Blakeney Point Seal Trips with Beans Boats

Perfect for: Romantic getaways, Family breaks, Wildlife lovers

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One of the UK's largest grey seal colonies, Blakeney Point offers an unforgettable experience year-round, but spring (March–May) is magical as new pups begin to appear.

 

What to expect: Daily boat departures from Morston Quay; 1–2 hour trips with excellent seal-spotting odds
Best for: Couples seeking romantic wildlife experiences; families with children 5+
Tip: Spring is less crowded than summer; wrap up warm and bring waterproofs
Website: https://www.beansboattrips.co.uk
Booking: https://www.beansboattrips.co.uk/booking
Alternative: Seal Trips (also from Morston): https://www.sealtrips.co.uk

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Holkham Beach & National Nature Reserve
 

Perfect for: All visitors (families, couples, special occasions)

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Consistently voted the UK's best beach, Holkham stretches for miles of unspoilt sand backed by iconic Scots pine woods planted in the 1880s.

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What to expect: Huge, sweeping golden sands; pine woodland walks; wildlife spotting (spoonbills, marsh harriers); tide-watching
Spring highlights: Orchids bloom in Orchid Valley (west of the pines); migratory birds arrive; perfect walking conditions
Parking: £3.60–£13.50 (2–4+ hours); EV charging available (£0.57/kW)
Facilities: The Lookout café (light refreshments), toilets in pinewoods (spring–autumn), accessible parking
Key info: Tide times crucial—check before visiting to avoid getting cut off. Dogs on leads 1 April–31 August to protect nesting birds
Website: https://www.holkham.co.uk/visit/holkham-beach-nature-reserve/
Distance from Riverbank: ~20 minutes drive

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Cley Marshes Nature Reserve (Norfolk Wildlife Trust)

Perfect for: Birdwatchers, Romantic nature lovers, Special occasions

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One of the UK's finest nature reserves (established 1926), Cley is a haven for migratory and resident birds. Spring migration brings warblers, waders, and occasional rarities.

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What to expect: Reed beds, saline lagoons, grazing marshes, shingle beach; multiple bird hides; visitor centre with café
Spring birds: Sedge warblers, marsh harriers, spoonbills (increasingly common), waders returning from winter
Admission: £5 at visitor centre (includes exhibition, binoculars available for loan)
Facilities: Visitor centre café, toilets, viewing windows, bird identification guides
Website: https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves-and-wildlife/reserves/cley-marshes
Distance from Riverbank: ~10 minutes drive

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Norfolk Coast Path Walks
 

Perfect for: Active couples, Family walks, Spring fitness

 

The 63-mile Norfolk Coast Path National Trail runs from Hunstanton to Sea Palling through designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Spring is ideal—mild temperatures, wildflowers, and fewer crowds than summer.

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Popular spring circular walks (download detailed routes from Visit North Norfolk):

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1. Wells Beach to Holkham Beach & back (~5 miles)
   - Sandy beaches, beach huts, pine woods
   - Suitable for families; check tides before starting
   
2. Blakeney Point from Morston Quay (~6.4 km round trip)
   - Sand dunes, lifeboat house, seal spotting
   - Soft sand makes it harder underfoot; not pushchair-friendly
   - Stay clear of roped-off breeding areas

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3. Cley & Salthouse Marshes walk (~4–6 miles)
   - Marshes, reed beds, beach; excellent birdwatching
   - Start from Cley visitor centre

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4. Cromer Lighthouse Circular Walk (~4.7 km)
   - Clifftop views, lighthouse, beach access
   - 236 steps to climb; suitable for fit walkers; family-friendly with reasonable fitness level

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5. West Runton Cliffs walk
   - Chalk cliffs, fossil spotting, beach access
   - Mix of sand and shingle; rock pools at low tide
   - Snorkelling on the chalk reef in warmer months

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Free resource: Visit North Norfolk interactive map & downloadable trail guides  
Website: https://www.visitnorthnorfolk.com/see-and-do/walking

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Sheringham Park (National Trust)

Perfect for: Family walks, Peaceful getaways, Spring flowers

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One of Norfolk's best parks, with woodland walks, rhododendrons in spring, and observation towers offering coastal views.

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What to expect: 100-acre woodland estate, woodland trails, open parkland, seasonal flowers
Spring highlight: Azaleas and rhododendrons in peak bloom (April–May)
Parking & admission: Pay & display car park
Facilities: Café, shop, accessible routes
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheringham-park
Distance from Riverbank:** ~15 minutes to Sheringham; park access easily walkable