There are many seals along the Norfolk coast and this is a key area for them breeding in the UK. It is really important that you pay attention to them and follow the rules when going to watch them.
Keep back from them and keep your children back. They are big animals and can be aggressive if you get too close to them.
If you have a dog with you keep it on a lead at all times. Again seals can be aggressive so keep dogs well back.
I have been seal spotting in Norfolk a couple of times and find them fascinating. You do occasionally spot the odd one swimming in the sea in places like Winterton on Sea.
Best Places To Spot Seals In Norfolk
Here are my top 3 places!
1 – Horsey Gap
Horsey Gap is a section of beach that is accessible from most of Norfolk and if you want to see seals this is the place to go. There is a car park (paid) by the beach and it is a short walk over the dues to the beach. Depending on the time of year depends on what you will see.
When we went, in the summer, there were a number of seals swimming in the sea and there were not far out at all. They seemed to be playing and having fun with each other oblivious to the people watching them.
There was only 1 seal out of the water sitting on the beach. In the winter when they have young there are usually a lot more of them on the beach. There is a viewing spot for this that is a right turn as you head out of the car park. The beach is closed off in parts to protect the young pups.
2 – Blakney Seal Cruises
If you are further round to the north coast then Blakney is a great place for a seal spotting trip. Blakney is on an estuary so you have to get a boat out to where the seals live out on Blankey point.
From the boat, you can see the full seal colony without getting too close to them. You will also see seals swimming around and playing in the water.
The cruises usually last around an hour and you get to see lots of seals. This is a great way to see them in a really natural environment. While in Blakeney you can pop into the excellent 2 Magpies bakery or do some crabbing if the tide is in (we’ve rated it as the top place for crabbing in Norfolk – See here).
3 – Sea Life Center, Hunstanton
The Sea Life Center in Hunstanton has a seal rescue centre inside. They have rescued and released over 750 seals. These can be from injured animals to pups that have been abandoned. They have a number of recovery bays and a seal pool where they can swim before being released.
When we went they had a number of seal pups in and they were absolutely adorable. These are grey and common seal pups that they are bringing up before releasing them.
Here is a video of them rescuing a seal pup
If you want to get really up close then you can book a seal feeding experience where you work with the staff to feed the seals their daily fish.
If you are heading to Norfolk then seal spotting is a great thing to do for all ages. If you are looking for a holiday in Norfolk we cover the best Norfolk lodge breaks on our site.
Seal Watching FAQs
From our experience, the best place to see seals in Norfolk is at Horsey Gap. They are there all year round.
You can usualy see baby seasl in Norfolk from Novemebr to Febuary. The best spots for this are Horsey Gap and Blakney Point.
There are many seals along the Norfolk coast and this is a key area for them breeding in the UK. It is really important that you pay attention to them and follow the rules when going to watch them. Keep back from them and keep your children back. They are big animals and can be aggressive if you get too close to them. If you have a dog with you keep it on a lead at all times. Again seals can be aggressive so keep dogs well back. I have been seal spotting in Norfolk a couple of times and find them fascinating. You do occasionally spot the odd one swimming in the sea in places like Winterton on Sea. Best Places To Spot Seals In Norfolk Here are my top 3 places! 1 – Horsey Gap Horsey Gap is a section of beach that is accessible from most of Norfolk and if you want to see seals this is the place to go. There is a car park (paid) by the beach and it is a short walk over the dues to the beach. Depending on the time of year depends on what you will see. When we went, in the summer, there were a number of seals swimming in the sea and there were not far out at all. They seemed to be playing and having fun with each other oblivious to the people watching them. There was only 1 seal out of the water sitting on the beach. In the winter when they have young there are usually a lot more of them on the beach. There is a viewing spot for this that is a right turn as you head out of the car park. The beach is closed off in parts to protect the young pups. 2 – Blakney Seal Cruises If you are further round to the north coast then Blakney is a great place for a seal spotting trip. Blakney is on an estuary so you have to get a boat out to where the seals live out on Blankey point. From the boat, you can see the full seal colony without getting too close to them. You will also see seals swimming around and playing in the water. The cruises usually last around an hour and you get to see lots of seals. This is a great way to see them in a really natural environment. While in Blakeney you can pop into the excellent 2 Magpies bakery or do some crabbing if the tide is in (we’ve rated it as the top place for crabbing in Norfolk – See here). 