Brancaster Beach
This expansive stretch of flat golden, unspoilt sand is a year round favourite. With literally miles of beach there is plenty of room for summer picnics and romantic winter walks.
As well as being a good family beach with all this sand space Brancaster is a popular spot for windsurfing, kite surfing and various buggies. It is also one of the best dog friendly beaches in Norfolk.
Brancaster beach is part of the Brancaster Estate which is now owned by the National Trust. This iconic stretch of coast is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and also home to important natural features such as the tidal salt marshes of Scolt Head.
There are a few facilities at Brancaster including the Brancaster Beach Kiosk and plenty of parking.
At low tide the shipwreck of the SS Vina becomes visible. Mostly buried in the sand all that can be seen are a few sections of barnacle encrusted superstructure. The ship was used as target practice by the RAF during World War II but became stuck on a sandbank.
Today it presents two hazards; firstly to other boats as it sits near a channel and also to beachgoers who walk out to see it at low tide only to be cut off when the tide races back in. You should not attempt to walk out to the wreck as this is a real danger.
Another reason to check the tides is that the main access road to the beach car park becomes cut off on spring high tides. For more information check the parking details below.
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
No
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed
Dogs are allowed all year round
Norfolk dog friendly beaches »
Activities
- Kite surfing
- Wind surfing
Facilities
- Cafe/restaurant
- Toilets
- Shop
Nearest town
OS grid ref.
TF 7731 4521
Parking
There is a good sized car park, which is run by the Royal West Norfolk Golf Club. However, it is important to note that on big high tides the road leading to the car park becomes submerged and impassible for two or more hours. The golf club conveniently l
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Brancaster Beach Reviews
Beautiful
Turqudoor
Jul 19th 2019Massive beach, wide open, very dog friendly. Watch the tide though - it comes in quickly behind you. A great place for a family day out, just take your bucket and spade and you’ll make memories that last a lifetime.
Toilets near the car park, nothing fancy but clean. A fab little hut opposite car park to get a cuppa, a bag of chips and an icecream.
Fabulous beach
Paul
Jun 20th 2021The access roads do get blocked , arrive early and enjoy a hassle free day.
Kids love the beach, take a picnic and enjoy the fabulous walks along lies of sandy beaches.
Water is safe, no worry for your children, visibility is 360 degrees, take the dog as well.
Should be in the top three beaches, well worth the visit.
Perfect for a day out, very clean beach, friendly staff in kiosk, car park good value.
Just a word of warning, tide comes in very quickly so you need to keep an eye out at all times.
Dog friendly beach
Great for dog walking.
Sand dunes for sun bathing and picnics.
Parking snack kiosk and toilets
My childhood favourite beach, access road floods alot in winter. At 66 still my favourite beach , dogs love it. Safe and beautiful
Mr
Mauricio
Aug 01st 2020Beautiful Beach
but parking needs to improve