If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the magnificent grey seals that inhabit Horsey Beach, this comprehensive guide to seal-watching is just what you need. From the best time of year to visit, the equipment you’ll need, to the best spots for seal watching, we’ve got you covered.
This ultimate guide also comes with a comprehensive walking guide from my visit to Horsey Beach. You can download the GPS map of this walk for free at the end of this article.
But before we get to the promenade in the sand, let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about for the perfect Horsey Beach seal-watching experience.
Tips For Horsey Beach Seal Watching
Have you ever dreamed of getting up close and personal with the majestic grey seals of Horsey Beach? If so, you’re in luck. This ultimate guide to seal-watching is your go-to resource for planning your unforgettable trip. From the best time of year to the gear you’ll need and the top spots for viewing these incredible creatures, we got everything you need to know in this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a newbie to seal watching, this article will provide everything you need to make the most of your trip. So let’s dive in and discover the magic of Horsey Beach seal-watching together.,
1 – The Best Time of Year to Visit Horsey Beach for Seal Watching
The best time of the year to see seals at Horsey Beach is from November to January, which is the breeding period. Each year, during this time, the colony welcomes around 2000 new members. If lucky, you could see pups just a few hours old.
It’s important to note that Horsey Beach is a protected area, and visitors are not allowed to disturb the seals in any way. This means you’ll need to observe the seals from a safe distance. The recommendation is to stay 10m away from the animal. They might look like a lazy bunch basking in the sun or a playful creature having a nice time in the water but don’t be a fool. They can be aggressive and outrun you over a short distance, especially if going downhill.
When they are born, the pups are covered in a white coat of fur which is not waterproof. They need to stay out of the water and close to their mother to feed. Seals produce one of the fattiest milk in the mammal world, which can contain up to 60% fat for the hooded seal breed. For comparison, human milk contains 3% to 5% fat. A newborn seal pup would feed around 20 times per day and put on 2kg daily!
During the breeding season, you are not allowed to walk on Horsey Beach. There is a designated path taking you from the car park to the top of the dunes with viewpoints to take pictures. You find volunteer wardens along the way happy to answer any questions you may have. The trail running along the dune is easy to navigate however, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Nevertheless, from February the beach is open for the public to roam around, whilst respecting the wildlife. The pups are then old enough to venture away from their mother so it is easy to find them on their own discovering the surroundings. Please note that they are afraid of human beings (I would be if I were them) so don’t go too close. The best time to get a close-up picture of a pup is if you encounter them sleeping, so they don’t notice your presence. Wardens are patrolling the beach to ensure that we, human beings, abide by the rules during our visit.
2 – What to Bring for Your Horsey Beach Seal-Watching Experience
To have the most enjoyable experience, you need to come prepared. And this does not only include gear but also clothing.
Clothing
We might be going to the beach, but you can leave the swimsuit and beach towel at home. While the seals are out rain or shine, you may not have as enjoyable an experience in inclement weather. Ultimately, the best time to visit Horsey Beach for seal-watching is during the winter months and coastal weather can be particularly windy in this season. In order to dress appropriately for the occasion, you need to layer up.
- A thermal base layer to keep you warm and dry
- An insulated layer to trap the warmth close to your body
- A waterproof rain jacket (I mean a real WATERPROOF, not a fashionable one which will leave you soaked)
- A headcover due to the wind. My recommendation is to wear a woollen beanie and put your hood on. This way you stay warm and dry.
- A scarf because of the wind. Opt for a neck cover as opposed to your traditional scarves which could fly away with the wind. The neck cover or snood stays in place around your neck even during gusts
- An overtrousers. I might sound over the top, but walking in wet pants is not a nice feeling. Stay dry by adding an additional layer on top of your day trousers, especially if you are wearing a pair of jeans as they do not dry easily once they are wet.
