Grey Seal Watching on the Norfolk Coast
From November to early February, the wide sandy beaches of the Norfolk coast transform into one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the UK. Thousands of grey seals arrive to give birth, and visitors have the rare chance to witness this incredible natural spectacle up close.
The Grey Seal Breeding Season
Female seals arrive first, and within a day or two their white, fluffy pups are born. Males follow soon after, competing for females and keeping watch over their territory. Once the pups are weaned, the cycle begins again, with pregnancies delayed so mothers return at the same time next year. Many pups also return to their birthplace as adults, meaning the numbers grow year after year. In fact, volunteers from the Friends of Horsey Seals counted over 3,000 pups born between Waxham and Winterton last season alone.
Life of a Seal Pup
For the first three weeks, a pup feeds constantly, gaining up to 2kg a day on its mother’s rich milk. By the time the mother leaves, the pup has shed its fluffy coat and grown a waterproof layer – ready to take on life at sea. Survival isn’t easy, but those that make it can live up to 35 years (females) or 25 years (males).
Watching Seals Responsibly
To give the pups the best chance, visitors are asked to follow simple rules:
- Keep your distance – especially from feeding pups. Missing even one meal can put their survival at risk.
- Never touch the seals – however tempting the fluffy pups look.
- Keep dogs on leads – seals can be protective, and adults weigh up to 300kg with a powerful bite.
The Friends of Horsey Seals website has full visitor guidance and the latest pup counts.
Best Places to See Seals in Norfolk
- Horsey Gap – Park at the car park and follow the marked paths to the viewing points.
- Winterton-on-Sea – A short walk north along the beach will bring you to the seal colony. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the Nelson’s Head, Horsey.
- Sea Palling – Take a seal boat trip to see both grey seals along the coast.
While seals can sometimes be spotted all year, winter is the best time to guarantee unforgettable sightings. With half the world’s grey seals living in Britain, a visit to the Norfolk coast seal colonies is a truly special experience.