Holkham Beach
Pinewoods, salt and freshwater marshes, sand dunes. With its vast and spectacular coastline this is an excellent place to relax, watch the tide ebb and flow, the migrating birds or a wonderful Norfolk sunset – Holkham has something to satisfy everyone.
Walk details
Length of walk: Waymarked from beach entrance as 250 yards and half a mile to viewing platforms
Location: North Norfolk coast between Wells and the Burnhams
Map Ref: TF 891447 Postcode: NR23 1AB (for Hall)
Getting there: Holkham is on A149 coast road two miles west of Wells-next-the-Sea, beach is accessed via Lady Anne’s Drive opposite the Victoria Inn
By public transport: Coasthopper stops at entrance serving the village businesses, beach and the hall, Coasthopper connects with nearest train station at Sheringham
By cycling or walking: Norfolk Coast Cycleway passes along the south of Holkham estate with a dedicated loop to the beach and Wells; Norfolk Coast Path passes along beach between Burnham Overy and Wells
Site owned/managed by Holkham Estate: tel. 01328 710227
Information boards at entrances to Lady Ann’s Drive and beach.
ACCESSIBILITY AND FAMILY PROVISION
Toilets: At The Lookout visitor centre at northern end of Lady Anne’s Drive car park. Also disabled and baby changing at Wells Beach about 1 mile through pinewoods to east.
Hire equipment available to borrow: None for beach
Wheelchair access: Disabled parking closest to beach, two waymarked walks with viewpoints and one viewing hide wheelchair accessible
For families: Sandy beach and pinewoods to explore
Dogs: On a lead or under close control on Holkham Beach, additional restrictions at Wells Beach
Access for all route
Start & Finish: From car park
Distance(s): Waymarked as 250 yards and half a mile to viewing platforms
Accessibility: Both routes and viewing platforms along with the hide were originally installed as part of a disabled access initiative in 2000
Gradients: Gentle slope to start of each walk; accessibility standard boardwalk slope to hide
Stiles & Gates: None
Surface: Compressed material, wooden boardwalks
Waymarking: Signs at beach entrance with additional waymarks around the site
Seating: Along the routes and at viewpoints
Specific hazards: Horse riders have a waymarked route onto the beach accessed at the entrance. Soft blown sand can cover boardwalks or leave a drop from boardwalk to surface alongside
Footwear/clothing: Shoes suitable for walking along open boarded boardwalk and compressed stone/gravel paths. The viewpoints are direct onto the north sea and can become windy and cold compared to the paths within the pinewoods
Facilities
On site
Parking: Pay & display. Open 6am to 9pm April to September, 6am to 6pm October to March with no overnight parking allowed. Charges from £2 for one hour to £7 all day when the ticket becomes valid at Holkham Hall and Wells Beach the same day.
Beach and woods: Open all year round
Nearby: Holkham village has shops and the Victoria Inn
Toilets: The Lookout at Holkham beach, Holkham village and Wells beach