Holkham Bay
Holkham Bay
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
603 reviews
Excellent
461
Very good
90
Average
28
Poor
13
Terrible
11
Terry A
London, UK29 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Holkham bay offers miles of unspoilt beach which is accessed by walking through a small forest. Our trip coincided with storm Barbet so it was hardly sun bathing weather. We walked along the path which leads to Wells Next the Sea (just over 3 miles) which was very pleasant and has a tea room at the end. We walked back along the beach and the diverted off through the forest. It was a great for a short walk with lots of interest scenery.
The only downside was the fee for the carpark which cost £6.50 for about four hours which I consider a rip off.
The only downside was the fee for the carpark which cost £6.50 for about four hours which I consider a rip off.
Written October 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nahila
3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
I did a little research beforehand and was a little concerned about the walk to the beach from previous reviews. However, with my young family, I thought it would be an adventure for them! We arrived just after 10am (after a 3hr drive) and found parking very close. I paid £10, as the plan was to stay the whole day. You do have an option to pay less if you don’t want to stay that long. We walked not even 10mins through the forest to the start of the ‘dreaded walk’ to the beach/sea. But it was far from it, the children loved the small water holes on the way, splashing in and out of them, manoeuvring around the streams of water….in all it took us another 15/20mins, but didn’t feel like it took this long. Once we reached the sandy shoreline, we set up and enjoyed the rest of the day. We had plenty of space around us, wasn’t crowded at all….there is more than enough space! The beach is clean, the water was lovely, the sand dunes were great for the children to run and up down. I would recommend to taking a cart of some sort to push/pull all your gear. I had my bike trailer, that I can use as a buggy, so this helped alot. We took plenty of food for the day and rubbish bags, which I took back home with me and disposed of. Even though this is a stunning beach, to which me and the kids will definitely visit again…the reason why I didn’t give it 5 stars, was because of the toilets at The Lookout. This really needs to be cleaned regularly. For the amount of visitors to this area and the lack of toilets, the ones they do have, need to be maintained much better.
Other than that one downfall, was a great day out and I understand why this is one of the top beaches in the UK.
Other than that one downfall, was a great day out and I understand why this is one of the top beaches in the UK.
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janette H
6 contributions
Apr 2022
This beach is beautiful, dog friendly but very clean, can honestly say we did not see any dog poo anywhere. Lovely walk to the beach through the trees from a reasonably priced car park. The only downside to this is the Cafe, which although very nice and staff are friendly and helpful, it is so overpriced as to be ridiculous. I bought 4 cans of water and 3 slices of cake which cost me just over £18.00! I would highly recommend the beach and the area in general but avoid the cafe and take your own. i really don't understand the pricing, bring the prices down to a reasonable level and you will get more business - simple!
Written April 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary B
25 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We have visited this site previously & it's a great area for walkers etc.Car Parking is limited when busy ,pay by machine but not a many Blue Badge spaces.
This is Not a good option if you have mobility issues but I managed to get to the platform looking out to the Dunes which is vast .A Great Day out for walkers & cyclists sheltered by the woods
En route back to the car we called at the Cafe for a Drink
I would Not Recommend it revisit as the Hot chocolate served was chic powder in hot water!!!! When I asked why no milk or cream was told that was extra & they had none !!!! £3.25 for the drink which was undrinkable & the attitude of staff undesirable.
A Great place for family day out
Recommend you take your own
refreshments as very limited choice.If you have Mobility issues then you are limited to
Exploring.
This is Not a good option if you have mobility issues but I managed to get to the platform looking out to the Dunes which is vast .A Great Day out for walkers & cyclists sheltered by the woods
En route back to the car we called at the Cafe for a Drink
I would Not Recommend it revisit as the Hot chocolate served was chic powder in hot water!!!! When I asked why no milk or cream was told that was extra & they had none !!!! £3.25 for the drink which was undrinkable & the attitude of staff undesirable.
