Seals - Top of our list might be the seals at Horsey - the seal boat trips at Blakeney might be more famous but, with Horsey Gap beach a short drive away, it's a favourite for us.
Caister is only 10 miles from Horsey Gap where there is a colony of grey and common seals that are visible on the beaches and in the water fairly reliably throughout the year. The numbers increase to around 1000 seals during the winter months as the pupping season is Oct/Nov to Jan.
At certain times of the year you may well see a few seals in the sea at Caister popping their heads up for a look at the humans on the beach, and Winterton as well, but go to Horsey to be sure of a really good view.
We tend to walk up past the Nelson Head for a nice stroll there and back and we think the seals may be more likely to be on that part of the beach, as we've never not seen them. You can park at the Nelson Head as a customer or walk on down (c.1.4 miles each way) which is a nice stroll in itself (see below)
We tend to walk up past the Nelson Head for a nice stroll there and back and we think the seals may be more likely to be on that part of the beach, as we've never not seen them. You can park at the Nelson Head as a customer or walk on down (c.1.4 miles each way) which is a nice stroll in itself (see below)
If you're up for a slightly longer walk (c.2 miles each way), there's a path from the National Trust car park at Horsey Wind Pump.
If you're not wanting a walk, there's the Horsey Gap pay and display car park a lot closer to the beach.
Although they are familiar with humans wandering around nearby, they are very vulnerable to disturbance. Do not get close, keep dogs on leads. During the pupping season (Oct-Feb) viewing at Winterton is from the dunes rather than on the beach.
Grey seals come ashore to breed. As mammals they feed their pups on their milk. After the pup is weaned (approximately three weeks) the mother will leave. Over the next few weeks the pup will moult its soft white coat for a mottled waterproof one; it will not feed during this time and relies on the fat it built up by feeding from its mother earlier on. When it gets hungry enough it will make its way to the sea where it will learn to feed itself.
The Friends of Horsey Seals website gives advice on accessing the colony and protections of the seals.
If you're not wanting a walk, there's the Horsey Gap pay and display car park a lot closer to the beach.
Although they are familiar with humans wandering around nearby, they are very vulnerable to disturbance. Do not get close, keep dogs on leads. During the pupping season (Oct-Feb) viewing at Winterton is from the dunes rather than on the beach.
Grey seals come ashore to breed. As mammals they feed their pups on their milk. After the pup is weaned (approximately three weeks) the mother will leave. Over the next few weeks the pup will moult its soft white coat for a mottled waterproof one; it will not feed during this time and relies on the fat it built up by feeding from its mother earlier on. When it gets hungry enough it will make its way to the sea where it will learn to feed itself.
The Friends of Horsey Seals website gives advice on accessing the colony and protections of the seals.
