Morston Quay Blakeney
Morston Quay: Gateway to Blakeney Point's seal colonies, offering picturesque coastal walks and boat trips.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak seal pup season
Morston Quay Blakeney
Best Time
Peak seal pup season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Morston Quay: Gateway to Blakeney Point's seal colonies, offering picturesque coastal walks and boat trips.
"A great place to visit to see the seals. Absolutely brilliant and the crew were knowledgeable and friendly."
Book Seal Trips Ahead
Secure your spot on a seal boat trip by booking in advance, especially during busy periods. :ticket:
National Trust Parking
NT members get free parking at Morston Quay, a great perk for seal trip visitors. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seal Safari Boat Trip
Morston Quay
Witness England's largest grey seal colony up close on a memorable boat excursion.
Blakeney Point
Blakeney Point
Explore this National Trust site, home to diverse wildlife and stunning coastal vistas.
Morston Quay
Morston Quay
The charming departure point for seal trips, offering picturesque views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Coastal Walks
North Norfolk Coast Path
Enjoy scenic walks along the coast, with opportunities for photography and nature observation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seal Trip Booking
Best Time for Seals & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Seal Trips Ahead
Secure your spot on a seal boat trip by booking in advance, especially during busy periods.
:ticket:National Trust Parking
NT members get free parking at Morston Quay, a great perk for seal trip visitors.
:car:Pack for All Weather
Norfolk coast weather can change quickly; bring layers and waterproofs for your trip.
:cloud:Dog-Friendly Walks
Enjoy the coastal paths with your dog, but keep them on a lead near wildlife.
:dog:Tips
from all over the internet
Book Seal Trips Ahead
Secure your spot on a seal boat trip by booking in advance, especially during busy periods.
:ticket:National Trust Parking
NT members get free parking at Morston Quay, a great perk for seal trip visitors.
:car:Pack for All Weather
Norfolk coast weather can change quickly; bring layers and waterproofs for your trip.
:cloud:Dog-Friendly Walks
Enjoy the coastal paths with your dog, but keep them on a lead near wildlife.
:dog:Crabbing at Blakeney Quay
A fun family activity! Bring crabbing lines and bait to try your luck at Blakeney Quay.
:fishingpoleand_வத:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Morston Quay for its exceptional seal trip experiences, highlighting the knowledgeable and friendly boat crews. The natural beauty of the location and the opportunity to see wildlife up close are major draws. Some visitors note that the area can get crowded, particularly during peak times, and public transport options are limited.
"A great place to visit to see the seals. I supported 4 individuals with learning disabilities. Temple seal tours staff were extremely helpful and considerate. The national trust staff are amazing that's you Kathy marsh"
Dave Lowe
"Took a wonderful boat trip to view seals. Absolutely brilliant and the crew that took us out on the boat were very knowledgeable and very friendly. A great boating experience."
william wren
"Came here to see the seals. Great place for walking with or without the dog. Clean facilities & free parking for NT members"
G. Snowdon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While driving is the most direct route, public transport is possible but requires planning. Buses run from Norwich to Fakenham, then a local bus to Morston. It's challenging to do as a same-day round trip without a car.
Yes, there is parking available at Morston Quay. National Trust members can park for free, while others will need to pay.
It's possible but difficult to complete a same-day round trip from Norwich by public transport alone. You'll likely need to combine bus routes and potentially arrange a taxi for the final leg.
Driving is the most convenient option for reaching Morston Quay, offering flexibility for exploring the North Norfolk coast.
While not always readily available, pre-booking a local taxi service is advisable if you are relying on public transport and need onward travel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices for seal trips are generally consistent across operators, around £20-£25 per adult. Booking in advance is recommended.
Yes, advance booking is highly advisable, especially during peak season (summer) and weekends, as trips can sell out.
Yes, several companies operate seal trips from Morston Quay, including Beans Seal Trips, Temple Seal Tours, and others.
