Gorleston offers a huge sandy bay that’s perfect for sandcastle building, with calm waters and a splashpad for little ones to cool off. The promenade is wide and buggy-friendly, with plenty of places to stop for ice cream and fish & chips. The free paddling pool and nearby playground make this a full day out without having to travel far from your beach towel.
Beach Type: Wide sandy beach with a gentle slope into the sea.
Facilities: Lifeguards in summer, public toilets with baby changing, showers, and a large paddling pool. There's also a free splashpad and an excellent children's play area on the promenade.
Car Parking: Free Lower Esplanade Car Park (NR31 6BT) right by the beach.
Food & Drink: Cafes, fish & chip shops and kiosks along the promenade. "JayJay's Beach Cafe" is great for lunch with a view.
Amusements: Small amusement arcades, crazy golf, and an inflatable slide during summer months.
Dogs: Dogs allowed on the south end of the beach year-round; restrictions in place for the main section during summer.
3. Sea Palling
Sea Palling is a peaceful family beach with golden sands and sheltered waters, ideal for younger children. The reefs offshore help keep the sea calm and shallow. Parents love the relaxed vibe, ample facilities, and small amusements, while children can safely paddle and play to their heart's content.
Beach Type: Soft, golden sand protected by man-made reefs, creating calm, shallow waters.
Facilities: Lifeguards during summer, public toilets with baby-changing, a beach shop, and deckchair hire.
Car Parking: Large pay-and-display car park on Beach Road (NR12 0AL), 2 minutes' walk from the beach.
Food & Drink: The Beach Rock Bistro and Reefs Bar offer family-friendly meals. There's also a small general store and ice cream stand.
Amusements: A small arcade near the car park with rides and grabber machines for younger children.
Dogs: Allowed all year on parts of the beach; some summer restrictions in place.
4. Wells-next-the-Sea
Famous for its colourful beach huts and vast stretches of sand, Wells-next-the-Sea is a must-visit for families. Kids will adore the tidal pools and wide-open spaces, perfect for games and exploring. A miniature train adds a bit of excitement for little ones, and the Beach Café is a handy spot for refuelling between sandcastle sessions.
Beach Type: Sandy, with tidal pools and iconic beach huts.
Facilities: Toilets, baby-changing, lifeguards during peak season, and a large beach cafe with outdoor seating. Wheelchair and pushchair-friendly boardwalk to the sand.
Car Parking: Beach Road Car Park (NR23 1DR) with toilets and food onsite.
Food & Drink: The Beach Cafe offers hot meals, drinks, and ice creams. In town, try "French’s Fish & Chips" or "Plattens".
Amusements: No amusements at the beach, but the town has arcades and a small fairground. A miniature train runs between town and beach car park.
Dogs: Dogs allowed in certain zones year-round. Some areas restricted May to September.
5. Holkham
Holkham Beach is ideal for nature-loving families seeking space and tranquillity. The beach stretches as far as the eye can see, with dunes and pinewoods providing shelter and beauty. While there are no amusements, families enjoy paddling, kite flying, and picnicking in peace. The Lookout Café and clean toilets make it a comfortable choice for those with young children.
Beach Type: Natural, wide sandy beach backed by pine woods and dunes. Very clean and unspoilt.
Facilities: Toilets and baby-changing at the Lookout Cafe. Boardwalk from the car park makes access easier for prams.
Car Parking: Holkham Beach Car Park (NR23 1RG), pay-and-display, 10-minute walk to the beach.
Food & Drink: The Lookout Cafe serves snacks, drinks, and light meals. Additional options at Holkham Hall estate.
Amusements: None – this is a nature-lover’s beach, perfect for picnics and kite flying.
Dogs: Allowed all year, but must be on leads near nesting birds.
6. West Runton
West Runton is a smaller, quieter option where families can spend hours rock pooling at low tide. It's known for fossil hunting and its peaceful atmosphere. While there aren't amusements, nearby tearooms and the welcoming community vibe make this a lovely beach for a slower-paced family outing.
Beach Type: Sand and shingle with rock pools – great for exploring at low tide.