Tip: They might look like sweet creatures but they stink! If you don’t feel like bringing a scarf because the weather is nice, bring one at least to cover your nose and mouth due to the smell. Alternatively, if you still have some random masks at home from Covid times, they would do the trick.
Gear
With a little preparation and the right gear, you’ll be able to witness the beauty and wonder of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.,
First and foremost, a good pair of binoculars will enhance your viewing pleasure and allow you to get a closer look at the seals without disturbing them. It’s also recommended to bring a camera to capture the stunning surroundings and any memorable moments. Seals love to show off their flexibility skills and take very funny positions like a contortionist. You would not want to miss it!
In addition to personal gear, it’s important to bring any necessary items for your safety and comfort, such as a first aid kit and plenty of water and snacks. It is equally essential to obey any signage or instructions from the Horsey Beach wardens to ensure a safe and respectful experience.
Next, let’s explore the best spots for optimal viewing.
3 – The Best Spots for Seal Watching at Horsey Beach
In order to have the best chances of seeing seals at Horsey Beach, it’s important to know where to look. The beach is around 3.7 miles (6 km) long, so it can be easy to miss these elusive creatures if you don’t know where to focus your attention.
The best spots for seal watching at Horsey Beach are generally along the water’s edge, where the seals haul out to rest and soak up the sun. Look for areas where large groups of seals are gathered, as this is a good sign that the conditions are favourable for them. You find that they regroup more towards the end of the beach where the Horsey car park is located as opposed to Winterton-on-Sea where they are more scattered.
As explained before, during the breeding season, some areas of the beach may be closed to visitors in order to protect the seals and their young. Signposts and wardens direct you to the best spot on the top of the dunes. Please be ready as you would not be alone and you might have to wait for your turn to be able to get to the watching spot. This being said, my advice would be to wait for February when the beach re-opens to the public so you can roam freely.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to set out on your seal-watching adventure. But before you go, there are a few more things you’ll want to keep in mind to make sure your trip is a success.,
4 – Safety Tips for a Successful Horsey Beach Seal-Watching Trip
It’s important to arrive prepared for your seal-watching adventure. Here are some tips to ensure a successful trip.
Whilst you will be restrained to the top of the dunes from November to January during the breeding season, the beach re-opens to the public around February time. Therefore you can get down to the beachfront and get closer to the wildlife. The pups are then “teenagers” and start moving away from their mothers (like we all did at that age). You can find them discovering the surroundings on their own or with a pal.
However, you need to be mindful of a few things when walking on the beach:
- Don’t get too close to the teenage seals. They are afraid of human beings and you can hear them making a noise as if they were crying when you approach them. Always leave a 10m distance between you and a seal
- Don’t attempt to feed or pet seals
- Keep your dog on a lead. Adult seals will attack dogs if they feel threatened. Seal bites can lead to dangerous infections in both humans and dogs. If bitten, please seek medical attention immediately
- Don’t play with a frisbee on the beach as they can get stuck around the neck of young seals and cause dramatic injuries when they grow up
Finally, please note that unfortunately, not all baby seals make it to adulthood. Whilst we, grow-ups, understand nature has its ways, our little ones may not comprehend it and get upset at the view of dead bodies. Be mindful of it should you go on a day out as a family with small kids.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped for a successful seal-watching experience at Horsey Beach. But remember to always prioritize the safety and well-being of the seals and their habitat.
5 – Know the Facilities Around
Good planning can make the whole difference to your Horsey Beach day out. Avoid disappointment and bad surprises by knowing where you are going and what facilities are available in the area.
Car Park
- Winterton on Sea
This is the most southern car park on Horsey Beach. As it is the furthest from the seal colony it makes it a good spot for a decent walk up and down Horsey Beach.
Winterton on Sea car park charges
| 1 hour | £1.5 |
| All day | £7 |
- Horsey Gap
This is the most popular car park as closest to the beach and the watching spots. Due to the popularity of the site, there is an overflow car park as well.
