Our ESSENTIAL Norfolk beach guide: Swim, surf or sail at our top five picks

Looking to make the most of your summer in Norfolk?

Be sure to pack in all this coast has to offer with our essential beach guide. 

Whether you surf, swim, sail or soak up the sun wading in the North Sea's refreshing tides, here are our picks of Norfolk's top stretches of sand and shingle. 

5. Brancaster Beach- An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, when the tide is out sand stretches as far as the eye can see and is perfect for long, lazy strolls, dog walking, flying a kite or just making sand castles. It's also excellent for kite-surfing. To the east spy Scott Head Island and if you're lucky,   It's also a bit more accessible from parking say than Holkham or Wells and equals less moaning from weary children. Bonus! TIP- Best to do research before to learn best times and avoid high tide. 

4 1/2. Burnham Overy Staithe- Steeped in nautical history and rugged beauty Burnham Overy is an idyll for harnessing your inner sailor. Whether an old sea dog or beginner first mate- learn the ropes with confidence where Norfolk hero Lord Horatio Nelson got his sea legs. We recommend Faire Sailing for their comprehensive lessons in the gentle creeks and channels that make mastering the sea a bit easier.

4 Cromer Beach- Famous for the Cromer Pier and catching claws at altitude, Cromer is a quintessential English beach town with buckets of charm and family fun in spades. Swim, stroll or surf the tides as there is no shortage of things to do and see. Fancy your chance on the waves? Try Glide Surf School on the east promenade for surf hire and lessons for all levels. 

3. Wells-next-the-Sea - No list of Norfolk's best beaches is complete without mention of Wells; we attach the iconic Holkham Beach here, too, for good measure as the entire area is owned by the Holkham Estate. Well known for its iconic, colourful wooden beach huts, dramatic tides. No matter the tide you're guaranteed gorgeous views. We particularly love the low tide inlets that are prefect for paddle boarding when you'll likely spot the odd seal swimming nearby. Pack a lunch and be sure to head out early in the summer months as parking gets crowded and facilities are scarce.  

2. Weybourne- We don't know why, but there's a certain serenity to Weybourne that keeps us coming back to its shingled shores. Perhaps it's the unspoilt cliff-lined vista or distinct lack of crowds, or maybe it's the easy access and charming village. We love to swim its refreshing, deep waters and take in a spot of paddle boarding on calm, sunny days. Beware swimming at high tide as there are some underwater obstructions and steep shelving that is popular with the sun-bathing anglers whiling away the day.

1. Sheringham- Where shingle meets sand- bursting with charm Sheringham has something for everyone. Whether you surf, paddle board, kayak or swim Sheringham Beach is well worth a visit. Why go? The mixture of amenities, activities and scenery make it an ideal summer's day out. Sheringham has come into its own in recent years, with new beach side cafes like Salt with great coffee and tasty cocktails to enjoy a stunning sunset, Stubby's Pizza and food stalls Guac n' Mole. Happily it still retains its 'kiss-me-quick' charm and abundance of ice cream parlours. 

No matter where you head, summers in Norfolk mean layers. So grab your favourite spotted-seal hoodie, tee and cap and go make some memories!