Horsey Seal Spotting: A Winter Marvel
In this comprehensive guide to Horsey Seals, we’ll provide you with essential tips and insights on when, how, and where to witness these fascinating creatures in significant numbers. We’ll also delve into the various walking routes, suggest ideal refreshment stops, explore seal biology, and offer guidance on observing them safely without causing any disturbance.

Horsey Seal Spotting: A Winter Marvel
Horsey seal spotting is a truly extraordinary experience, especially during the winter when the grey seals give birth to their adorable pups. Last year, an astonishing 3,700 fluffy white seal pups were welcomed into the world on the beaches at Horsey and Winterton. This remarkable spectacle has become one of the highlights on Norfolk’s seasonal wildlife calendar, making it an absolute must-see if you’re planning a visit to the Norfolk Coast this year. To fully enjoy this amazing sight, be prepared for the brisk coastal winds by dressing warmly.
The sight of these remarkable animals (and their sheer numbers) is nothing short of magical. However, it’s important to note that they are sensitive to disturbances caused by human activity and their canine companions. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a respectful distance of at least 15 meters to ensure their safety and well-being. During the pupping season, it’s worth noting that the beaches at Horsey and Winterton on Sea are closed to the public to provide the seals with the peace and space they need. Fortunately, you can still observe the seals from viewing platforms at Horsey or from the picturesque dunes in Winterton. You can bring your dogs too; they’ll just need to stay on the lead. To enhance your seal-spotting experience, friendly seal wardens are readily available to offer assistance and answer any questions you may have.
In this guide to Horsey Seals, we will cover various aspects of seal spotting near Winterton on Sea and Horsey, including the best times of the day and year to catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures and convenient parking options at both Horsey and Winterton on Sea.




Understanding the Life of Seals in Norfolk
There are two species of seals found on the Norfolk Coast – the Harbour seal and the Grey seal. Harbour seals are considered to be cuter with heart-shaped nostrils, and they have their babies in the summer. On the other hand, Grey seals have longer noses and give birth between November and January, with their pups born with fluffy, white non-waterproof coats. Around 40% of the world’s grey seal population is found in Norfolk, making it a crucial habitat for these magnificent creatures.
Grey Seal Facts
- The seal colony at Horsey is growing. Over 3000 babies were born here last year (2022)
- The females arrive on the beach and have their babies about a day later.
- Their babies have a beautiful white woolly coat which is not waterproof. They must not go into the sea. If they do, they may well die of exposure
- Staying on shore, for the first 17 days or so, they are fed milk by their mums, putting on as much as 2kg per day. Ideally, they feed six times a day, consuming 2.5 litres of thick creamy milk daily.
- Within three weeks, the mum has weaned her pup, and she abandons it to live off its blubber. During this period, the baby loses its coat, known as moulting.
- Once they get their waterproof coats, driven by hunger, these brave little pups go into the sea and teach themselves to catch fish.
- Over 50% of the pups don’t survive their first year.
- After the females have weaned their pups, they mate. You’ll see the bull or male seals hanging around females and sometimes fighting for territory.
- Males live to around 25 years and females to around 35 years. Females are smaller
- One dominant bull (male seal) may mate with up to 20 females.
- About 60% of a grey seal’s life is spent at sea. They can dive to 70m, usually for 5 to 10 minutes. However, they can stay submerged for up to 20 minutes.
- Between February and April, around 2,000 seals come out of the sea to moult and get their new skin.
Why are Horsey Seals Numbers Increasing?
Theories as to why the numbers of seals at Horsey and Winterton on Sea are growing vary, but many think it is because the offshore wind turbines create a habitat for young fish, thus increasing fish availability. Others think it is a result of climate change as the seals move south from Scotland. It may also be true that the wind turbines have displaced the seals from previous breeding locations. Don’t let the large numbers of seals at Winterton and Horsey fool you, though. This species isn’t doing well in global terms, so it’s important that we look after this colony.






