The Grey Seals of Horsey

Horsey Gap is home to one of the largest colonies of Grey Seals in the UK. Numbers have been steadily increasing with over 3,500 seal pups born along this beautiful stretch of coastline in the 2023/24 season. . Even in the summer months, seals can be seen on the beach or swimming along the shoreline, but please keep your distance (at least 10 metres) if you see groups or a single seal on the beach.

During the Seal Pup Season, (end of October to February) it is even more important not to disturb the seals or their pups so viewing is from the sand dunes and the designated ‘viewing platforms’ only.

DOGS must please be kept on leads at all times.

The charity ‘Friends of Horsey Seals’, have a dedicated team of volunteers who look out for and protect the grey seals and their pups along the coast at both Horsey and Winterton.

Human Intervention Can Kill

The beaches at Horsey and Winterton are blessed to be home to some of the largest colonies of Grey Seals to be found anywhere. From November to the end of January the beach will be crowded with Seals and their new born pups.

THIS IS AN URGENT MESSAGE to please treat these beautiful animals with the ultimate respect they deserve. Human intervention can easily prove fatal to Seals and in particular their Pups, so please ensure you adhere to the following rules when visiting the beach:

Keep Your Distance

Maintain a distance of at least 10 metres between you and the seals – they are wild animals.

Don’t Chase Seals or Their Pups Into The Water

Seal pups, while white, are not waterproof until they first moult and are likely to drown.

Never Come Between a Pup and Their Mother

Approaching Seal pups may lead the mother to abandon the Pup

Don’t Take Selfies and Keep Your Distance

Seals are wild animals

Walking Your Dog

Always keep it on a close lead to keep both your dog and the seals safe. Seals are protective of their pups and will bite if approached.

If you See A Seal In Difficulty Please Contact

The Friends of Horsey Seals