I went to the ‘best beach in the UK’ – here is why you should visit this summer
WHEN I saw Gorleston-on-Sea in Norfolk was home to the UK’s best beach in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2023, I knew the secret was out.
Just below Great Yarmouth, it’s a world away from the kiss-me-quick reputation of its next-door neighbour.
Gorleston is the perfect place to spend childhood summers messing about on the wide golden sands, splashing in the sea under the watchful eye of the lifeguards and dodging shameless seagulls that want to share your chips.
In fact, as a family, we love Gorleston beach so much we were thrilled when my in-laws actually moved there in 2016.
Now we can visit whenever we like, we’ve witnessed the beach area being brought back to life after suffering the same neglect as many seaside resorts in the late 20th century.
From faded grandeur to a starring role in hit 2019 Britflick Yesterday, all it needed was a bit of TLC to make it stand out from the crowd.
Replacing an old paddling pool with a free children’s splash pad, installing a row of 70 candy-coloured beach huts at the lower promenade and introducing seaview terraces at several venues have all hit the spot.
Hosting legendary night out Bongo’s Bingo once a month has given a new lease of life to the Ocean Rooms, an 80-year-old entertainment venue with a unique circular shape at one end of the promenade.
And just how many beaches can boast their own Parkrun passing a Banksy artwork?
The anonymous street artist paid a surprise visit in 2021 as part of his Great British Spraycation tour around Norfolk.
Overnight, people taking refuge from the seabreeze in one of Gorleston’s shelters could pose under the claw of an enormous grabber machine, thanks to the street art which was inspired by the nearby amusement arcade.
There’s plenty more to get stuck into with little ones too.
Our family favourite activities include watching model boats zooming around the beachside pond, then heading up the steep paths to the clifftop gardens where a pirate ship playground overlooks the sea.
Modern-day Pied Piper
On summer weekends, crowds of excited children chase a modern-day Pied Piper of the promenade as he creates huge bubbles to captivate them.
Nearby there’s a fun boat-shaped recycling bin holding plastic bottles to inspire conversations about ocean pollution with your kids.
And the terrace at the Cliff Hotel, protected from the elements by a see-through veranda, is a lovely spot to enjoy a cocktail while watching the ships sail past.
There’s free parking at both ends of the promenade – you’ll need to get there early to grab a spot by the beach at Pier Gardens. Or car parking along the clifftop is also free.
Pack a picnic and take a pew on one of the benches by the bandstand in Pier Gardens or grab some chips from Marina Bay Cafe and a sweet treat from Dimascio’s Ice Cream, both found in the beachfront arcade.
Bringing a four-legged friend? Dogs aren’t allowed on the main beach in the summer, but there is a section below the tennis courts where coast-loving canines can caper all year round and lots of dog-friendly pubs and cafes.
If you’re looking for a place to crash, the art-deco Cliff Hotel is a winner, overlooking the prom and beach with a seaview terrace.
The Cliff bar serves a mean cocktail and look out for the Ibiza brunches in May and September if you like a Mediterranean vibe.
When we first fell in love with Gorleston ten years ago, we were delighted to find a secret seaside spot that seemed to have it all.
Every time we visit, we find something new to love.
But not all secrets stay that way for long — and the golden sands of Gorleston are certainly worth sharing with the world.
GO: Gorleston
STAYING THERE: Small doubles start from £65 room-only, or bed and breakfast packages start from £85.
See thecliffhotel.co.uk to book.