Holkham, Brancaster and Burnham Overy Staithe beaches ranked among nation’s best by The Times chief travel writer Chris Haslam

Three beaches in our part of Norfolk have been ranked among the nation’s 50 best, according to a national newspaper.

The Times and Sunday Times’ Best UK Beaches list was released yesterday, featuring Holkham, Brancaster and Burnham Overy Staithe alongside three other East of England destinations.

Chris Haslam, The Times’ chief travel writer, personally visited and inspected every beach on the list over the last eight weeks.

He evaluated them on a rigorous 11-point inspection checklist, which included factors such as water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, car-parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene levels at toilets and showers and dog-friendliness.

Mr Haslam said: “My Jack Russell, Dave T Dog, and I have journeyed 5,583 miles and explored 543 beaches. 7

“The 50 beaches that made our list are graced with outstanding natural beauty, superb infrastructure and a clear sense of pride from those who live, work, and play there.

"I’m still in awe of the beauty of the UK coast. From Kynance to Caithness, and Brancaster to Benone, the beaches of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are the most magnificent on earth.”

Of the six East of England beaches on the list, Sheringham took the crown as the region’s best.

Also featuring was Walberswick in Suffolk and Sutton on Sea, in Lincolnshire.

Mr Haslam said that the 20 million sq ft of flat sand on Holkham’s beach was “protected by a narrow band of dunes and bordered by a forest of Scots, Corsican and maritime pines”.

“All that space is perfect for flying kites or beach cricket, and there’s a lovely four-mile walk along the shoreline to Wells-next-the-Sea and back through the woods to Holkham,” he added.

As for Brancaster, the writer recommended arriving early to find the “quietude of this golden beach” which has a “yoga-like effect on your mind”.

“There’s a creek half a mile to the west where seals come to rest, and a kiosk by the car park that probably stocks what you’ve forgotten,” he said.

Meanwhile, Burnham Overy Staithe has “remoteness” on its side.

“Park on the riverside quay at Burnham Overy Staithe and follow the levee for a mile or so beside a marsh that teems with more bird life than an episode of Springwatch,” Mr Haslam said.

“Then you cross a mountain range of dunes to reach an emptiness of sand at the mouth of the River Burn.”

The 2024 guide, its 16th iteration, only features beaches with an ‘excellent’ water quality rating.

It will be published in print on July 21.