Introduction
Norfolk is known for its majestic skies, pristine coastline, gorgeous countryside, woodlands, nature reserves, Broads, and plenty of area for walks. Seals are residents on all beaches around the UK, although the majority reside around the north and east coasts. Scotland, eastern, and southeast coasts are home to common seals, whereas grey seals are encountered mostly near the eastern, northern, and western coasts. A glimpse of these beautiful and peace-loving sea mammals will make your trip to Norfolk memorable.
In this article, we will share the best locations and seasons to spot seals in their natural habitat.
Top Places to see seals in Norfolk
Norfolk beaches are home to seals, along the pristine Norfolk beaches, you will find colonies of grey and harbour seals all year round. You will find them lying on the beach and sunbathing all day. Along the Norfolk coast, ideal spots to spot seals are spotted Blakeney Point, Horsey Gap, Hunstanton, Waxham, Sea Palling, and Winterton.
Make sure you maintain a safe distance, and do not let your pets go close to seals, ensuring safety for all.
This is a guide for you to experience the best on your trip to Norfolk all around the year.
Horsey Gap (East Coast)
This beach is famous for sand dunes and for strolling for a seal sighting all year round. Horsey Gap is crowded, particularly during the winter months starting from November to February. This spot is known for grey seal colonies giving birth and nursing their seal pups right on the seashore.
The best time to visit Horsey Gap, Norfolk is during winter to catch sight of seals in large numbers. The dune side viewing point gives you a birds-eye sight of the new seal pups and their mothers. The seals in Norfolk are a heart-warming sight to witness shrouded by the most picturesque beach.
During winter, access to the beach is restricted, ensuring the seal residents’ space and safety. Be very careful and keep your dogs on lead and stop them from reaching close to the seals on the shore.
Blakeney Point (North Norfolk Coast)
Blakeney Point is an ideal spot for watching seals in Norfolk throughout the year. Blakeney Point is located near Blakeney, Morston, and Cley next to the Sea villages in the Norfolk region.
Blakeney Point holds significance as a reserve, with astonishing displays of breeding Tern colonies during summer and breeding grey seals during winter. Blakeney Point is an absolute joy for tourists as it is considered to be the biggest colony of seals in the UK.
You can spend one or two hours at Blakeney Point, boat tours are also available. During the months of June and August, common seals have birth, and during November and January, grey seals give birth.
Hunstanton (West Coast)
Finding the perfect spot for watching seals in the Norfolk region is not a problem if you visit Hunstanton (West Coast) during summer.
Hunstanton coast covers a vast shallow tidal sandbank, making it home to one of the most populated seal colonies in England.
Here you will find common seals, having rounded faces and ‘V’ shaped nostrils. If you visit Hunstanton Beach during June and August, you will explore large colonies of common seals as they give birth during that time of the year. The sight of seals on Norfolk beaches in Hunstanton mesmerizes everyone.
However, to have a closer look at these peaceful mammals, you should consider a boat trip. Seals are curious, so they bob up when a boat is roaming around them. Take the seal safari from Hunstanton,
Wizzy The Wash Monster (vessel) will take you and your family on an adventurous ride. The seal safari is available from May to September, multiple times a day.
Hunstanton beaches are best for seal sighting in the summer.
On your trip to Hunstanton, other than watching seals in Norfolk don’t miss the sunsets.
Scroby Sands (Great Yarmouth)
If you are looking for opportunities for seal-watching adventures, then plan a boat trip to Scroby Sands. Scroby Sands is known for grey seals, a wind farm since 2003, and many historic shipwrecks.
Scroby Sands is a dynamic offshore sandbank impacted by the tides and is home to seals in Norfolk. The boat trip to Scroby Sands is a magical experience and truly a rare one. On this trip, you will visit Scroby Sands off Great Yarmouth, where you will witness hundreds of seals in their habitat. The boat trip starts from Lowestoft’s South Pier, heads towards North past Ness Point, Gunton, Corton, Hopton, and Gorleston then outward to Scroby Sands to see the seals.
This trip will allow you to experience these beautiful marine mammals, and get fascinated by their friendly and curious nature. The response of seals will make you feel special and joyous. However, spotting a huge number of seals every time is not possible.
Different Types of Seals and Best Seal Watching in Norfolk
Norfolk is blessed with pristine beaches, sunsets, and lots of nature. The beaches are not just for walking on sand, swimming, and soaking sun. The best part is watching birds and sea animals along the Norfolk coast.
Here you will get the opportunity to spot seals in the Norfolk region. Watching seals relaxing on the seashore is a splendid experience.
The Norfolk beaches are home to seals, you will find different types of seals relaxing on sandy beaches when the weather is pleasant. The seals stay on the beaches during pupping season and otherwise.
The seals in Norfolk are particularly of two types, Halichoerus grypus known as the grey seal, and Phoca vitulina known as harbour seal or common seal.
The grey seals are larger as compared to common seals. The grey seals have longer heads, Roman noses with parallel nostrils, spots, and are generally grey.
The harbour seals are recognized by their distinct forehead-like short muzzle with nostrils in V-shape. The harbour seals have colour variations from black to blonde and grey with dark spots.
Seals follow a social and coordinated manner of life, you will find them in groups relaxing on the beach or swimming. The locations where you can spot seals in Norfolk are Horsey, Blakeney Point and Morston, Waxham Beach, and Brancaster and just off the coast of Great Yarmouth
Make sure to follow precautionary measures when you go to watch seals. Seals are sensitive and get disturbed easily, especially disturbing mother seals that harm seal pubs as they stop taking care of them.
In case of emergency, call the helpline and give accurate details and location so that staff can reach quickly and protect the seal.
Conclusion
Seals are a gorgeous and fascinating aspect of the Norfolk seaside wilderness, and worth a look. Every year seals in Norfolk are spotted at different locations including Horsey, Blakeney Point, Waxham Beach, and Brancaster. Make sure not to disturb seals and follow guidelines. We all must ensure that seals and their natural habitat. Why not check out all our other things to do in Norfolk guides
