Taking a trip to Horsey to see the seals at any time of the year is a treat, but if you go from late October through February it’s a great time to see some seal pups. Of course, this time of year is often very chilly but it’s totally worth seeing.
On our visit there were volunteers from The Friends of Horsey Seals who were on hand to explain about the seals; Very handy when you’ve got kids who are full of questions!
There is parking nearby at Horsey Gap and from the car park we were able to walk a short distance to a really good vantage point over the dunes over-looking the beach. From here we could observe the seals and their pups lazing on the sand, and some of the seals frolicking in the sea. There is an even better viewing area even further along, so we took a leisurely stroll and this was indeed an even better place because the number of seals were great and some were really close up in the dunes.
The Friends of Horsey Seals have added fact boards about the seals and conservation work, and there were also “quiz” boxes which helps to explain useful information about the seals to kids. In the case of my boys it meant they decided to race ahead to every quiz question!
It was a bit of an overcast day but we still got some half-decent pictures and we’ve put a video on our Youtube channel too , which you can watch at the bottom this article (it was filmed on camera rather than camcorder without any tripod so a bit jumpy!)
Here’s some of our pictures (you can see more on our Facebook page). FYI -There is a bit more to read below the pictures.
Above: I can touch my nose!
Above: Fluffy seal!
Above: Feeding time
Above: Pillboxes can often be seen along the Norfolk coast
If you haven’t been to see the seals at Horsey (or indeed elsewhere in Norfolk, such as the colony @ Blakeney) we certainly recommend it!
For all you walkers out there, it is interesting to note that the walk from the car park goes along the Norfolk Coast Path. There are several points where you can come off the path and go to the top of the dunes to look down, so don’t go making your own path and disturbing the wildlife.
There are a couple of really good observation points on the walk, which should give you great views of the seals. It’s about 10 minutes walk from the main car park to the first observation point, and then probably 20 minutes to the second observation point. Both involve walking over sand, up inclines and the 2nd observation point involves going up and down stairs too. To get back to the car park, just take one of the exits back to the Norfolk Coast Path.
Field Notes
FACILITIES – There is on site paid parking at Horsey Gap, which also has an overflow car park another 5 minutes further walk. There is also parking at Horsey Mill, though this is further away. However, at Horsey Mill has public toilets a shop and café. Horsey Mill is ran by the National Trust so check their website for availa
DOGS – Dogs are welcome but must be on a close lead at all times. They are not allowed on the beach where there are seals.
SAFETY – There is some uneven ground on the footpath.
WHEELCHAIRS – Given the nature of the viewing path we don’t think this is accessible to wheelchair users.
CLOBBER -Normal comfortable footwear should be okay, however, weather may be a factor. We walked on a dry day and wore trainers.
DISTANCE – We’ve measured from the main car park, and the walk we took we approximately 2.5 miles.
ANTHING ELSE? – It’s very important to keep your distance from the seals. Follow the guidelines on the Friends of Horsey Seals website. Horsey is a quiet village, but it can get very very busy due to tourism. Please be respectful of those who live there, and you may need to accept that it is so busy you
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