3 – Sea Life Center, Hunstanton The Sea Life Center in Hunstanton has a seal rescue centre inside. They have rescued and released over 750 seals. These can be from injured animals to pups that have been abandoned. They have a number of recovery bays and a seal pool where they can swim before being released. When we went they had a number of seal pups in and they were absolutely adorable. These are grey and common seal pups that they are bringing up before releasing them. Here is a video of them rescuing a seal pup If you want to get really up close then you can book a seal feeding experience where you work with the staff to feed the seals their daily fish. If you are heading to Norfolk then seal spotting is a great thing to do for all ages. If you are looking for a holiday in Norfolk we cover the best Norfolk lodge breaks on our site. Seal Watching FAQs Where is the best place to see seals in Norfolk? From our experience, the best place to see seals in Norfolk is at Horsey Gap. They are there all year round. When can you see baby seals in Norfolk? You can usualy see baby seasl in Norfolk from Novemebr to Febuary. The best spots for this are Horsey Gap and Blakney Point. Other Things To Do In Norfolk
We’ve all done it. Lugged around a suitcase that was far too heavy, only to come home with two-thirds of it unworn. Packing a suitcase for a UK holiday is a mundane task which requires far more thought than you think, particularly when packing for a country with changeable weather, like the UK. This is why packing at the last minute or in a haphazard manner is bound to cause you daily irritation throughout your holiday in the UK. With some simple, top travel packing tips in hand, you can transform your suitcase packing forever. From ensuring you only take what you need to whether to roll or fold, the benefits of packing pods and how to maximise space here’s all the best UK holiday packing hacks, including top dos and don’ts, to make packing easier. Top 9 UK Holiday Packing Hacks Packing pods: For the most organised suitcase, packing pods are a must-have space-saving accessory. Commonly known as packing cubes due to their usually rectangular size, packing cubes make it easy to separate clothing and accessories for travel. Keeping clothes protected inside your suitcase, packing pods come in all sorts of different colours and sizes. Popular features for pods include breathable material, see-through sides for easy visibility, water-resistance and sections for clean and dry clothing. You’ll even find your packing cubes speed up packing and unpacking because you can lift each packing cube out of the suitcase and into your hotel storage, saving tons of time. Rolling v Folding: Before packing cubes, rolling was the thing to do. It still is….if it’s good enough for tidying queen Marie Kondo – it’s still got value for us. If you don’t have packing pods to hand or have clothes leftover once your pods are packed, rolling is the way to go. See how it is done here – Rolling clothes for UK travel is a top packing hack because it: enables you to see each item of clothing easily, saves space in your suitcase, prevents the muddle which occurs when you have to trawl through folded clothes, banishes wrinkles by compressing items and keeps everything organised. Now here’s which items to pack when holidaying in the UK. Pack layers for a UK holiday: Holidaying in the UK could involve a number of different types of weather so it’s important to pack a selection of simple cover-ups you can layer on if the weather changes. A scarf, trusty jumper/s, a waterproof jacket (if it’s winter make sure it’s thick) and an umbrella are the ultimate must-haves to take you through any UK weather. T-shirts make a good base you can add layers over easily if required. For shoes, pack water-resistant comfy shoes, such as trainers. Depending on what you plan to do during your stay, you may also need to bring walking boots and thick socks or even wellies if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors during your UK holiday. Self-catering holiday cottage dos: If you’re taking a beautiful UK holiday cottage vacation you’ll have extra to pack. First, check what will be provided at your holiday cottage so you know what you need to bring