Blakeney Point Beach
NEED TO KNOW
Type of beach
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed on the beach from April to the middle of August due to ground-nesting birds. They are welcome on the beach at all other times, but must be kept on a lead.
Lifeguard
There is no lifeguard cover at this beach.
Beach cleaning
Parking
Nearest town
Postcode
OS grid reference
What3words
ABOUT
Owned by the National Trust, Blakeney Point sits at the heart of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a four-mile-long shingle spit with sand dunes that is a haven for wildlife.
Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), most people visit the beach to see its seal and bird populations. It is also home to several rare plant species including horned sea poppy, sea asparagus, and shrubby sea blight.
Although seals can be seen in the water surrounding Blakeney Point all year round, the best time to visit is during breeding season when they arrive on shore to breed. Grey seals breed in the winter, and between November and February 1000s of adults with their pups can be found on the beach and the dunes. Visit in the summer to see common, or harbour, seals who give birth to their young on the mud flats between June and August.
During pupping season, some of the beach is restricted so as not to disturb the seals. Instead, take a boat trip from Morston Quay where you’ll get a much better view. There are several seal trip providers operating in the area – booking ahead is recommended particularly in peak season.
STAR SPECIES
For bird watchers, Blakeney Point is renowned as an internationally important habitat for many breeding and migratory birds. It is particularly important for nesting terns, but black-headed gulls, ringed plovers, oystercatchers, avocets, and common redshanks also breed. Lapwings, reed warblers, and bearded tits can be spotted in the patches of reedbeds, and in the winter the marshes support golden plovers, as well as a variety of wildfowl including shelducks, wigeons, and teal. Offshore, look out for goldeneyes, eiders, and common scoters.
100s of species of insects also inhabit the area including some rare beetles, while worms, molluscs, and crustaceans, can be found in the tidal flats.
Until the beginning of the 20th century Blakeney village was a commercial seaport, but the harbour is now silted up. The old blue and white wooden lifeboat station built in 1898 and situated on Blakeney Point is one of the few remaining traces of the area’s history. The iconic building is now used by the National Trust as a visitor centre and for rangers who live there for up to eight months of the year to protect the colonies of terns and seals.
Small boats can still make their way out of the harbour and the area is popular for leisure craft, such as dinghys, kayaks, and trailable cabin cruisers. Navigating the creeks and swatchways can be challenging for even the most experienced sailor, and local sailing clubs offer a varied programme of events.
If you don’t want to access Blakely Point by boat, it’s possible to walk along the coastal path from Cley Beach. It’s an 11.2 km trail that can be hard going in places particularly at high tide when there is no exposed sand to walk on.
Head into the village for something to eat. The White Horse by Blakeney Quay serves pub classics, modern dishes, and light bites and has a well-stocked bar of beers, wines, and spirts. For a menu inspired by local, seasonal produce and seafood, as well as indulgent puddings The Moorings is open during the week for dinner from 6pm.
There are National Trust car parks at both Blakeney Quay and Cley Beach. There are also public toilets at Blakeney Quay and one accessible toilet open between March and October on Blakeney Point itself.
AMENITIES
