Pine woods to explore, miles of unspoilt golden sand and an escape from the typical commercialisation found on many Norfolk beaches makes Holkham Bay a hidden treasure. It’s one of my most favourite beaches in Norfolk for kids.
I’m not sure if Holkham Bay is a different name for Wells Beach or if they sit next to each other but it’s based in Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk.
You may need to walk miles to reach the shoreline but a shallow lagoon forms close to the beach, perfect for children to paddle and use floats.
How to get there? Well a lot of websites say to go via Lady Anne’s Drive on the A149 and then go on and complain about the lack of facilities. So, I parked at Holkham Beach Car Park on Beach Road, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1DR. There you will find a rustic and utterly adorable beach cafe selling cakes, ice cream and a good selection of lunch options. Comfortable seating areas, toilet facilities and a quaint yet charming shop is also located there. On the day that we visited a live band had set up, which was wonderful.
A few steps and a short walk up the sand dunes and you reach the beach. Walk past the cute pastel beach huts (about 10-15 minutes) and you’ll reach the most glorious soft, golden sand. We had so much fun making huge sand castles, playing games, enjoying a picnic and cooling off in the sea.
At the end of the day we left with sandy toes and happy hearts before stopping in Wells-next-the-Sea for fish and chips!
Ohhhhh, also… Gwyneth Paltrow walked across the beach during the closing scenes of the film ‘Shakespeare in Love’. It’s that special.