Family days out at Brancaster beach

A group of children having completed their sand sculpture of a dinosaur on the beach at Brancaster — A sand sculpture of a dinosaur on the beach at Brancaster | © ©National Trust Images/Ian Shaw

Plan a fun-filled day out at Brancaster beach. With its wide expanse of golden sands, it is perfect for sandcastles, wanders, picnics and paddling.

Beware of tidal cut off

When walking out towards the sea from the beach, be aware that tides move quickly and that there is a danger of being cut off by the incoming tide. Please familiarise yourself with the tide times before you visit.

Tide times

Check the tide times for Wells Bar/Brancaster Beach.

More local water safety information can be found on the Wells RNLI Lifeboat Water Safety page.

Planning your family visit

The kiosk opposite the car park has all your seaside essentials including ice cream, teas, coffees, buckets and spades. Please note that this business is not owned or managed by the National Trust.

Toilets are also located opposite the car park.

Staying safe on the beach

Check the tide times before your visit, follow the safety signs on the beach and keep a watchful eye on your family. Don't use inflatables at sea. In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Nesting birds

The beach and dunes at Brancaster are home to ground-nesting birds during spring and summer. Please keep clear of any areas fenced off for nesting birds.

A child plays barefoot in the sand on the beach — Go barefoot at Brancaster Beach | © ©National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

There are lots of '50 things to do before you're 11¾' activities to tick off whilst at Brancaster Estate. Here are a few recommendations:

No. 7 fly a kite

When there's a bit of wind in the air it's the perfect time to enjoy one of the purest pleasures in life. So, if you haven't flown a kite before, what are you waiting for?

No. 9 eat a picnic in the wild

Pack a picnic and enjoy tucking into your (slightly sandy?) sandwiches with brilliant views over the beach and wide Norfolk skies.

No. 24 Go barefoot

Peel off your stinky socks and let your bare toes wiggle free. Clamber up beach dunes and feel the warm sand on your soles, then run into the sea for a paddle! Don't forget to pack a towel for afterwards, and keep your eyes open for things that might poke your feet.