“It says here that you can see seals at this beach”, I told my husband doubtfully. We had just arrived to stay a night in the Norfolk Broads and, despite the persistent drizzle, decided that we should go out and enjoy the fresh, country air (we don’t get very much of this at home in London). The chances of viewing some seals made going out sound extra appealing. But I wasn’t convinced we’d actually see any. Luckily I was completely wrong.
We drove from our delightful cottage in Potter Heigham to Horsey, on the coast, around 10 minutes away. The beach (Horsey Gap) was clearly signposted, and from the carpark (pay and display, but not expensive) there was another sign showing us which way we should walk for the seals (the walk, the sign, warned, would take 20 minutes).
I hoped that I wasn’t dragging my husband and kids on a wild goose (or should I say seal) chase, but decided we might as well give it a go.
The walk was pretty, round the back of the sand-dunes, and about a mile long. Unfortunately it was also riddled with deep puddles, which Robert simply could not resist. He was wearing wellies, but they were soon full of water as he jumped in one puddle after another.
After a good 15 minutes or so, we saw a wide path leading up the dunes. We clambered up and saw some people coming the other way.
“Did you see any seals?” I asked breathlessly and they nodded confidently.
A minute later I saw just why they were so confident: the beach seemed to be full of grey seals, of all different sizes and shading. There was even an incredibly cute baby one. It was fantastic.
There were lots of people on the beach, many taking pictures. The seals seemed quite unbothered by this, until one young woman moved within about 10 metres and knelt down for a picture. The response was remarkable as the group of seals she was near started barking and moving away.
We walked further along the beach where there were fewer people – and found lots more seals. It was amazing to see them there in their natural environment, looking as if they were basking in the sun (when in reality it was rainy and cold). I particularly loved it when they moved off and started to swim in the water.
Apparently the seals come to Horsey in the winter months in order to breed, although we only saw one baby. We did, however, see well over a hundred seals and found out later that Horsey is one of the best places to see them, particularly as around half of the world’s population of grey seals are found around Britain.
We decided to walk back to the car park along the beach itself which was beautiful, and must be even more so in the summer when I’d love to return and bring a picnic. There were huge expanses of sand and it was totally unspoilt and very clean. It was also fascinating to see the dunes which surround this beach – in the summer I think they must be full of wildlife, but in the winter, they seemed rather desolate and wonderful.
All in all it was a terrific experience and one I don’t think any of us will ever forget. It was truly special.
YOU CAN SEE MORE SEALS IN ROBERT’S VIDEO ON OUR DAY IN THE NORFOLK BROADS. JUST CLICK HERE!
More animals on Family Travel Times
A day at Blair Drummond Safari Park in Stirling
A trip to Amazon World Zoo Park on the Isle of Wight
chantelle hazelden
You’ve captured some great photos, a very memorable experience by the looks of it!
DannyUK.com
Looks like everyone had a great time there. I’m ashamed to say that at the grand old age of 38 I only learnt the difference between seals and sealions last week!
Tamar
Sounds absolutely wonderful! x
Christine
Glad you got to see the seals, and a good walk too. We went on a boat trip to Blakeney Point to see them when we were in Norfolk but I think I’d prefer the walk.
Lisa (Travel Loving Family)
Aw what an incredible experience:) You captured them beautifully too
Zena's Suitcase
Wow! I don’t think I would have believed it either until I saw your pictures. What an amazing this to see. I’m really quite jealous and will have to visit here one day
Charles McCool
Awww, that last seal picture is too cute. Looks like a fun experience. Did the seals smell bad?
Sarah Ebner
No, we didn’t smell anything bad at all!
Dean
It’s always more exciting to see any animals in the wild. Looks like the kids had a great time.
Jen
Wow, what a fantastic experience. You wouldn’t believe it without seeing it would you.
Jayne
I spent a lot of time around the Broads as a kid as my Grandarents lived in Lowestoft, but I never saw seals! I’ve been meaning to take our girls to the area to show them where I spent some of my childhood and this would definitely be a sight to make the trip worthwhile.
Sarah Ebner
It’s all so lovely round there, so we’d definitely recommend it, and the seals make it even more magical.
Mari
How wonderful to see them in their own habitat, I’m not surprised they barked at the photographer especially if there was a baby amongst them.
I saw seals for the first time on a geography field trip to the Isle of Arran off the coast of Scotland, an experience that has remained with me always.
Sarah Ebner
Yes, it really was wonderful, and it seemed so unlikely too!
Louise
love the photos – so magical! xxx
Mary Louise
How lovely and such a wonderful and free experience. I love your pictures also.
We are wanting to visit the broads so have made a note of this beach x
Andrea
Oh my goodness what a wonderful opportunity! They look so lovely especially in their natural environment, well done for taking the chance and going on the walk!
Izzie Anderton
How lovely to see seals in their natural habitat. Thanks for sharing your fabulous photos and magical day out x
Laura
Wow what an amazing experience!!
Sonya Cisco
What a fab experience, and you have managed to capture some great shots!
Erica Price
How lovely to get up close! We have only ever seen them from the train.
Coombe Mill - Fiona
I’m so pleased your beach trip was a success and you found the seals. I must say they look amazing, we sometimes see them off the coast line here in summer but I’ve never seen them up on the beach in winter like this. A real treat and definitely worth the journey in the drizzle. such gorgeous photos, I especially love the last one in the sea, it looks like he is staring right at the camera! I hope you managed to dry the wellies out OK, it sounds like they came in for a real soaking. Thank you for sharing this beautiful scene on #CountryKids
Sarah Ebner
Thank you so much for your lovely comment!
Sonia Constant
Ahh we went there around May of last year and discovered the beach. We loved it. We only saw seals swimming up and down the water edge though – not on the sand. They look so cute. Great photos!
Sarah Ebner
Thanks very much. It was amazing! It’s interesting you saw them there later in the year; that must have been great fun too.
Kara
I would love to see the seals in the wild. Looks like such a fabulous day out
IamVagabond
Great pictures.. Reminds me of SanFrancisco and San Diego
Michelle Twin Mum
What an absolute delight to be able to see the seals, I’d really love to go and see them. Mich x
Globalmouse
What a wonderful experience. This is how they should be seen. I love your photos.
Cathy (MummyTravels)
How amazing! I’m always braced for disappointment when it comes to animal spotting but that’s incredible to see so many of them on the beach. Definitely on my list for when I finally take that Norfolk holiday. Love the photos.
Sarah Ebner
Thank you. It really was amazing!
Sonia
Oh I would love this. I just adore seals x
Zen BabyTravel
Loving the seals! We saw & swam with them at Blakeney point few years ago but it was quite a trip. Now with a toddler and a baby coming shortly could use seal spotting closer to the car parking 🙂
Sarah Ebner
Yes, maybe in a few years time!
Villa Elena
Looks like fun and I didn’t even know they had seals in Norfolk.
Sarah Ebner
Neither did we!
Villa Elena
It is amazing how many Brits think we got nothing to see here and go abroad but I have actually seen many travel blogs and so on showing me things I didn’t even know about. Need to discover Britain a bit more I think. 🙂