Horsey Beach car park fees
| Up to 2 hours | £3.5 |
| Up to 4 hours | £5 |
| All day | £7 |
- Horsey Windpump
This one is furthest from the beach but should the Horsey Beach and overflow car parks be full, or should you fancy a little bit of a walk, it can be a nice option. Moreover, the Horsey Windpump car park is a National Trust car park, so it is free of charge for its members.
Horsey Windpump car park fees
| National Trust Members | Free |
| Up to 4 hours | £4 |
| All day | £6 |
| Camper Van | £8 |
Where to Eat
Does all this walking make you hungry? Here is where you can get some food during your visit to Horsey Beach
- Horsey Beach Windpump Cafe
Have a warm soup of the day or a sandwich with a drink on the picnic tables by a windmill. This is definitely the best spot for lunch. The site being further away from the beach is quieter so you can enjoy your meal far from the crowd.
- Seal View Cafe, Winterton on Sea
Located in Winterton on Sea car park, the cafe offers takeaway food and drinks, mainly centred around sweet treats. There is also a cabin log next to the stall to enjoy your drink and snack sheltered from the wind and rain.
Toilets
Public toilets are available at the following locations
- Winterton on Sea car park
- Horsey Windpump car park
Please note that there are no public toilets at Horsey Beach car park.
Other things to see
- All Saint Church
The thatched church was possibly built during the tenth century before the Norman invasion. It was remodelled over the course of history with additions such as a fifteenth-century porch and Victorian glass windows.
- Horsey Methodist Church
This modern structure was constructed in 1958 to replace the previous one which had become too small and too old.
- Horsey Windpump
Constructed in 1912, the windpump was in operation until 1943, when it was struck by lightning. The National Trust acquired the building in 1948 and repaired it. Unfortunately, the windpump suffered much damage during the great storm of 1987. It is not until 2019 that the sails were able to turn again. You can climb to the top of the Windpump and enjoy an unparalleled view over the coastline.
Horsey Beach seal-watching walk
Do you want to go to Horsey Beach for a seal-watching experience but don’t know where to start? Check our walking guide below and download the map of the GPS walk for free, so you can’t get lost!
Logistics for the Horsey Beach walk
- Distance: 8.9 miles (14.32 km)
- Ascent: 13 ft (4 m)
- Highest Point: 36 ft (11 m)
- Lowest Point: – 3ft (- 1 m)
- Walking Estimate: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy/ Intermediate due to the distance
- How to get there:
- By car only. There is a car park at Horsey Gap and n overflow car park behind it open during the busy season. You can find the carpark pricing at Tip 5 above
- What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear
- Headcover and scarf/snood because if the wind
- Rain gear if you are going during a downpour
- Sunglasses and headcover if you are going on a bright day
- Water & snacks
- Binoculars to see the seals from afar
- Additional Information:
- This is a stile-free walk
- This is a dog-friendly walk but dogs must be kept on a lead
- Public toilets are available at the Horsey Windpump carpark
- Where to eat and drink:
- Horsey Windpump, Horsey, Norfolk
Related Content: Camber Sands Beach Walk
Horsey Beach Walk Map
Do you want to make the most of the Horsey Beach seal-watching experience without getting lost? Simply download the GPS map by clicking on the link below. Learn how to upload the map onto your navigation app by following my step-by-step guide here.
Final Thoughts on the Horsey Beach Seal-Watching Experience
Horsey Beach is a seal-watching paradise, and with the insider knowledge we’ve shared in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to take advantage of all it has to offer. From timing your trip just right to packing the essentials and knowing where to look, we’ve covered everything you need to know. Don’t wait any longer – plan your trip to Horsey Beach today and join the ranks of nature enthusiasts who have fallen in love with this stunning stretch of coastline.
If you are looking for more inspiration for coastal walks, why not check my Best Coastal Walks near London post? You may find your next adventure right here!
Have you been to Horsey Beach? Let me know in the comments below.
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