Horsey Gap
Car Park

Horsey Gap Beach, Horsey Seals & Parking

Set along the stunning east coast of Norfolk, Horsey Gap is widely regarded as one of the UK’s very best destinations for seal spotting all year round. In fact, this beautiful stretch of coastline has earned a place among Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best”, ranking in the top 20 beaches in Europe—a reflection of just how special it is.

Horsey Gap is home to one of the UK’s largest and most accessible colonies of grey seals, with more than 3,500 pups born here during the 2025/26 season. While winter is famous for its unforgettable seal pup spectacle, summer visitors are in for a treat too— you’re very likely to spot seals bobbing in the shallows.

Access to the beach couldn’t be easier. From the Horsey Gap car park, it’s just a short stroll over the sandy ramp—known locally as “The Gap”—through the sea wall and straight onto miles of unspoilt coastline. The area sits within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, celebrated for its rich wildlife and wide, peaceful beaches.

🦭 Seal Wardens at Horsey Gap

During the seal pup season (mid/end October to end January), beach access is restricted to protect the colony, with seal viewing from the dunes and designated platforms. This helps keep the pups safe while still allowing visitors to enjoy one of the UK’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles.

From February onwards, the beach is fully accessible again. During late winter and spring, many seals remain on the beach for their annual moult (February to early May), when they shed and renew their coats.

At these times, volunteer seal wardens are often on site to help visitors, share knowledge, and protect the colony. Please respect their gentle guidance so Horsey Gap remains a safe haven for wildlife and a special place for everyone to enjoy.

For the rest of the year, Horsey Gap’s beach is a fantastic spot for a summer day out. Its wide, uncrowded sandy shores are perfect for families—ideal for relaxing, paddling in the shallow waters, walking, and, of course, keeping an eye out for seals just offshore. The surrounding dunes—among the largest in East Anglia—add to the sense of space and natural beauty.

Horsey Gap is an excellent starting point for wonderful coastal walks, where you can stroll for miles along the beach in either direction, or follow the coastal path north towards Waxham and Sea Palling, or south through the vast, unspoilt dunes towards Winterton-on-Sea.

With sea views, peaceful countryside and one of the most impressive dune landscapes on the coast, it’s perfect for walkers.

Parking Information

Horsey Gap has a large beach car park and an adjoining overflow field car park (which is only occasionally needed and has ample parking) These are the closest parking options for accessing the beach, the seals, and the surrounding dunes.

* Beach car park (pay & display):

£4 (up to 2 hours) | £6.20 (up to 4 hours) | £8.50 (all day)

Card and coin payments accepted

* Overflow car park (when open):

Flat fee £5 per day (closes at 4pm)

Please note: Horsey Gap is a car-only site. Larger vehicles—including coaches, minibuses, motorhomes, campervans, caravans, trailers, and horseboxes—are not permitted.The nearest suitable parking for larger vehicles is at Sea Palling (approx. 4 miles away).

Opening Times

* October to March: 8am – 6pm

* April to September: 8am – 8pm

There is no overnight parking or camping, and barbeques are not allowed.

This is a wonderfully unspoilt location, free from amusements and typical seaside attractions—perfect for those looking to enjoy a quieter, more natural coastal experience.

Visitor Information

* No toilets on site

* Please take your litter home

* Dogs must please be kept on leads during the sensitive winter seal pup season and annual moult. At other times of year too please if there are seals on the beach, even if they seem to be far away.

Horsey Gap remains one of the UK’s most special coastal locations—whether you’re visiting in summer for a peaceful beach day where you are very likely to spot seals, or returning in winter for its world-famous wildlife spectacle.