Beautiful seaside village home to one of the UK's best ranked beaches
A charming seaside village has been thrown into the tourist spotlight after topping the league tables for its 'glorious' beach. Tucked away on the idyllic Norfolk Coast National Landscape, some 126 miles from London, lies the overlooked parish of Brancaster.
Renowned for its thriving fishing and sailing communities - and often touted as one of the driest villages in the country - this tiny slice of coastal paradise makes for the perfect summer staycation. "All year round, Brancaster is a lively village and there is a good range of places to stay and eat," hails Visit Norfolk, the area's official tourist board.
"Brancaster is known for its mussels and excellent seafood which you can try in the fabulous pubs and restaurants with breathtaking views over the staithe; and enjoy locally produced ale and seasonal dishes. You can also buy freshly caught fish and seafood from stalls at the staithe and on the main road."
But, it's Brancaster's incredible beach that really sets it apart from the rest. Boasting miles of unspoilt golden sand for 'as long as the eye can see' and crystal-clear water, this long stretch of shore is the perfect place to sit back with a good book and soak up the rays.
When the tide is out, you might also be able to spot the remains of SS Vina, an old shipwreck that was used by the RAF for target practice before the Normandy landing. It was later dragged to a sand bank in the entrance to Brancaster Staithe Harbour where it sank due to being filled with shell holes.
It's likely Brancaster Beach will become even more popular this summer, having recently featured on The Times UK's 50 best beaches for 2025 list. "The dunes offer shelter from all winds except from the north and the sand is perfect for building your own Crow Fort," the publication wrote. "There are usually seals snoozing around the first bend of the Hun. The narrow Beach Road gets busy in high summer so come early: there's a well-stocked kiosk opposite the car park."
Make sure you check high tide times before visiting, as the road is often flooded. Alternatively, you can check out RSPB Titchwell Marsh, a renowned nature reserve and a haven for native and migrating birds. There's a wide sandy beach here too, which offers vast views across The Wash, and is a must-see for animal lovers.
Driving to Brancaster from central London will take you around three hours and nine minutes. However, direct trains from King's Cross to King's Lynn Station slash the journey time to just one hour and 48 minutes. From here, you'll need to take the 36 Coastliner towards Fakenham and disembark at Ship - before walking 0.9 miles to Brancaster Beach. Even without a railcard, you can get single adult fares for as little as £18.
Due to its small size, staying in Brancaster itself can be difficult (and pricey). Hayloft Brancaster, a cosy holiday home just 17 minutes walk from the beach, is a great option for couples, with its rustic interior, fully-equipped kitchen, and private garden. Staying here on Friday, July 25-27 will set you back £852.
If you're driving up to Brancaster, staying just outside the village is a great way to keep the cost down. For example, staying at The White House - located 2.2 miles from Brancaster centre - on the exact same nights costs almost half the price (£451). This stunning guest room, set in the rolling countryside, includes a free breakfast, and a spacious double bedroom.
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