East Anglia : Brancaster beach

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Brancaster beach is a huge swathe of golden sand, backed by a narrow strip of sand dunes and is one of the most scenic beaches in Norfolk. It is located a short distance away from the village, but will never get really busy and crowded due to its location.

The beach is directly north facing so will pick up any swell coming down the North Sea but needs a really big swell to get the best out of its surfing peaks. The most consistent is the peak directly in front of the boulders of the seawall that protects the only building behind the beach - the nearby golf course' clubhouse. This breaks both ways and is a stable sand bank. There are many other shifting peaks along the beach, which stretches out to the east and west from the beach car park, creating several kilometres of sand to explore for waves on your own. Brancaster and particularly the eastern end of this beach, is ideal for kite surfers and windsurfers. Scolt Head Island provides a natural offshore barrier, creating a huge, natural protective ring around an exposed part of the North Sea, ideal for kiters and windsurfers alike, as it will ensure you don't end up in Norway in even the stormiest offshore winds!

The beach has the basic facilities that any beach needs located just behind the carpark. There is an enormous nature reserve behind the beach if you are after more than just this perfect beach.

Details
Driving Access: Single lane road to beach car park
Car Park spaces: 800
Price: Less than £5 (free to National trust members)
Beach facilities: Toilets behind car park, cafe
Beach type: Sand
Break type: Beach
Pub: None close by
Sort of wave: Spilling
Peaks: Several shifting beach breaks
Left/Right: Both
Offshore wind direction: Southerly
Local highlights: Golf course, wildlife & scenery
National Trust: Yes

Ratings
Ability: Novice - Legend
Kids: 1
Other stuff: 1
Access: 4 - 50m walk to the beach
Urban proximity: Peace and quiet
Water quality: Good

  Accomodation:

Book local holiday cottage*

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