Norfolk seal trips: Where to see seals on the Norfolk coast
April 8, 2025 | Holiday tips | 11 minute read
No North Norfolk holiday is complete without a trip out to see the seals! Norfolk is home to thousands of seals, with several large colonies across the county. In fact, over 4,000 pups born annually at Blakeney and over 2,500 at Horsey in 2024-25! So how can you see them, what type of seals are they, and when is the best time of year to go?
We’ll explore each of the best Norfolk spots for seeing seals individually. These are:
- Blakeney Point in North Norfolk
- Horsey Beach on the east coast
- Hunstanton on the west coast
Where you go might depend on where you’re staying on holiday (can we tempt you with our luxury lodges, touring park or a caravan holiday home in Wells-next-the-Sea?), but there are other factors you might want to consider too.
Seal trips at Blakeney Point, North Norfolk
Key points:
- The largest grey seal colony in England
- Also home to common seals
- Take a boat trip to see them from Morston
- Closest to us here at Pinewoods Holiday Park
Blakeney Point is one of the best places to see seals in Norfolk.
It’s a shingle spit home to England’s biggest colony of grey seals, with over 4,000 new pups born each winter. This number has risen dramatically since 1999, when only five pups were born!
In the summer months, you’re more likely to see common seals here, as their breeding season is June to August. Common seal pups can swim as soon as they’re born, so you may spot a baby seal in the water!
Most people visit Blakeney Point by boat trip, which run from Morston Quay. These take you out to the Point, allowing you to spot seals swimming near the boat and to see the colony basking on the shore together. Some boat trips include a stop at Blakeney Point.
There are a number of seal trip operators to consider. Take a look at:
Planning to go on a seal trip by boat? Here are our top tips:
- Book your ticket in advance, especially during peak times of year
- Wrap up warm – even in the summer, it can be breezy on board the boat!
- Bring a camera – you might want to take some photos, or even a ‘sealfie’ (from a distance!)
- Bring binoculars if you’d like an even better view
- Wear sensible shoes – it can be slippery at Morston Quay
Note that you can walk here from Cley Beach, which is approximately a six-mile round trip with mainly shingle underfoot. The seals are in a cordoned-off area for protection, so your view may be limited, but it’s a lovely walk!
Seal spotting at Horsey Gap, East Norfolk
Key points
- Easy to access on foot
- Home to a large grey seal colony
- East coast of Norfolk
Horsey Gap is located on the east coast of Norfolk. It’s a popular place to go to see grey seals because you don’t need to take a boat – you can simply park in the car park and walk along the beach or dunes to get a fantastic view.
Horsey village is home to only around 100 residents, but the grey seal population is quite different! In the 2024-25 breeding season, over 2,500 seal pups were born.
During the breeding season (late October to January), you can talk to Friends of Horsey Seals volunteers who will advise you on how to get the best experience without disturbing the seals. During this time, you’ll be asked to stay on the dunes rather than go down to the beach.
It’s fairly common to spot seals swimming close to the shore at nearby beaches including Waxham, Winterton and Sea Palling.
Seal trips from Hunstanton, West Norfolk
Key points
- Enjoy a boat trip to The Wash
- See a large common seals colony
- West coast of Norfolk
The Wash is home to one of the UK’s largest common seal colonies – there are over 3,000 seals!
Seeing the seals from Hunstanton requires a boat ride out to The Wash, as they are not typically found on the beaches here. Within The Wash there are expansive shallow tidals sandbanks, where the seals like to congregate and relax.
You can go on a one hour seal safari with Searles between April and October, departing from Hunstanton’s promenade.
Staying safe around seals
Seals will generally keep themselves to themselves unless they feel disturbed or threatened. Cows (females) are very protective of their pups and can be aggressive if you get too close.
- Keep children close to you
- Keep your dog on a short lead
- Always stay at least 10 metres away, more during breeding season
- Do not attempt to feed or touch the seals
- Do not try to chase seals into the sea
Norfolk seal trips and seal spotting FAQs
We’ve thought of all the common questions about seeing seals in Norfolk and answered them to the best of our knowledge!
Can you see seals at Blakeney without a boat?
You can, though taking a boat trip is probably the easiest way to see them. The alternative is to walk from Cley Beach, which is a six mile round trip. The seals will be cordoned off for their protection, so you may not get the best view.
What time of year is best to see seals in Norfolk?
You can see seals in all seasons in Norfolk, but they gather in greater numbers during pupping season. For grey seals, this is between late October and mid January, while for common seals, it’s between June and August.
As there are both grey and common seals in Blakeney, you can see high numbers at Blakeney Point year round.
At Horsey Beach on the east coast of Norfolk, there are usually seals throughout the year, basking on miles of sandy beach. These are grey seals, so go in the winter if you want to see pups. You’ll most likely be asked to stay on the dunes and look down, rather than going onto the beach.
In Hunstanton, there are more common seals, so summer is a better time to spot these.
Is Blakeney village worth a visit?
Blakeney is a beautiful North Norfolk village. With its flint stone houses and a small selection of cafés including Folks Coffee Co. and Two Magpies, pubs, galleries and independent stores, it’s a lovely place to visit during your holiday on the Norfolk coast. You can also head off for a walk over the marshes, with that famous big Norfolk sky overhead!
Can you see seals at Holkham Beach?
While Holkham Beach isn’t home to a colony of seals, its proximity to Blakeney Point means you might see seals on occasion bobbing around in the water, so keep your eyes peeled! You may spot them on the shore, but remember to keep your distance.
Can you see seals at Wells Beach?
Wells Beach is fairly close to Blakeney Point, where England’s largest grey seal colony reside, so it’s possible to see seals enjoying a swim or relaxing on the shoreline in Wells. If you spot any, remember to observe and admire these animals from a distance.
Where is it best to see seals in Norfolk?
Blakeney Point is home to the largest grey seal colony in England, and is more easily accessible than Hunstanton or Horsey if you’re holidaying in North Norfolk (like with us at Pinewoods!). As there are grey seals and common seals here, which have different pupping seasons, you’re more likely to spot seal pups, and there will often be larger numbers.
Will you go seal spotting in Norfolk?
With so many ways to see seals along the Norfolk coast, it would be a shame to miss out during your holiday. If you’re heading on a boat trip, we recommend booking in advance, particularly at peak times. Always remember to keep your distance if you see a seal on the beach or bathing, and enjoy seeing these wonderful creatures respectfully.
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