Norfolk’s coast is a mix of wide tidal flats, salt marshes and sandy shores that shape local life and wildlife. For walkers, birders and anyone mapping the shoreline, a compact list of bays makes planning easier and keeps safety in mind where tides and access vary.
There are 3 Bays in Norfolk, ranging from Brancaster Bay to The Wash. For each entry the data are organized as Coordinates (decimal degrees),Sub-region,Access to help you locate and plan visits — you’ll find below.
How should I time a visit to these bays?
Tides matter more than weather here: large mudflats and shifting channels can cut off routes quickly. Check local tide tables and plan to arrive well before low or after high tide depending on your activity; birdwatching and exposed flats are best around low water, while access to some beaches is easier nearer high tide.
Are the bays easy to reach on foot or by car?
Access varies: some bays have nearby car parks and marked footpaths, others require long walks across marsh or along the coast. Use the Access column in the list for parking and path details, and respect protected areas and seasonal restrictions when planning your visit.
Bays in Norfolk
| Name | Coordinates (decimal degrees) | Sub-region | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Wash | 52.92, 0.33 | West Norfolk Coast | Limited direct access; best viewed from coastal paths near Snettisham or Heacham. |
| Brancaster Bay | 52.98, 0.64 | North Norfolk Coast, Brancaster | Pay and display car park at Brancaster beach with a short walk. |
| Holkham Bay | 52.97, 0.80 | North Norfolk Coast, Holkham | Access via Holkham Estate car park with a boardwalk through pine woods to beach. |
Images and Descriptions
The Wash
A vast square-shaped bay and estuary, one of the most important bird-watching sites in the UK. Its extensive mudflats and salt marshes support internationally significant populations of wading birds and wildfowl, especially during winter migrations, and host a large common seal colony.
Brancaster Bay
A wide, shallow sandy bay known for its huge tidal range which reveals vast sands and the shipwreck of the SS Vina. It is a popular spot for kitesurfing and observing the local seal colony that often hauls out on the sandbanks offshore.
Holkham Bay
An immense, unspoilt bay within a National Nature Reserve, famed for its sweeping white-gold sands backed by a distinctive belt of pine trees. The vast, flat expanse at low tide creates a stunning landscape that has been used as a location in several films.
