For the weekend we explored the Sand Dunes at Winterton On Sea in Norfolk. The village is only 13 km north of Great Yarmouth and 30 km east of Norwich. The coast is made up of a 109 hectare National Nature Reserve. Combining the Winterton dunes with the Horsey dunes, Hawker Dragonflys and Natterjack Toads can be found here. Winterton On Sea is also the home to more than 300 pairs of the little tern seabirds, making it the UKs largest colony.
We had visited during a chilly -3°c and strong winds of -12°c from Siberia, named in the UK as the ‘Beast from the East’ that would also bring snow in the days after we had arrived. We decided to take a walk on the Norfolk coast with family and their dogs. Prepared with our winter coats, hat and scarfs we braced ourselves to be windswept!
Pulling up at the car park and little Winterton Dunes Beach Cafe we could already see that this usual popular walking spot was rather empty. Family members told us that in the summer that it’s not always possible to find a parking spot and you will need to queue to get into the cafe!
In the car park area you can also see some concrete anti tank cubes which were constructed and placed there in World War Two. More can be found along the beach.
Wnterton On Sea is a starting spot to see common and grey seals, but we were welcomed with large crashing waves and only a few other walkers on the beach. For better chances of seeing wild seals you should head north towards the coast at Horsey. At Horsey you also have a special viewing platform thats free, keeping a safe distance from any seals and their pups. For more information and best viewing dates see Explore Norfolk UK .
Source: Seals at Winterton On Sea by Emma Louise Layla
Not to get put off by the cold winds we decided to walk straight into the sand dunes to be a little more sheltered than the beautiful wide beach area. Dogs are welcome to walk freely here and so they were off their leads straight away.
We loved being out in the nature, the dunes reminded us of some of the west coast beaches in the Netherlands that we have visited in the past. Some we must visit again soon!
For us it was nice to get out here and spend some more time with family, as well as visiting a new place in Norfolk that we had not yet explored. In the summertime we’d love to go back and spend more time at the sand dunes of Winterton On Sea.
Tips:
- Keep your distance from any seals
- Prepare for the weather!
- Take all your rubbish with you
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