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’ll very often 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.

During the seal pup season (mid/end October to end January), access to the beach is restricted to protect the seals and viewing takes place from the dunes and designated platforms. This ensures the safety of the pups while still allowing visitors to enjoy one of the UK’s most remarkable wildlife experiences.

Even outside of winter, Horsey Gap’s beach is a fantastic spot for a summer day out. Its wide, sandy shores are perfect for families—ideal for relaxing, paddling in the shallow waters, 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.

From here, you can also explore miles of scenic coastal walks, heading south towards Winterton-on-Sea or north towards Sea Palling, with peaceful countryside and sweeping sea views all around.

Parking Information

Horsey Gap offers a large beach car park, along with an overflow field car park for busier days. 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 dusk)

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 be kept on leads during the sensitive winter seal pup season and annual moult.

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