Facilities: Toilets, baby-changing, and beach shop. Lifeguards are present in summer.
Car Parking: Small pay-and-display car park near the slipway (NR27 9QP).
Food & Drink: Cafes and tearooms nearby, including "Seaview Beach Cafe" for snacks and drinks.
Amusements: None on the beach itself, but Cromer is just a few minutes' drive away for more entertainment.
Dogs: Seasonal restrictions apply on the main beach.
7. Winterton-on-Sea
Winterton is a wonderfully wild and sandy beach backed by rolling dunes. It’s perfect for a peaceful day out where kids can run free and spot seals during the colder months. The beach café and nearby pub offer a cosy retreat after a blustery beach walk, and the dog-friendly sands mean your furry friends can join in too.
Beach Type: Sandy and quieter, with dunes and seal sightings in winter months.
Facilities: Public toilets with baby-changing, beach shop, and information point. No lifeguards.
Car Parking: Beach car park at the end of Beach Road (NR29 4AJ), right next to the beach.
Food & Drink: "Poppy's Beach Cafe" offers hot food, drinks, and ice cream. A village pub nearby also serves food.
Amusements: No amusements – great for peaceful family days.
Dogs: Allowed all year round.
8. Brancaster
Brancaster is a National Trust beach offering huge sandy expanses ideal for kite flying and beach games. It's perfect for families who love the outdoors, with plenty of space for kids to run, splash in tidal pools, and hunt for shells. The lack of amusements means it stays peaceful, and local pubs provide tasty post-beach meals.
Beach Type: Expansive sandy beach, ideal for kite flying and beach games.
Facilities: National Trust toilets with baby-changing and outdoor showers. No lifeguards.
Car Parking: National Trust car park on Beach Road (PE31 8AX), 5-10 minute walk to the beach.
Food & Drink: "The Ship Hotel" and "Deepdale Cafe" nearby in the village for food and drinks.
Amusements: None – great for families looking for a calm day out.
Dogs: Allowed all year, though some areas are roped off during bird nesting seasons.
9. Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth is packed with classic seaside fun, from Joyland rides to arcades and crazy golf. The sandy beach stretches for miles, and there's no shortage of food stalls and attractions to keep the kids entertained. Whether you're visiting the Pleasure Beach or simply enjoying the promenade, it's a vibrant family destination for all ages.
Beach Type: Sandy and bustling, with a long promenade.
Facilities: Public toilets with baby-changing, showers, lifeguards, and beach wheelchair hire.
Car Parking: Numerous car parks including Central Beach Car Park (NR30 2EN).
Food & Drink: Huge variety including Sara’s Tearooms, beachfront kiosks, and restaurants.
Amusements: Joyland (perfect for younger kids), arcades, crazy golf, and Pleasure Beach theme park.
Dogs: Dogs not allowed on main beach during summer (May-Sept); allowed on south beach.
10. Cromer
Cromer combines a sandy beach with Victorian charm. Families love crabbing off the famous pier, exploring the rock pools, and enjoying a bag of fish & chips by the sea. With amusements nearby and lifeguards on duty, it’s a fun yet safe spot for a traditional British beach day.
Beach Type: Sandy with some shingle, and rock pools at low tide.
Facilities: Lifeguards in summer, public toilets, baby-changing, and deckchair hire. Crabbing spots along the pier.
Car Parking: Runton Road Car Park (NR27 9AU) and Meadow Car Park.
Food & Drink: No1 Cromer and various cafes and kiosks along the seafront.
Amusements: Pier with a theatre, arcades nearby, and traditional seaside stalls.
Dogs: Seasonal dog restrictions in place on main beach.
Our Final Thoughts
From lively, amusement-packed beaches to peaceful, unspoiled sands, Norfolk offers a wonderful range of kid-friendly beaches. Whether you're after a full day of classic seaside fun or a relaxed paddle with toddlers, you'll find the perfect spot along the coast. Remember to pack sun cream, buckets, spades, and a few snacks, and make the most of these beautiful family beaches in Norfolk!
