Elephant Puppet visits Holkham Beach
3Holkham Beach was used to stunning effect in the closing shots of Shakespeare in Love (1999) with Gwyneth Paltrow’s character apparently washed up on the shores of Virginia. The multi award-winning film is wonderful, but absolutely eclipsed, of course, by the best stretch of sand in Britain.
While the Queen made no secret of her affection for Sandringham, it was not the only place in Norfolk for which she had great fondness. Holkham and its magnificent beach, situated just a few miles from the royal estate, would often play host to the long serving monarch during her visits to Nelson's County
Holkham beach is a the jewel of the North Norfolk Coast. At low tide the beach stretches for miles and miles and you can walk in an unspoilt landscape of just sand, sea and sky. On hot days the pinewoods provide some welcome cool shade.
As part of Holkham National Nature Reserve the beach is home to large flocks of wintering birds and is an important site for breeding Little Terns, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher. These birds nest on the ground so are vulnerable to high tides and disturbance from people and dogs. During the winter large flocks of shorebirds can be found along the shore edge and on the developing saltmarsh in Holkham Bay. To help these rare birds it would be helpful if dogs could be kept on leads.
The extensive dune system is rich is wildlife with colourful
Holkham Beach is accessed via Lady Anne’s Drive, just off the main coastal road, A149, and opposite the entrance to Holkham Village and The Victoria.
Opening times vary throughout the year depending on the season.
Parking charges apply on Lady Anne’s Drive:
Up to 2 hours: £3.60 or $4.74, Up to 4 hours: £7 or $9.22 , Over 4 hours and all day: £13.50 or $17.78
Purchase of an all-day ticket allows free parking on the same day in Holkham Park during the visitor season.
With conservation and sustainability at the heart of everything we do, we cannot underestimate the importance of protecting our natural environments for future generations.
You’ll be amazed by the windswept tidelines, infinite vistas, grazing marshes, maze of creaks and saltmarsh; hear the rustle of the dunes and the sway of the pines and feel at home at Holkham.
Dogs are welcome year-round on Holkham Beach, but we have an on-lead policy in place annually between 1st April – 30th August in certain areas to protect ground nesting birds.