Morston Quay itself is accessible at all times. However, boat trip operating hours vary by company and season. Check individual operator schedules.
Blakeney Point is a National Trust site. While access to the point is free, parking at Morston Quay requires payment unless you are a National Trust member.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Morston Quay is primarily the departure point for seal trips. It's also a lovely spot for walking, enjoying the views, and visiting the National Trust kiosk for refreshments.
Seals are present year-round. Common seals can be seen with pups between June and August, and grey seal pups appear later in the year. Peak viewing is often between 9 AM and 11 AM.
Yes, you can walk to Blakeney Point along the coastal path, but it's a significant distance. Taking a boat trip is the most common and efficient way to visit the seal colony.
Yes, there are clean facilities available, including a National Trust kiosk selling drinks, cakes, and ice cream.
Absolutely! Morston Quay and the surrounding creeks offer beautiful landscape and wildlife photography opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The National Trust kiosk at Morston Quay offers drinks, cakes, and ice cream. For more substantial meals, the nearby village of Blakeney has pubs and restaurants, and Morston Hall offers fine dining.
The National Trust kiosk provides refreshments like hot chocolate, coffee, cakes, and ice cream, perfect for a quick stop.
Yes, establishments like 2 Magpies Bakery, a short drive away, offer full English breakfasts and other hearty meals.
Morston Hall is a highly-rated hotel and restaurant, known for its Michelin-starred seven-course tasting menu, offering a fine dining experience.
Yes, Blakeney village offers several pubs and eateries that are generally family-friendly. Some accommodations also offer dining with kids-eat-free deals.
📸 📸 Photography
Morston Quay itself offers lovely views of the creeks and salt marshes. The boat trips provide unique angles of the seals and the coastline.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful light for landscape photography around Morston Quay and the North Norfolk coast.
The primary photographic subject is the large colony of grey and common seals at Blakeney Point. Birdlife is also abundant in the salt marshes.
A telephoto lens is recommended for capturing clear shots of the seals from the boat, as they can be some distance away.
While specific photography tours might be limited, local guides on seal trips often share insights that can enhance your photographic experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning your visit, remember that the boat trips can be a bit bumpy, so ensure children are comfortable with that. The coastal paths are generally safe for walking, but always supervise young children closely, especially near the water. The overall experience is educational and engaging, making it a memorable day out for the whole family.
🐶 Dog Owners
While dogs are generally welcome on the boat trips, it's always best to confirm with the specific operator beforehand. Many pubs and cafes in the nearby village of Blakeney also welcome well-behaved dogs, making it easy to find a place to rest and refuel after your adventures.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
When on the seal trips, a telephoto lens is highly recommended to capture detailed shots of the seals from the boat. Don't forget to capture the charming scenes at Morston Quay itself, from the boats to the marshland. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping coastal vistas. The changing tides also offer dynamic photographic possibilities throughout the day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Seal Trips
Seals are present year-round, with common seals and their pups visible from June to August, and grey seal pups appearing later in the year. The best viewing times are often between 9 AM and 11 AM, though this can also be the busiest period. The boat crews are knowledgeable and will guide you to the best viewing spots, sharing interesting facts about the seals and the local environment.
For National Trust members, parking at Morston Quay is free, which is a significant benefit. Even if you're not a member, the parking fee is reasonable, and the experience of seeing these magnificent creatures up close is well worth it. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather, as it can be breezy and cooler on the water.
Exploring Morston Quay and Beyond
From Morston Quay, you can easily access the North Norfolk Coast Path, which is excellent for walking and dog-walking. The path offers stunning vistas and opportunities to observe local birdlife. For those interested in a bit more activity, crabbing at the nearby Blakeney Quay is a classic seaside pastime that families often enjoy.
For a more upscale experience, the renowned Morston Hall, a Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel, is just a stone's throw away, offering a gourmet dining experience. This proximity allows visitors to combine a day of wildlife watching and coastal exploration with a touch of luxury.
Social
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