in advance. Next book yourself a food delivery from the nearest supermarket delivery service at least 6 weeks in advance of your holiday. Supermarket deliveries are available across the UK from national UK supermarkets, such as Sainsbury’s and Tesco but get booked up early. Don’t get carried away and order a full week’s shopping. Remember you’ll be out most of the time so run through the number of meals you’ll need to cook plus things like breakfast and picnics. Make a rough plan then order what you’ll need. For those items, you’ll only use a few of them, bring them from home so you don’t end up returning home with almost-full packets of goods you already have in the cupboard. Self-catering UK holiday essentials so many people forget to pack are: bin bags toilet roll tupperware containers kitchen towel detergent washing up gloves a torch device chargers (make sure there’s enough for multiple devices to charge at the same time) first aid kit swimming costumes or trunks beach towels backpacks and cool bags for picnics and excursions stair gate for small children baby wipes dog food, dog bowl and dog bed (if staying in a pet-friendly holiday cottage). UK road trip must-haves: If your UK holiday will take the form of a road trip, whatever the season, make sure your car is packed evenly and don’t be tempted to overfill the car!don’t forget you’ll need to pack: a valid driver’s licence adequate insurance cover including emergency breakdown cover sunglasses hand sanitiser USB charger an ice scraper a cloth in case the windows get steamed up inside a SAT nav a spare tyre and jack water and snacks (it can be long-distance to the next service station where purchases are always pricey). Think travelling around: The biggest don’t is to remember this is a holiday so don’t pack as you’ll be at home! From devices to books, too many clothes, shoes, magazines and accessories, the fastest way to ruin your holiday packing is to try and re-create your everyday experience on holiday. We go on vacation to relax, unwind and throw caution to the wind, which means your usual routines, high-level maintenance and pressures are gone. You’ll be busy doing and seeing lots or nothing in turn, soaking in new experiences so all you need are essentials. Reduce dirty clothes: If you really need to maximise space or travel lightweight, bring essential laundry tools so you can wash dirty clothes whilst you’re away meaning you’ll have fewer clothes to bring and carry. A travel washing line and mini detergent will ensure you can wash and re-wear clothes as often as you choose. Make every space count: Holidays are about comfort so bring lightweight clothes you can wear multiple times and keep accessories to a minimum. Opt for materials which travel easily and fill spaces in your shoes and case with smaller items, such as socks and toiletries. Use travel-size toiletries or pop larger toiletries into travel size containers. Make a list first: Make a list of what you think you need, then re-read this checklist and remove at least a third! So that’s your packing organised! Browse our luxury holiday accommodation to find the perfect UK holiday lodge or cottage for family and friends. From dog-friendly lodges to holiday accommodation with fantastic kids’ play areas and pools or tranquil hot tubs, fishing lodges or golf courses, discover your perfect UK holiday lodge today. Other content from our holiday blog
From the resplendent Norfolk Broads to its magnificent coastline, Norfolk is a spectacular place to holiday. Historic towns and pretty villages sit alongside magnificent nature reserves, undulating landscapes and spacious beaches, ready for families and friends. Whether you prefer your sands, tidied and civilised or wild and free, Norfolk’s coastline offers plenty of both and is dog-friendly too. Perfect for fun both indoors and out, there’s all the space, gardens and scenery you need for rousing hikes and cycling, strolls, watersports, golf, fishing and more. For indoors, there are aquariums, zoos, stately homes, galleries, theatres and artisan crafts. Norfolk’s crowning glory, Norwich, is a feast of elegant history, green spaces and a buzzing market town. Indeed, church-rich Norwich is said to have more pubs than churches! Rural experiences are interspersed with waterways, marshes, castles and lively towns, such as Holt and Burnham, so there’s always something to keep you entertained. Luxury cabin accommodation that’s dog-friendly with longs walks, beautiful scenery and more fit perfectly here. Even the Queen likes it – her beloved Sandringham Estate is located in Norfolk. Don’t forget Kate, Wills and the children escape here too. Here’s all you need to know about the best places to visit in Norfolk for the best place to holiday this year. What is good about holidays in Norfolk? Best Norfolk