East Runton Beach

The cliffs here are what draw you in first - proper Norfolk sandstone, ochre and rust-coloured, rising up from a wide sandy beach that feels genuinely spacious even when it's busy. East Runton, just east of Cromer, is one of those Norfolk coast stretches that rewards a proper walk rather than a quick seaside dash. The beach itself is free, obviously, and you can spend as long as you like wandering the foreshore or having a paddle.

What makes it worth the trip is the geology. Fossil hunters know this spot well - the cliffs are constantly eroding and releasing bits of ancient life if you know where to look. Even without hunting, just watching how the layers tell a story of Norfolk's past is absorbing. The walk along the beach from East Runton towards West Runton is lovely, taking about forty minutes each way depending on your pace and tide times.

Families with children will get a solid few hours here, though it's not a resort beach with arcades or rock shops. Walkers absolutely love this stretch - it's part of the longer Norfolk coastal path and feels proper wild compared to the busier spots near Cromer itself. Bring a packed lunch and plan for three to four hours if you're exploring properly.

If you're based at Seacroft or Woodhill Park - both virtually on your doorstep - you've got an easy morning sorted. Even from further afield, say The Grove Glamping or Manor Farm, it's a quick drive. Weather matters here; go on a clear day when you can actually see the geology properly.