A Guide to Seal Spotting in Horsey and Winterton
Between late October and early January, you can’t miss the seals at Winterton on Sea or Horsey. Seal Spotting isn’t tricky. You’ll see fluffy white babies on the beaches surrounded by their mums.
When it comes to seal spotting, you have two fantastic options to consider. If you’re visiting with young children or have mobility concerns, Horsey is an excellent choice. The walk there is shorter, and there’s a dedicated viewing platform designed for avid seal enthusiasts.
Alternatively, Winterton on Sea village offers a delightful walk with breath-taking views from the dunes, providing a perfect vantage point to observe the seals in their natural habitat.
For those seeking a bit of adventure, you can walk from Horsey to Winterton on sea, seal spotting along the coast, and see the entire colony. There is a pub at either end of the walk. However, there’s no public transport available between villages, so you may have to walk back.
Best Time of Day to See Seals at Horsey or Winterton on Sea
You can see seals at any time of day, but early visits are recommended to avoid crowds. The coastal winds can be quite chilly, so make sure to dress warmly, particularly if you are visiting with young children. I once met a Mum with a portable watercolour kit viewing the seals – their children happily painted a quick watercolour of the seals to add to their experience – genius!
Seal Spotting Horsey
Option 1 Horsey: For a short walk to see the seals at Horsey (the best option for the elderly and those with young children), park at Horsey Gap car park. It costs £3.50 for 2 hours and takes card & cash. Be aware that there are no toilets, and it can get quite windy, so bring hats and gloves. The ground is a bit challenging, making it hard for wheelchairs or pushchairs, but not impossible.
Once you have parked at Horsey Seal Car Park, you have two seal-spotting options: a short walk up the dunes to an old World War 2 Pill Box or a 15-minute walk to the viewing platform (up some steep stairs).
To get an idea of what it is like seeing the seals at Horsey, check out this lovely little film by mummy blogger and explorer ‘baby routes’.
Option 2 Horsey: You can do a lovely walk starting at National Trust’s wind pump to see the seals at Horsey. See this walking route. You’ll need boots as it is wet underfoot. It’s a circular walk taking in the Horsey Nelson pub at the end. This is a lovely walk to do any time of year, even when you are not seal spotting.
Alternatively, you can park at the Nelson head pub. You can follow a track to the beach. This is a 1.5/2 mile return walk. You can do this with a pushchair, just about, but there is a stile to get over. A baby carrier would be better. When you get to the coast, turn right and walk 500m to the viewing platform. The good food and the roaring fire at the pub are always welcome upon your return!
The film below is a nice introduction to the Horsey walk. She says it’s 5 miles, but it is more like 4!
Seal Spotting Winterton on Sea
You can easily walk from Winterton on Sea Village north to see the seals. Or park in the village’s car park on beach road. It’s £7.50 a day or £1.50 an hour and only takes cash. There are toilets and a food kiosk ‘Seal View Cafe Winterton’ selling hot food and drinks right at the car park. Once in the car park, head north on the dune line, and you’ll see seal wardens to guide you to the best seal spotting views in Winterton.
For the energetic amongst you can also walk along the coast to Horsey. It’s a 7.5km return walk, taking in the Nelson Head pub. See walk 5 of our Walking Guide for a detailed plan of the walk.
If you are staying in Winterton or with us at Mill Farm Eco Barns it’s an easy walk to the coast to go seal spotting in Winterton.

Protecting the Seals and Respecting Their Habitat
The Friends of Horsey Seals is a wonderful organisation run by volunteers who help protect these beautiful mammals. They train their new volunteers (I used to be one) in September and October and are always keen to find new local or non-local volunteers.
They ask visitors to observe the following code when they visit the seals:
- Stay a good distance away from the seals. At least 15 meters away.
- Look out for seals in the dunes and give them a wide berth.
- Keep dogs on a lead and be careful – seals have a nasty bite.
- Keep to the marked viewing areas and respect the fencing.
- Remember that they are wild animals and should not be approached!
The Seal Alliance has produced this useful document to help people understand how to read a seal’s behaviour and watch that we are not disturbing them during our seal spotting visits.