Beaches: Norfolk’s beaches are a delicious tale of two halves with gentrified, legendary beaches in the North, such as Cromer and Great Yarmouth, alongside gorgeous wilds in the east, such as Horsey and Waxham – there’s something for every day. You can enjoy the best of both amidst the tantalising blue of the North Sea. Dog-friendly, blue-flagged and spacious, unlike Cornwall or Devon, you can run free, spread out in peace and soak in the gorgeous blue sea. Fly a kite, visit Norfolk’s popular crabbing spots or take long walks over the sand dunes, along the coastal path in autumn and then, of course, there’s the wildlife. Best Norfolk Wildlife: Norfolk is as famous for its wildlife as its beaches and picturesque rural scenery. Here you’ll find grey seals, with pups easy to spot in winter alongside stunning rare birds, butterflies, otters, nightjars and more. Best Norfolk Nature Reserves & Gardens: Norfolk is home to lots of beautiful gardens and nature reserves. Its biggest, Blakeney National Nature Reserve, will head straight for your heart on your numerous visits because you’re guaranteed to return. Located by the coast, alongside the cute grey seals at Blakeney Point you’ll find the beautiful wildflowers and birds which inhabit Blakeney Freshes, the untouched wilds of Friary Hills, Stiffkey Saltmarshes, magnificent Wentworth Castle Gardens and more. Best Norfolk Historical Places to Visit: There are a large number of fascinating stately homes to visit in Norfolk, such as Houghton Hall and Bickling Estate, as well as the Queen’s historic Sandringham Estate. You’ll also find castles, such as Norwich Castle and monumental Norwich Cathedral. Why not head to vibrant Norwich where you can explore towering Norwich Cathedral, Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery and the elegant town itself? Packed with artisan boutiques, great shopping, tons of gorgeous foodie outlets, endless entertainment, the River Wensum and of course, pubs – you’ll be back! Best Norfolk Family Days Out: There’s something for every age on a holiday in Norfolk and nothing is better than an indulgent picnic on the beach or the Broads. Historic Cromer Pier, the UK’s last proper pier with traditional entertainment, is a must but if you want big thrills for the little ones stop off at Amazona Zoo, Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure or BeWILDerwood. For the big kids – it’s Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach of course! Sure it’s been there for a while but Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach is brimming with traditional and contemporary rides plus a 4D cinema, aquarium, restaurants and more. It’s still the best family day out in Norfolk with enough rollercoasters, candy floss and rock to ensure everyone comes home sticky and happy. Best Places To Stay In Norfolk: You are spoilt for choice looking for Luxury lodge accommodation in Norfolk. You will find breaks with hot tubs, golfing and more, which is the perfect retreat for this phenomenal rural location. Browse gorgeous luxury Norfolk lodges for families and couples, including dog-friendly cottages. Whether you want to relax in a sumptuous hot tub after a long day or unwind with a tranquil fishing lake or golf course just outside your door. Alternatively, keep the children fully entertained with thrilling play areas and pools, find your perfect Norfolk cottage for a glorious holiday in Norfolk. To luxury Norfolk cottages in Yakham, Burgh, Suffolk and more Latest posts from our Norfolk blog
Key Information Facilities About The Site View On Map In The Area Site Map Questions Key Information – Swanbrough Lakes Lodges 12 Lodges on site Suitable for families Suitable for couples 7 Miles to nearest beach (16 minute drive) Selected lodges have hot tubs Carp fishing is available on site Lodges 3 to 9 allow pets – outside is not fenced in – Charges apply per dog Like the look so far? Why not share it with your friends? Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email On Site Facilities No restaurant on site – 3 pubs in walking distance Lake on site – Carp fishing – Booking required In lodge Wifi Parking by lodge for 1 car (Lodge 12 has double parking) Disabled access lodges Cycle trails nearby Spa on site 3 Golf courses within a 20 minute drive What You Will Find At Swanborough Lodges Swanborough Lodges are modern luxury lodges that have been recently built. This is a small lodge park that would suit couples and families. The lodges are well-positioned and angled to improve privacy and to make the most of the spectacular views. When booking your lodge you can select from a hill view or a lake view, both look great. These lodges have been well designed with the living areas mainly glazed to the front to maximise the views. One thing we really like is a number