A Great place for family day out
Recommend you take your own
refreshments as very limited choice.If you have Mobility issues then you are limited to
Exploring.
Written January 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Beach is lovely and very spacious even though we were there peak times
The main issue is the “Hitlers of Holkham” the car parking attendants and the prices.
We visited with horses and although only being able to go on a few hours in morning and a few hours in evening they still charge £20 to park but everything else including large vans are £6.50 all day.
As soon as you park up they are on you like little vultures checking you’re ticket is correct and if they aren’t there and you try to use the parking machines then good luck!! You get fined if you are late leaving the car park from the set times too.
The main issue is the “Hitlers of Holkham” the car parking attendants and the prices.
We visited with horses and although only being able to go on a few hours in morning and a few hours in evening they still charge £20 to park but everything else including large vans are £6.50 all day.
As soon as you park up they are on you like little vultures checking you’re ticket is correct and if they aren’t there and you try to use the parking machines then good luck!! You get fined if you are late leaving the car park from the set times too.
Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R-J-7589
Saffron Walden, UK133 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Absolutely love visiting Holkham beach for sunset. All the tourists have gone and just a dog walker and 3 horses galloping on the waters edge as the sunsets. Parking is expensive so I park nearby and walk. A beautiful nature reserve and lovely this time of year with the sea lavender in flower.
Written August 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bob2512
Huntingdon, UK56 contributions
Jun 2020
Last year, and in previous years, I'm sure I've only had to pay £3 to park for the day when parking on Lady Anne Drive or by the Wells Beach Cafe. Yesterday I visited today to find the price has gone up to £9 a day.
I would normally walk a clockwise route starting at Lady Anne Drive, out to the sea, along the beach as far as the Wells lifeboat station, have a coffee in the cafe, before walking back along the North Norfolk Coast footpath.
Today on exiting the beach at Wells I was chastised for having my dog with me. Apparently I should have turned off the beach and up over some steps a few hundred yards before the lifeboat station. Were there any signs that indicated this? None that myself or other dog walkers could see, particularly as we'd walked along the shore, not across the front of the beach huts.
In an effort to harden the coastal footpath between Wells and Holkham, thousands of tons of hardcore have been laid. This has made for very uncomfortable walking where ankles are turned and the stones hurt the soles of the feet. I was wearing stout boots, how people in lighter footwear get on I do not know. Many walkers have evidently taken to walking either side of the hardcore creating unnecessary verges/paths which are damaging the undergrowth. After about 3/4 of the way back to Holkham I got fed up with the painful path and followed a rough track through the trees and over the dunes back to Holkham Beach. I met others coming through the trees doing likewise, all agreeing that they'd done so because the new path was so uncomfortable.
On the way home I stopped off at Brancaster, Thornham and Holme. Less commercialised, and a lot cheaper to park. The Holkham area has been spoilt through commercialisation and sterilisation, it is no longer 'Natural'. I won't be returning to Holkham/Wells for some time.
I would normally walk a clockwise route starting at Lady Anne Drive, out to the sea, along the beach as far as the Wells lifeboat station, have a coffee in the cafe, before walking back along the North Norfolk Coast footpath.
Today on exiting the beach at Wells I was chastised for having my dog with me. Apparently I should have turned off the beach and up over some steps a few hundred yards before the lifeboat station. Were there any signs that indicated this? None that myself or other dog walkers could see, particularly as we'd walked along the shore, not across the front of the beach huts.
In an effort to harden the coastal footpath between Wells and Holkham, thousands of tons of hardcore have been laid. This has made for very uncomfortable walking where ankles are turned and the stones hurt the soles of the feet. I was wearing stout boots, how people in lighter footwear get on I do not know. Many walkers have evidently taken to walking either side of the hardcore creating unnecessary verges/paths which are damaging the undergrowth. After about 3/4 of the way back to Holkham I got fed up with the painful path and followed a rough track through the trees and over the dunes back to Holkham Beach. I met others coming through the trees doing likewise, all agreeing that they'd done so because the new path was so uncomfortable.
