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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
