Blakeney Point

Explore Blakeney Point – Wildlife, Seal Watching & Scenic Walks in Norfolk

Blakeney Point is a stunning coastal area on the North Norfolk coast, renowned for its natural beauty and wildlife. Here’s an overview you might find useful:

Location of Blakeney Point

Blakeney Point is part of the Blakeney National Nature Reserve, managed by the National Trust. This beautiful spit of land stretches into the North Sea and is famous for its diverse habitats, including salt marshes, sand dunes, and shingle beaches.

Blakeney Point Wildlife

  • Blakeney Point Seals: One of the highlights of Blakeney Point is its seal colony, one of the largest in England. Grey seals give birth here from late October to January, and the adorable seal pups draw many visitors.
  • Birds: Blakeney Point is a haven for birdwatchers, with species like terns, avocets, and oystercatchers. It’s especially popular during the spring and autumn migrations.
  • Flora: The salt marshes and dunes support unique plants like sea lavender, samphire, and thrift.

Activities to do at Blakeney Point

  • Seal Watching Trips: You can take boat trips from nearby Morston Quay to see the Blakeney Point seals, and learn about the area’s history and ecology.
  • Walking: There’s a scenic walk along the coastline to Blakeney Point, offering breathtaking views.
  • Photography: With its unspoiled landscapes and abundant wildlife, it’s a fantastic spot for photographers.

Blakeney Point ~Seal Trips

Blakeney Point is famous for its seal colonies, which attract thousands of visitors each year. It’s one of the best places in the UK to see seals in their natural habitat, particularly during the pupping season.

Types of Seals at Blakeney Point

  1. Grey Seals

    • Appearance: Grey seals have long faces and large nostrils that resemble a horse's profile. Their coats are often speckled grey and white.
    • Pupping Season: The grey seals give birth at Blakeney Point from late October to January. The fluffy white pups are a highlight for visitors.

  2. Common Seals (Harbour Seals)

    • Appearance: Common seals have rounder faces and V-shaped nostrils. Their coats can range from light brown to grey with mottled patterns.
    • Pupping Season: Common seals give birth during the summer, typically from June to August. The pups can swim within hours of birth!

Seal Watching Highlights

  • Pupping Seasons: The best time to visit depends on the type of seals you want to see.
    • Winter: See grey seal pups in their snowy white coats.
    • Summer: Spot common seal pups and enjoy warmer weather.
  • Boat Trips: Seal-watching boat trips depart from Morston Quay and are the best way to observe the seals without disturbing them.

Find out more about taking a boat trip to see the Blakeney seal colonies at Blakeney Point and what you need to wear and know. 

Tips for Seal Watching

  • Keep Your Distance: Never approach seals on foot; they can be easily stressed.
  • Bring Binoculars: For a better view from the boat or the shore.
  • Respect Wildlife Guidelines: Follow National Trust guidance to ensure the seals' safety.

Visitor tips if your planning a trip to Blakeney Point while you are visiting North Norfolk

  • Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes if you’re planning to explore the shingle spit. The walk to Blakeney point is over shingle beaches 
  • Respect Wildlife: Avoid disturbing the Blakeney seals and birds, especially during breeding seasons.
  • National Trust: As the area is part of the National Trust, members may benefit from free parking. There is free parking in Blakeney on the Quay for National Trust members opposite Two Magpies Cafe. Non National trust members pay a fee.

Walking to Blakeney Point can take around 2–3 hours each way, depending on your pace and the tide, so the walk is not for the faint hearted. The route from Cley Beach car park is approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) along a shingle spit, making it a challenging but rewarding walk with stunning coastal views. To walk from Blakeney you would first need to walk to Cley beach which would add a considerable amount of time to the walk. The easiest way to visit Blakeney Point is by boat trip from Morston (organised Blakeney seal trips) or Blakeney if you have a friend with a boat.

Key Tips:

  • Check the Tide: Walking during high tide can be difficult or unsafe.
  • Prepare for Shingle: Walking on shingle is slow and tiring, so sturdy footwear is essential.
  • Plan for the Round Trip: The walk is 8 miles (13 km) there and back, so allow plenty of time and bring water and snacks.

Tips for Visiting Blakeney Point with Children

Visiting Blakeney Point is a fantastic family adventure, but a bit of planning can make it even more enjoyable for children:

1. Take a seal-watching boat trip

  • Why it’s great for kids: Seal-watching boat trips from Morston Quay are exciting and allow children to see the seals up close without the long walk.
  • Book Ahead: These seal trips are very popular, especially in the summer and during grey seal pupping season.

2. Pack snacks and drinks

  • The area is remote, with no shops or cafes once you’re on the spit, so bring plenty of water and snacks to keep kids happy and hydrated.

3. Dress appropriately

  • For the Shingle Walk: If you’re walking to Blakeney Point, ensure kids wear sturdy shoes for the uneven shingle terrain.
  • For Boat Trips: Layers and waterproofs are ideal as the coastal weather can be unpredictable, and it may get breezy on the boat.

4. Bring binoculars

  • Kids will love spotting seals and birds through binoculars, and it adds an educational element to the trip.

5. Engage them in wildlife spotting

  • Encourage children to look for seals, birds, and interesting plants along the way. You could turn it into a game by seeing who can spot the most species!

6. Allow for rest stops

  • If walking, the shingle can be tiring for little legs, so plan regular breaks. Pack a lightweight blanket for sitting and resting on the beach.

7. Teach respect for wildlife

  • Explain to children the importance of keeping their distance from seals and birds. Loud noises or getting too close can disturb the wildlife.

8. Use tide times to plan

  • If walking to Blakeney Point, check tide times to avoid difficulty returning. Boat trips usually operate around the tides, so confirm departure and return times in advance.

9. Take a camera

  • Kids love taking photos! Encourage them to capture their favourite moments to make the day more memorable.

Discover the Natural Beauty of Blakeney Point

Visit Blakeney Point, a stunning coastal destination on the North Norfolk coast. Home to England’s largest grey seal colony, beautiful salt marshes, and diverse birdlife, it's perfect for seal watching, nature walks, and photography. Plan your trip today!