Windmill views, wild dunes, and seal colonies on the Norfolk Coast
Horsey is a small, quiet village on the Norfolk coast, famous for its historic windpump and the grey seal colonies that gather along its beaches. It’s a rewarding stop for walking holidays and outdoor adventures on the Norfolk Coast Path, combining wide sandy beaches, dramatic dunes, and wildlife-rich marshes.
For walkers, Horsey sits directly on the Norfolk Coast Path between Sea Palling and Winterton-on-Sea. The surrounding landscape offers a mix of coastal and inland routes, from dune trails to marsh paths alive with birdlife. In winter, the beaches around Horsey Gap are one of the best places in the UK to see grey seals with their pups, while in summer the broad sands and big skies make for peaceful seaside walking.
Why Walk Here
- Renowned grey seal colony at Horsey Gap.
- Historic Horsey Windpump, a National Trust landmark.
- Direct access to the Norfolk Coast Path.
- Wild dunes and marshes rich in birdlife.
Nearby Trails
- Norfolk Coast Path – passes through Horsey between Sea Palling and Winterton-on-Sea.
- Horsey Windpump Circular – a popular loop linking windpump, dunes, and beach.
- Horsey Gap to Winterton – a scenic dune and beach section of the Norfolk Coast Path.
Outdoor Adventures and Activities
- Seal watching at Horsey Gap in winter months.
- Exploring Horsey Windpump and surrounding waterways.
- Walking through dunes and marshes rich in wildlife.
- Beach walks along one of Norfolk’s wildest coastal stretches.
