Things to do

Horse riding

Chase the waves andfeel the wind in your mane.

With miles and miles of golden sands to gallop, it’s no wonder riders are drawn to Holkham Beach.

We welcome responsible horse riders to the wide-open expanse of Holkham beach and kindly ask that you exercise care and consideration for other beach users. In addition to the beautiful sandy beach, there are areas that are special for wildlife that are vulnerable and easily disturbed and damaged.

Take the reins

Please help us to protect our nature reserve by observing the following:

  • Please access the beach from Lady Anne’s Drive by following the white arrows on the marker posts. This route takes you safely through the dunes and developing saltmarsh that can so easily become damaged.
  • Please familiarise yourself with seasonal dog restrictions if bringing one with you.
  • Horses may be ridden anywhere on the sand but below the hide tide mark. Please do not ride beyond the start of the beach huts at Wells.
  • At certain times of the year, small areas of shingle are fenced off to protect ground nesting birds. Please avoid shingle ridges, even when there are no fences.
  • Riding is not permitted on the sand dunes, shingle ridges, saltmarsh or within the pines.
  • There is strictly no access for horses across the Burnham Overy Channel to Scolt Head Island.
  • Carriage driving and traps are not permitted at Holkham.
  • Groups of eight horses or more are required to pre-book – please email info@holkham.co.uk or call 01328 713111

Opening times

Due to the number of visitors to the beach, at certain busy times we introduce restrictions on weekends and holidays for horse riders.

Thursday 28th – Sunday 31st March: Arrival between 6-9am (leaving the car park by 11am) and from 2pm (leaving the car park by 5pm).

Monday 1st – Sunday 14th April: Arrival between 6-9am (leaving the car park by 11am) and from 4pm (leaving the car park by 7pm).

Saturday 4th – Monday 6th May: Arrival between 6-9am (leaving the car park by 11am) and from 4pm (leaving the car park by 7pm).

Saturday 25th May – Sunday 2nd June: Arrival between 6-9am (leaving the car park by 11am) and from 4pm (leaving the car park by 7pm).

Every weekend in June: Arrival between 6-9am (leaving the car park by 11am) and from 4pm (leaving the car park by 7pm).

Monday 1st July – Tuesday 3rd September: Arrival between 6-9am (leaving the car park by 11am) and from 4pm (leaving the car park by 7pm).

Please be sure to check the tide times when planning your visit.