5 beaches to visit within an hour’s drive of Norwich

But the coast is more than accessible from the county's capital, with a bevy of sandy destinations less than an hour's drive.

We take a look at some of the best beaches you can enjoy within an hour from Norwich.

1. Horsey Gap

Travel time: 51 mins

Whale watchers take to Horsey Gap's dunes for a chance of spotting the elusive cetaceans (Image: Newsquest)

Horsey Gap is renowned for its long sandy beach and seal colonies which can be spotted all year round.

Backed by one of the largest sand dunes on the east coast, this beach is often deserted outside of summer but is big enough to find a peaceful spot even during the high seasons. 

In the waterways just behind the beach is the National Trust-owned Horsey Windpump, a Grade II-listed Norfolk landmark that is hard to miss. 

2. Hopton Beach

Travel time: 55 mins

Hopton Beach was a favourite amongst Victorian Londoners seeking some sun and sea (Image: Newsquest)

Favoured by Victorian Londoners, Hopton Beach remains a top spot for beach lovers and is located only 55 minutes from the centre of Norwich. 

The wide sandy beach is punctuated with groynes and runs alongside low grassy cliffs that are ideal to picnic under. 

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The village of Hopton is home to amusement arcades as well as a number of places to grab something to eat and drink. 

3. Winterton Beach

Travel time: 49 mins

Winterton Beach is in an area of outstanding natural beauty (Image: Newsquest)

Winterton's dog-friendly beach has miles of soft sand for any pet owner to let their pooches loose.

A local cafe and restaurant, toilets, and disabled facilities allow for plenty of relaxing time as well, and a large car park at the top of the beach makes for a short walk to reach the sand.

Winterton is also a haven for wildlife with its Dunes National Nature Reserve both a site of special scientific interest and an area of outstanding natural beauty.

4. Trimingham Beach

Travel time: 51 mins

Trimingham Beach is the place to be for Norfolk fossil hunters (Image: Newsquest)

Trimingham has a secluded beach that is popular with surfers, dog walkers and fishermen alike.

The cliffs at Trimingham are the highest along the Norfolk coast, complete with defences to protect against erosion. 

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The cliffs are also composed of some of the youngest chalk in the United Kingdom and are well known as a spot for fossil hunting and collecting shells.

5. Weybourne Beach

Travel time: 57 mins

The beach at Weybourne has something for everyone (Image: Newsquest)

The gently-sloped pebble beach at Weybourne was once said to be the haunt of smugglers for its wide-open area and ease of entry. 

On days with a gentle inshore breeze, the cliff-top next to the beach is a handy site for launching paragliders.

Miles of footpaths and bridleways connect the beach to areas of outstanding natural beauty such as Kelling Heath and Muckleburgh.

Visitors can't miss the nearby Muckleburgh Collection which is the largest privately owned military museum in the country.