#551 European Rank

Holkham Beach

North Norfolk, United Kingdom•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: June, July, August, September

Photo: Hugh Venables (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons source

EDITORIAL SCORE

4.25/ 5.0

SEA TEMPERATURE

16.4°C

August 30-year average

DAILY BUDGET

€44/day

SAND & SHORELINE

Golden Sand

Shallow & Gentle

Sea Temperature by Month

30-year monthly averages for North Norfolk · NOAA satellite data

Swipe 12 months ⇄

Refreshing Plunge

Jan

6.2°C

Air 13°C

Feb

5.7°C

Air 14°C

Mar

6.1°C

Air 16°C

Apr

7.9°C

Air 19°C

May

10.3°C

Air 22°C

Jun

12.9°C

Air 25°C

Jul

15.2°C

Air 27°C

Peak

Aug

16.4°C

Air 27°C

Sep

15.4°C

Air 25°C

Oct

13.1°C

Air 22°C

Nov

10.2°C

Air 18°C

Dec

7.7°C

Air 15°C

Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology

Peak 16.4°C in August · cold-water plunge / wetsuit season

30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all United Kingdom Sea Temperatures

Score Breakdown

Scenery & Setting4.8 / 5

Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.9 / 5

Sand & Shoreline Quality4.7 / 5

Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5

Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5

Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5

About Holkham Beach

A mile of golden sand at low tide, framed by pines and enormous Norfolk skies, with hardly anyone on it.

Destination Advisory & Classificationcold-water destination (16.4°C peak) — aesthetic/scenic ranking rather than warm swimming

Key Beach Facts

Official Records

•Access: Boardwalk trails and paths leading from Lady Anne's Drive parking through pine woods

•Protected Status / Environment: Holkham National Nature Reserve covering ~10,000 acres of protected saltmarsh, sand dunes, and pine woodlands

•Notable Feature: Immense semi-circular tidal sand basin famous as a filming location for 'Shakespeare in Love' and 'Deadpool & Wolverine'

Official Tourism Authorities:visitbritain.com holkham.co.uk

Amenities & Facilities

Bathrooms

Showers

Free Parking

Yes

Food / Tavernas

Yes

Good for Kids

Dog Friendly

Yes

Lifeguard on Duty

Sunbed & Umbrella Rentals

Natural Cliff/Pine Shade

Yes

Wheelchair Accessible

Snorkeling & Watersports

Yes

Nudist / FKK Friendly

Getting There & Local Notes

Getting there:

Located near North Norfolk. Accessible via regional coastal roads (52.976°N, 0.790°E).

•More paddling and lagoon-bathing than swimming; vast tides.

•Pine woods and a national nature reserve on the Holkham estate.

Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway

INTL · 40m drive

Convenient highway or local transit access across North Norfolk, United Kingdom.

Rent Car from INTL Book Airport Meet & Greet

Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Holkham Beach?

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Frequently Asked Questions about Holkham Beach

What is the water temperature at Holkham Beach?

The peak summer sea surface temperature at Holkham Beach averages 16.4°C (62°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.

What type of coast or sand is Holkham Beach?

Holkham Beach is classified as a golden sand shoreline located in North Norfolk, United Kingdom.

Is Holkham Beach good for families with kids?

Holkham Beach has steeper entry or natural coastal features better suited for confident swimmers.

Are there parking and facilities at Holkham Beach?

Free parking is available. No public restrooms directly on-site.

Getting Around & Activities

Coastal Stays & Hotels

Hotels, beach villas & boutique stays near Holkham Beach.

Find Stays near Holkham Beach

Scooter & Bike Rental

from €15/day

Scooters, mopeds & e-bikes for coastal cruising.

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Boat Tours & Excursions

from €53

Boat trips & guided activities along the coast.

Find Activities on Tiqets

Airport & Port Transfers

Direct Route

Private transfers with airport meet-and-greet.

Book Transfer on Welcome Pickups

United Kingdom Travel eSIM

from €4.50

Important: EU domestic roaming does NOT apply in United Kingdom. Install an instant Airalo eSIM to avoid expensive roaming fees.

Get United Kingdom eSIM on Airalo

Travel & Medical Insurance

Trip Protection

Medical emergency cover, baggage protection, and watersports cover for coastal trips.

Get Covered on EKTA

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United Kingdom Coastal Alerts & Shortlist Backup

Backup your saved beaches to your inbox with a permanent restore link, and receive seasonal sea temperature updates for United Kingdom.

View 12-Month Sea Curves

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