Horsey has a fantastic set of routes for all through the year. On my last visit, I squelched with my dog from the stunning Horsey Windpump to the viewing point at Horsey beach. That might be a tad too far with little ones (about a 3 mile-round trip) but an alternative route would be to park at Horsey Gap and walk the mile to the viewing area. Friends of Horsey Seals have put up some lovely seal facts along the route – I’d highly recommend having a look at their website before a visit as they do so much to protect the seals and have a wealth of useful info.
In the winter, there are many puddles from Horsey Gap and the surface can become quite challenging with pushchairs (plus there are a few sandy patches, and the viewing platform is up quite a high set of steps!).
The route from the Nelson Head is flat but also quite bumpy due to flint stones (about a 2 mile-round trip to the seals) – would suit off-roader pushchairs the most. Before you turn right towards the viewing platform from this route there is a sandy patch to navigate across though. But because of the terrain and steps to the viewing platform, I used to do this with a baby carrier.
It does get very busy in the winter – I think about 70,000 people descend on the village of Horsey over seal pup season. If you do visit, try off-peak times of the day and the week and consider supporting the local businesses like the Nelson’s Head, Poppylands café – and a donation to Friends of Horsey Seals.
🌿 Length: Nelson’s Head to viewing platform and back – c. 2 miles
🌿 Café: Poppylands is currently closed due to Covid
🌿 Play area: No
🌿 Pushchairs: Mixed terrain – the path from the Nelson’s Head is flat but flinty.
🌿 Dogs: Yes but keep on leads
🌿 Toilets: Available at Nelson’s Head but no baby change. Baby change is available at Horsey Wind
🌿 Pump car park. No facilities at Horsey Gap car park
🌿 Seats: Outside the pub
🌿 Picnic area: Pub garden
🌿 Opening times: Dawn til dusk. Pub open in normal times between 11am-11pm
🌿 Entrance fee: Free
🌿 Parking: Parking for patrons at the Nelson’s Head. Horsey Gap car park is £3 for two hours. Horsey windpump car park is £2 for two hours or £4 all day
🌿 Other: The seals are beautiful in the winter, but please help to protect them and the local community.
🌿 Website: https://www.friendsofhorseyseals.co.uk/visiting-horsey-seals/