Incorporating a Seal Watching Trip into Your Stay
If you’re planning to visit the dog-friendly village of Winterton on Sea to witness the seal colony, consider staying at one of our charming holiday cottages. We offer three lovely Eco Barns, each with its unique character, nestled at the edge of Winterton on Sea. These cottages can comfortably accommodate 8, 4, and 2 guests respectively, and you can book them for a week or a weekend, with a minimum stay requirement of 3 nights. We also have a games barn.
At our cottages, we’re passionate about welcoming wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. We’re flexible in converting many of the beds into singles, making us the perfect choice for groups of all sizes. If you’re interested in staying with us, please check our availability to plan your visit and enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay in our cottages in Winterton on Sea.
What else can you do in Winterton on Sea?
In addition to seal spotting in Winterton on Sea, there’s a lot more to do locally. I highly recommend combining your seal-watching adventure with a boat trip on the Broads, courtesy of the Martham Ferry Boat Yard, conveniently located just 4 miles down the road. These electric boats are the best way to see the Broads. After your day of outdoor exploration, you can cap it off with fish and chips or a meal at the local pub. If you want a more fine dining experience, head to the Fleggbugh Kings Arms, a locally acclaimed, award-winning restaurant. What’s even better is that both of these options are dog-friendly. There is a lot to do in Winterton on Sea, so you won’t be disappointed.
Best places to eat in Winterton on Sea and Horsey
Visiting the seals can be a lovely day out, so I thought I’d give you some ideas for local food options and pit stops.
- The Nelson Head at Horsey: Serves lunches, dinners, and hot chocolates next to a roasting fire. There is also a good range of beers and ciders (they have 10 beers and ciders at any one time). Their kitchen is open from 12-3 and 6 – 8 every day. It’s dog-friendly, so it’s a great stop-off.
- The Fisherman’s Return in Winterton on Sea: Is a large village pub that serves good food (with massive portions) daily, though not all day. This is a good option if you see the seals from Winterton on Sea or you are visiting the area at the weekend, as the pub is big enough to handle crowds and large groups.
- Poppylands cafe, Horsey: An ideal pit stop, this is a 1940s themed café and they really go for it. The food is good, and they also make 1940s-themed afternoon teas. There is a bunch of wartime memorabilia to check out, and it is a real trip down memory lane for older visitors. Open daily apart from Tuesday 10 and to 4 pm. Book if you want one of their afternoon teas. They also do a Sunday carvery.
- Dunes cafe, Waxham Barns: Meant to be great and just slightly further up the coast. The Dunes cafe does hot food and lunches as well as great cakes generally open 10 to 4.
- Poppy’s at Winterton on Sea: Winterton’s new tea room in the post office is open daily and makes a wonderful and very reasonable afternoon tea (book ahead). A lovely option for a small group heading home from seal watching at Winterton. It is also dog-friendly.
- Seal View at Winterton on Sea: On the beach at Winterton on Sea coffee and lovely take-out meals
- Fine dining at the amazing Ingham swan: An ideal option for an adult group if you really want to treat yourselves. This 14th-century coaching inn serves up beautiful seasonal food using the best seasonal and local ingredients. It’s a special place to eat (some of my guests go twice in a weekend) and has a range of menus, including Lunch de Jour and Dinner de Jour, À la carte and Tasting menus. It is about 20 minutes’ drive North of Horsey.
My eating out blog gives you a more detailed low down on where to eat locally.
The Impact of Seals on Local Tourism: A Growing Attraction
Each year, an ever-increasing number of visitors flock to Horsey and Winterton on Sea to witness the charming seals. While many of these visitors are day-trippers, there’s a notable trend of more people opting to stay in these picturesque villages. Undoubtedly, their presence contributes significantly to the thriving local economy in both Horsey and Winterton. As Airbnb hosts, we take great delight in sharing the enchanting world of seals with our guests, who add to the vibrancy of our local communities.
If you’d like to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat and need somewhere to stay, check out our website and our availability here.