West Runton Beach

West Runton Beach sits beneath low clay and chalk cliffs on the north Norfolk coast, a more rugged and intimate stretch than the wider beaches to the west. The beach is a mix of sand, shingle, and rock platforms that emerge at low tide harbouring marine life and providing genuinely interesting territory to explore. West Runton is also notable as the site where the largest complete mammoth skeleton ever found in Britain was discovered in the early 1990s — the West Runton Elephant — adding an unexpected layer of history to the walk.

Dogs are welcome year-round without seasonal restrictions on this varied dog friendly beach, making it a dependable option when other Norfolk beaches are operating under summer rules. The varied surface of shingle, sand patches, and smooth rock keeps dogs engaged, and the rock pools at low tide provide excellent investigation opportunities. The beach links naturally into the Norfolk Coastal Path heading east to Sheringham and west to Cromer, making it a useful base for longer walking days. Arrive around mid to low tide for the most accessible conditions, and take care on the rock platforms which can be slippery.