On the way home I stopped off at Brancaster, Thornham and Holme. Less commercialised, and a lot cheaper to park. The Holkham area has been spoilt through commercialisation and sterilisation, it is no longer 'Natural'. I won't be returning to Holkham/Wells for some time.
Written June 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerry E
Norfolk, UK64 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
I'm a resident of Norfolk and can honestly say that this beach is the best by far. Not only is it clean and unspoilt, it has long wide stretches of golden sand that go on for miles. The pretty sand dunes are ideal for taking a break in and the sea water is warm enough for swimming in the summer.
The amount of space here is fantastic, even when it gets busy you can find a nice space for yourself. I also love that you get large, shallow pools of water which are ideal for babies and toddlers to play in. There is a new information centre after the car park which provides toilet/cafe facilities but I've not used this yet. Also be aware of parking charges - its pretty expensive if you dont get an all day ticket for £8. Its £2 for an hour or £3.50 for up to 2 hours which isnt worth it because the walk from the car park to the beach takes half an hour!
Please note that this is a dog and horse friendly beach and dont forget to arrive super early in nice weather because you wont get a parking space otherwise!
The amount of space here is fantastic, even when it gets busy you can find a nice space for yourself. I also love that you get large, shallow pools of water which are ideal for babies and toddlers to play in. There is a new information centre after the car park which provides toilet/cafe facilities but I've not used this yet. Also be aware of parking charges - its pretty expensive if you dont get an all day ticket for £8. Its £2 for an hour or £3.50 for up to 2 hours which isnt worth it because the walk from the car park to the beach takes half an hour!
Please note that this is a dog and horse friendly beach and dont forget to arrive super early in nice weather because you wont get a parking space otherwise!
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel H
Northampton, UK28 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
The beach is lovely but it’s not easy to social distance getting on to the beach. Our experience today was that people weren’t prepared to try either. Ice cream - money was being taken with same u covered hands dishing out the ice creams . Once on the beach you can social distance.
Written July 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie N
Earl Shilton, UK344 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Fabulous beach with miles of beautiful golden sand. Unfortunately we weren’t very lucky with the weather when we visited, but it meant the beach was very quiet and we walked for around 3 miles and only met other people when returning to the car park. We could hear lots of jets circling overhead, but the cloud base was too low to see any of the action. We’ll definitely return on a sunny day.
Written July 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does anyone know a good hotel Holkham?
Written June 8, 2021
just a lovely beach about 3 miles long but a jewel of of place to go
Written September 27, 2019
Does anyone know if there are any stables which offer riding on Holkham beach for an experienced rider coming there on holiday in Oct ? .Would love the opportunity to ride there.
Written August 21, 2018
When I was there, there were horses that could be rented out. Two of them at least. It seemed kind of on an ad hoc basis. They were trailered in to the parking area. I don’t know how you actually arrange it, how much it costs, or if they are there everyday or just on summer weekends. Certainly on the beach there were hoof prints. And the two horses I saw looked in good condition, with a Thoroughbred look about them.
Written August 21, 2018
Anyone know what time the Army horses are on Holkham beach?
Thank you
Written July 16, 2018
Their website says that they haven't made a decision on dates this year due to other commitments. Worth keep checking the Household Cavalry website for updates.
Written July 17, 2018
Sorry, just posted a question and autotext changed Holkham to Hologram. My question is about Holkham Beach.
Written June 28, 2018
Hi, I have heard that Hologram Beach is naturist. Is this so and, if so, isn't here a designated area? I would like to visit but do not want to cause embarrassment or offence.
Written June 28, 2018
Holkham *is* naturist... well, a clearly signed part of it is. See my review. Ignore the answers above that suggest otherwise. Have fun.
Written August 8, 2018
Got a trip planned soon to walk up the sand dunes and along the beach. Does anyone know if there is any toilets close by? If so where and how would i find them? Thanks.
Written May 24, 2018
think the nearest ones are at victoria pub
Written May 27, 2018
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