of them have a utility room with a washing machine. This is great for leaving your shoes and coats meaning the lodge does not feel packed with clutter. This is also a bonus if you have children’s toys, pushchairs, high chairs etc with you. Most of the lodges have hot tubs so you can sit back relax and take in the views. For the anglers, there is a fishing lake on site. This is a carp fishing lake called Swanborough Lakes and it looks to be a good venue, please read the fishing information below if you are interested in fishing while on site. There is a lot to do near the site, with a National Trust property just down the road. There are 3 pubs that you can take a stroll to and beaches within driving distance. There are also a lot of nice villages nearby. If you want to go further afield there is the South Downs national park around an hour’s drive away. What Else Will You Find On Site Lodge Extras When booking your stay, or closer to the time you can add on extras that will be in your lodge when you arrive (You need to order at least 48 hours before you arrive). At the time of writing the following extra were available – Flowers in your lodge on arrival – A choice of bouquets Brownie and blondie slabs – Amazing bakes fresh for you on arrival, delicious! Luxury breakfast/ lunch/ BBQ packs – All local produce in eco-friendly packaging Fishing rental/guide – Spend a day fishing with an hour of tuition to start with, includes all bait and tackle. Dogs, charges apply per dog Spa The Spa is not on site but is a couple of minutes down the road. They offer a range of treatments to help you relax. Please find the spa here – readingroomdayspa.com Fishing at Swanborough Lakes Three is an active fishing community on the Swanborough Lakes Facebook group and is worth checking out if you want to see the carp. It looks a popular spot and in the warmer months, it would be advisable to pre-book your peg if you want to fish while there. In total there are 3 lakes on the site with carp going to 37LB according to the website. The Facebook group shows there is a very good head of decent carp in the lakes. Check the website for the guide to the lakes before booking your spot. The owners of the group seem responsive and are always posting. The other members seem friendly so if you have any questions post in the group and someone should help you out. All of the lakes are stocked with carp to at least 27LB. The tench lake or decoy lake look good for family fishing adventures. The specimen lake is the one for the serious carp anglers. How To Find Swanborough Lodges What Is In The Local Area Sussex is a beautiful part of the country and you will find lots to do nearby. You can visit historic buildings, go to the beach or check out the Brighton seafront, all within an hour’s drive from the lodges. Distances To Nearest Facilities 5 minute drive to nearest shop 15 minute walk/ 2 minute drive to nearest pub (1 mile) 15 minute drive to nearest beach 15 minute drive to nearest golf course Swanborough Lodges Site Map *Site map was taken from the source and is subject to change, check the website for the most up to date information. The lodges are split between lake view and hill view – both views look fantastic. Frequently Asked Questions Do the lodges have hot tubs? Cat the time of checking it appears they all have hot tubs. Please confirm before booking as this is subject to change. Do the lodges at Swanborough have private fishing? No, there is fishing on site at 3 lakes but there is no lodges with private pegs. Is there on site food and drink? No, there is no food or drink on site. There are pubs and shops very close by and the option to pre-order food baskets to your lodge for arrival. Are there any pubs in walking distance? Yes, there are 3 pubs in close proximity – see the website for details of how to find them. Are the lodges suitable for children? The lodges are suitable for families. There is no fencing around the outside on the grass so they will be free to run around! Do they allow dogs at Swanborough Lodges? Yes, selected lodges are dog friendly. An extra charge is incured per dog. Can you park next to your lodge? As you can see from the map above you can park by most of the lodges. Lodges 6,7 & 8 have a lake view and it is a very short walk from where you park. Read Our Latest Lodge Reviews Suffolk Swanborough Lodges Simon Grainger Posted on April 12, 2022 Uncategorized Wigmore Lakes Lodges: Hot Tubs & Fishing In Shropshire Simon Grainger Posted on April 7, 2022 Suffolk High Lodge Leisure – Lodge Review: Great All Round Fishing + Hot Tubs! Simon Grainger Posted on February 14, 2022 Lake District Brayton Park Luxury Lodges: Wild Carp Fishing – Hot Tubs & Stunning Views Simon Grainger Posted on February 14, 2022 Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email
