Guide to Watching the Horsey Seals
Grey seal on Horsey beach (photo Georgie Gibbon)
UPDATE 3 December 2024
Friends of Horsey seals report on their Facebook page that, as of 28 November there have been 2058 pups born this season with 2925 adults on the beach. These photos were taken about 30 minutes walk along the beach from Shangri-la towards Horsey, near to Waxham Sands camping site.
Horsey beach and seals
One of the wonders of nature is found on the east Norfolk coast. The now famous Horsey seals are a big draw in this quiet and remote part of Norfolk. Visitor numbers increase each year, seemingly following the same trajectory as the seal colony itself.
Grey seal viewed from near Waxham (photo Georgie Gibbon)
Grey Seals interesting Facts
The Horsey beach colony consists of grey seals. Here are some interesting grey seal facts:
Remarkable Vocal Abilities: Grey seals are known for their diverse vocalisations, which range from haunting calls to guttural grunts. These vocalisations serve various purposes, including communication between individuals, establishing territory, and maintaining social bonds.
Deep Diving Champions: Grey seals are exceptional divers, capable of descending to depths of over 200 meters (656 feet) and holding their breath for up to 20 minutes. Their remarkable diving abilities allow them to forage for food in deep-sea environments.
Migratory Marvels: While grey seals are primarily found in the waters surrounding the UK, they are also known for their extensive migratory patterns. Some individuals have been tracked traveling hundreds of kilometres.
Unique Courtship Rituals: During the breeding season, male grey seals engage in elaborate courtship displays to attract mates. These displays often involve vocalizations, posturing, and physical interactions, with dominant males competing for access to females.
Maternal Bonding and Care: Female grey seals exhibit remarkable maternal instincts, forming strong bonds with their pups from birth. Mothers provide dedicated care and protection to their offspring, nursing them with nutrient-rich milk and teaching them essential survival skills.
Grey seals from the Horsey beach colony displaying territorial behaviour
Seal riding a wave near Waxham (photo Georgie Gibbon)
Best Time to Visit the Seals
For the ultimate seal-watching experience, timing is everything. There are two events which cause large numbers of seals to congregate on the beach. The first is during the pupping season, which typically runs from early November to February. Visitors can witness seal pups taking their first swim.
The second in the moult. This usually starts in February and continues until April. Old and damaged fur is replaced by new. During the process the seals pack tightly together in large groups to maintain their core temperature.
However, seals can be spotted year-round. If you swim or kayak from Waxham beach, you may well be encounter curious seals swimming nearby for a closer look.
Why are there so many seals at Horsey Beach?
There are a number reasons which may explain the explosion of the seal population at Horsey Beach:
Breeding Grounds: Horsey Beach is one of the most important breeding sites for grey seals in the UK. Every winter, thousands of grey seals come ashore to give birth to their pups. The beach offers a relatively undisturbed and safe environment for seal pups to be born and nurtured.
Protected Area: The area around Horsey Beach is part of a protected nature reserve. Human activities are regulated to minimise disturbances, providing a safe habitat for the seals. Conservation efforts by organisations such as the Friends of Horsey Seals help ensure the beach remains a secure place for seals to thrive.
Natural Habitat: The coastal environment of Horsey Beach, with its sandy shores and adjacent dunes, is ideal for seals. The beach provides easy access to the sea, where seals can hunt for fish and other marine food sources.
Minimal Human Disturbance: Compared to other beaches, Horsey Beach is less frequented by people outside the seal-watching season. This reduces stress and disturbances for the seals, making it an attractive location for them to rest and breed.
Successful Conservation Programs: Efforts by local conservation groups have contributed to the growth of the seal population. Monitoring, rescue, and rehabilitation programs help protect seals from threats and ensure their numbers continue to grow.
These factors combined make Horsey Beach a prime location for seals, particularly during the breeding season when the beach becomes a bustling nursery for grey seal pups.
Visiting the Seal Colony at Horsey Gap
Accessing the seal colony at Horsey Gap is straightforward with a large carpark just outside of Horsey, near the Poppylands café. The postcode for the carpark is NR29 4EQ. The carpark is pay and display and once in the carpark there is a clearly signed route to the seal viewing areas.
There are volunteer wardens on hand to guide you if necessary. Much of the beach is cordoned off during the pupping season. At peak times, especially between Christmas and New Year, it can get very busy.
Alternatively, it’s also possible to park in the National Trust car park at Horsey Mere and follow the circular walk provided on their website.
Seals from Waxham
Viewing seals from the Waxham direction means parking in the vicinity of the church and Waxham Hall. There is no ‘official’ carpark, with parking on the verges. Access to the beach is via the sandy path over the dunes and then walk right towards Horsey.
During the 23/24 pupping season, many hundreds of seals were present after 1.5 kms. Be mindful of the tides and depending on conditions, you may have to walk along the dunes or Coast Path (officially, the King Charles III England Coast Path).
As you approach the seals, it is advisable to continue from the dunes regardless of the tide. This will avoid disturbing the seals and will also give a better view.
Seals at Waxham winter 23/24 season
A Boat Trip From Sea Palling
One of the most interesting ways to see the seals is by taking a boat trip from Sea Palling beach. Richard, a local fisherman, provides trips on his fishing boat. More details are available here.
Guidelines for Watching the Horsey seals
Keep dogs on a lead at all times.
Avoid approaching the seals too closely, as they may perceive humans as threats and retreat into the water. Keep at least 15m distance.
Seals are wild animals and should be treated as such.
Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens for a closer look at the seals without intruding on their space.
The Norfolk coast in the winter can be very cold so wrap up warm.
Full guidelines are available on the Friends of Horsey seals website
Shangri-la, Norfolk Retreat
Shangri-la is the ideal place to stay in Norfolk for visiting the seals. In the 2023/2024 season, hundreds of seals occupied the beach around 1.5 kms from the house, meaning this spectacular site was just a short walk away. The colony is split into a number of groups, with the largest number at Horsey beach but with groups spreading to the north near Waxham and to the south at Winterton.
Guests often mention being in the garden at night and hearing both the waves on the beach and the distinctive calls of the seals - a truly unique and memorable experience. You’ll be in the ideal position to get up early, watch the sun rise over the North Sea and take a short walk to one of the UK’s natural wonders. If you’d like to experience this unique wildlife experience visit our booking page.
View our article on short breaks in Norfolk for more things to do.
Shangri-la, Waxham at dusk
