West Runton Beach
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© Chris Morgan and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Matt From London and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Evelyn Simak and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© John D Fielding and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Julian Osley and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Mat Fascione and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Chris Holifield and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Evelyn Simak and licensed for reuse under this Licence
Situated between the towns of Sheringham and Cromer the lovely sands of West Runton are often overlooked - which is nice!
Towards the high tide mark the beach is quite shingley, but as the tide goes out a large expanse of fine sand is revealed, along with numerous rockpools.
Beyond the sandstone cliffs are the fields of the Norfolk countryside. Within the cliffs are a host of fossils including the now famous West Runton elephant. Discovered in 1990 this was actually the most complete example of a fossilized steppe mammoth skeleton ever found.
The beach is also home to some important geology. A designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) West Runton is home to the largest chalk reef in Europe. This makes it not only popular with divers but surfers too.
In terms of facilities there is everything you need; toilets and the Seaview Beach Cafe.
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
Yes
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs are banned on the section to the east of the slipway from May 1st through to September 30th
Norfolk dog friendly beaches »
Activities
- Diving & snorkelling
- Kite surfing
- Rock pooling
- Surfing
- Wind surfing
Facilities
- Cafe/restaurant
- Toilets
- Slipway
Nearest town
Postcode
NR27 9QP
OS grid ref.
TG 1846 4320
Parking
Parking available next to the beach.
Awards
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West Runton Beach Reviews
Lovely beach ....great for fossil hunting
The Best Beach in Norfolk
Ellie
May 23rd 2022Forget your huge beaches with a few beach huts - this beach has everything! Sandy beaches, rock pooling, fossil hunting, excellent clean toilet facilities, carpark and The Sea View cafe selling all you need for a day at the beach and delicious bacon butties!
A perfect beach for any family.
Born in West Runton
Liz
Feb 02nd 2024I’m biased having been born here and I think the beach is vastly superior to the ‘bucket, spade, beach hut and very commercial atmosphere of Wells. But the woman who wrote that dog restrictions are ‘quite rightly ignored’ is exactly the kind of contemptuous tourist who will ruin unspoiled areas of Norfolk sadly.
Lovely beach and more
Tina494
Aug 17th 2021Visited on rainy day enjoyed fossil hunting impressed with toilets and cafe. Would love to return especially on a sunny day though I imagine it gets very busy as it is such a lovely spot!
West Runton Seaview Car Park
Andrew Freer
Jul 14th 2022Really good parking once you’ve negotiated the narrow lane. Andy the car park attendant was welcoming and even gave my granddaughter a small fossil as we left. A great afternoon rock pooling.
Gorgeous beach for swimming
Kate
Sep 15th 2020Perhaps the most perfect beach in North Norfolk- fine sand, water isn’t a million miles away at low tide, super clean because almost the whole beach is underwater at high tide.
Dog restrictions quite rightly ignored by all when we visited in September, and everyone having a lovely time.