Hemsby Beaches

Overview

Hemsby is a popular choice for families and visitors seeking a traditional English seaside experience. This Norfolk destination is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and expansive golden sands, offering a classic coastal getaway. The main beach area provides a lively hub for fun and relaxation, backed by characteristic grassy dunes.

The heart of the local scene is Hemsby Beach, the main resort hub ideal for classic seaside enjoyment. For unique wildlife encounters, a short journey to Horsey Beach offers memorable seal spotting. Nearby, Winterton Beach presents a more serene escape with its beautiful dunes and natural scenery. For an iconic Norfolk coastal day trip, Cromer Beach, famed for its historic pier, is also within reach.

Many visitors ask about swimming, and the sea at Hemsby is indeed suitable for a dip, boasting good water quality with seasonal lifeguard patrols enhancing safety. While the dynamic East Norfolk coastline means coastal erosion is an acknowledged factor, Hemsby continues to be a cherished sandy destination. Our guide features a more comprehensive list of beaches to explore in and around the area, allowing you to discover even more coastal gems.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Hemsby good for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Hemsby is considered a great destination for a family beach holiday. It offers a vibrant and busy atmosphere with many amenities, cafes, arcades, shops, and funfairs close to the beach. The beach itself has miles of soft sand, providing plenty of space for children to play. Many holiday parks in the area cater specifically to families, offering facilities like swimming pools and entertainment.

Hemsby Beach

Can you swim in the sea at Hemsby and is it safe?

Yes, you can swim in the sea at Hemsby. The beach has good water quality and is suitable for swimming. During the summer season (typically May to September, with specific dates varying), RNLI lifeguards patrol the main sections of the beach between 10 am and 6 pm, operating between the red and yellow flags. It's always recommended to swim in lifeguarded areas and be aware of sea conditions.

Hemsby Beach

Are dogs allowed on Hemsby beach?

Dogs are restricted on the main sections of Hemsby beach between 1st May and 30th September. However, if you walk further away from the main beach entrance, particularly to the left, there are areas where dogs are welcome year-round. Nearby beaches like Caister-on-Sea, Winterton-on-Sea, and Scratby have fewer or no restrictions for dogs.

Hemsby Beach

Caister-On-Sea (Beach)

Winterton Beach

What is Hemsby beach like – is it sandy or pebbly?

Hemsby beach is primarily a sandy beach, known for its miles of soft golden sand. It is backed by grassy sand dunes. Some areas may have shingle, especially depending on tides and coastal changes, but it's predominantly sandy.

Hemsby Beach

Are there holiday parks near Hemsby beach?

Yes, Hemsby is well-known for its numerous holiday parks, many of which are located very close to the beach, often within a short walking distance. These parks typically offer a range of accommodation like caravans, chalets, and lodges, along with family-friendly facilities.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Hemsby Beach

What's the parking like at Hemsby beach?

There is a large paid car park available next to Hemsby beach, which includes disabled parking spaces. Some holiday parks in Hemsby also offer designated parking for their guests, often close to the accommodation.

Hemsby Beach

Are there toilets and cafes at Hemsby beach?

Yes, Hemsby beach has public toilets, including disabled facilities. There are also numerous cafes, restaurants, and kiosks located along Beach Road, very close to the beach entrance, offering a variety of food and refreshments.

Hemsby Beach

Is Hemsby beach accessible for wheelchairs or people with mobility issues?

Hemsby beach has a boardwalk leading to the entrance, which is helpful for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Disabled toilets are available. However, access onto the sand itself can be challenging for wheelchairs. Some holiday parks in the area offer accessible accommodation and facilities. Great Yarmouth beach, a short drive away, is often mentioned as having better accessibility onto the sand with ramps and beach wheelchair hire.

Hemsby Beach

Great Yarmouth Beach

People Also Ask

What is the atmosphere like at Hemsby beach? Is it lively or quiet?

Hemsby beach and the village area are generally described as lively and vibrant, especially during peak season. It's a traditional seaside resort with amusements, arcades, and shops creating a bustling atmosphere. While the main beach area can be busy, the sand dunes offer a bit of a barrier, and the beach itself is spacious enough to find quieter spots if you walk further from the main entrance. For a consistently quieter beach experience, nearby Winterton-on-Sea is often recommended.

Hemsby Beach

Winterton Beach

Is Hemsby beach affected by coastal erosion?

