Blakeney, Norfolk: The Quay, Blakeney Point Seals & Things to Do

Blakeney is a flint-built village on the north Norfolk coast, its narrow streets running down to a quay on a winding creek through the salt marshes. Beyond the marshes the long shingle spit of Blakeney Point shelters the harbour from the North Sea.

Why Blakeney Is Special

Blakeney is the perfect coastal village: flint cottages with red pantile roofs, a quay where children go crabbing, and big skies over the marshes that change with every hour and tide.

It is also the gateway to Blakeney Point, where hundreds of seals haul out on the sand, one of the best wildlife trips in England.

The History of Blakeney

Blakeney was a commercial seaport until the early 20th century, trading in grain, coal and salt. Land reclamation from the 17th century onwards gradually silted up the river channels, and today only small boats can make their way out past Blakeney Point to the sea.

At the foot of the High Street, beside a small mound, stands the old Guildhall, with a 14th-century undercroft of brick vaulting. It is cared for by English Heritage and open to look around.

Higher up the village, the church of St Nicholas has two towers. The main tower, more than 100 feet high, is a landmark for miles around; the slender second tower was built as a beacon to guide boats into Blakeney Harbour.

Blakeney Point has been managed by the National Trust since 1912. Its main feature is a four-mile spit of shingle and sand dunes, and up to 500 seals may gather at its end, both common and grey seals.

Things to Do in Blakeney

Walk the quay and the sea wall path out across the marshes for the view back to the village and the church. Try crabbing off the quay with a line and a bucket, a Blakeney tradition.

Take a seal trip from Blakeney or neighbouring Morston (tides allow sailings only at certain times) to see the seals on the Point, then visit the Guildhall and the church of St Nicholas.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Blakeney

The market town of Holt, a few miles inland, is wonderful for browsing: try Holt Antiques & Interiors Centre and Anthony Fell Antiques. For houses and gardens, the Blickling Estate and East Ruston Old Vicarage are within half an hour.

The coast here is the Norfolk Coast National Landscape, with the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path passing the quay; see our guide to the Norfolk Coast. Burnham Market is a short drive west; see Burnham Market.

Blakeney Through the Seasons

Spring and early summer bring terns nesting on the Point. Summer is the season for crabbing and sailing. In November and December grey seal pups are born on the Point, and winter brings huge flocks of geese and waders to the marshes.

Getting to Blakeney

The nearest railway station is Sheringham, about eight miles away, with the Coasthopper bus along the coast. The quay car park floods on very high tides, so check the tide times.

Blakeney: Questions & Answers

How do you see the seals at Blakeney Point?

Take a boat trip from Blakeney or Morston. Sailing times depend on the tide, so book ahead.

When are the seal pups born at Blakeney Point?

Grey seal pups are born in November and December; common seals pup in summer.

Our Advice

Our advice: Book a seal trip, arrive for it in good time, and save the late afternoon for a walk on the sea wall as the light changes over the marshes.