Yes, like many beaches on the East Norfolk coast, Hemsby has been affected by coastal erosion. Efforts are made to manage the coastline. While erosion is an ongoing concern, Hemsby remains a popular sandy beach destination.

Hemsby Beach

How does Hemsby beach compare to Great Yarmouth or Winterton-on-Sea?

Hemsby offers a lively, family-friendly resort atmosphere with plenty of amusements, but it's generally considered quieter than the larger resort of Great Yarmouth. Great Yarmouth has a longer promenade, more extensive attractions, and potentially better accessibility onto the beach itself. Winterton-on-Sea, just north of Hemsby, is known for being much quieter and more natural, with vast dunes and fewer commercial facilities, making it ideal for peaceful walks and nature lovers.

Hemsby Beach

Great Yarmouth Beach

Winterton Beach

Can you walk from Hemsby to other beaches like Winterton or Scratby?

Yes, it is possible to walk along the coast from Hemsby to nearby beaches. You can walk north towards Winterton-on-Sea, enjoying the sand dunes, or south towards Scratby and Caister-on-Sea. The England Coast Path also runs through Hemsby.

Winterton Beach

Caister-On-Sea (Beach)

Hemsby Beach

What are the opening times for the amusements at Hemsby?

The opening times for amusements, arcades, and shops in Hemsby can vary, especially depending on the season (with longer hours typically during summer holidays and weekends). It's best to check with individual establishments for specific opening hours during your visit.

How do you get to Hemsby beach by public transport?

Hemsby is accessible by bus, with services connecting it to Great Yarmouth. For example, the Coastal Clipper bus service runs from Great Yarmouth. Great Yarmouth has a train station (approximately 7 miles from Hemsby) with connections from Norwich, from which you can then take a bus or taxi to Hemsby.

Hemsby Beach

Are there lifeguards at Hemsby beach?

Yes, RNLI lifeguards patrol Hemsby beach during the summer season, typically from late May/early July until early September. They are on duty daily between 10 am and 6 pm, monitoring the area between the red and yellow flags.

Hemsby Beach

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The fastest way to find the best Hemsby Beaches

Hemsby Beaches Map

Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Hemsby: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025

Summary
Full Forecast

Today is not ideal for a beach visit. Expect some rain showers. The wind will be strong, with even stronger gusts. The sea temperature is 12.8 °C, and the waves are high. The maximum air temperature will be 11.2 °C. The cloud cover will be significant, and the UV index is low.

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Air

Low / High	5.4°C/11.2°C
Feels Like (High)	6.2°C

🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature	12.8 °C
Wave Height	1.9 m

🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance	95%
Rainfall	6.4 mm
Rain Duration	10 h

🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset	07:37/17:36
Sunshine Hours	4.0 hrs
UV Index	1.65
Cloud Cover	79%

💨

Wind

Speed	32.7 km/h
Gusts	59 km/h
Direction	W

Hemsby Beaches

Overview

Editor's Pick

Hemsby Beach

Horsey Beach

Winterton Beach

Cromer Beach

FAQ

Is Hemsby good for a family beach holiday?

Can you swim in the sea at Hemsby and is it safe?

Are dogs allowed on Hemsby beach?

What is Hemsby beach like – is it sandy or pebbly?

Are there holiday parks near Hemsby beach?

What's the parking like at Hemsby beach?

Are there toilets and cafes at Hemsby beach?

Is Hemsby beach accessible for wheelchairs or people with mobility issues?

Quiet Coastal Escapes

Winterton Beach

Sea Palling Beach

Caister-On-Sea (Beach)

North Denes Beach Gt Yarmouth

People Also Ask

What is the atmosphere like at Hemsby beach? Is it lively or quiet?

Is Hemsby beach affected by coastal erosion?

How does Hemsby beach compare to Great Yarmouth or Winterton-on-Sea?

Can you walk from Hemsby to other beaches like Winterton or Scratby?

What are the opening times for the amusements at Hemsby?

How do you get to Hemsby beach by public transport?

Are there lifeguards at Hemsby beach?

Beaches for Every Taste

Dog Friendly Beaches in Hemsby

Vibrant Seaside Resorts

Hemsby Beach

Great Yarmouth Beach

Gorleston-on-Sea Beach

Caister-On-Sea (Beach)

Explore More Local Beaches

Walcott Beach

Nice Beach

Happisburgh Beach

Corton Beach

Bacton Beach

Hemsby Beaches Map

Hemsby: Weather Today

Air

Sea

Rain

Sun

Wind

Lists

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