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Seal Cottage, Horsey. Minutes to Horsey Gap seal colony & Norfolk Broads

Photo gallery for Seal Cottage, Horsey. Minutes to Horsey Gap seal colony & Norfolk Broads

National Trust iconic wind pump - at 'Horsey' staithe - part of Norfolk Broads
Sitting Room with woodburner and TV
Miles of sandy beach and dunes close to Seal Cottage.
Enjoy the peaceful enclosed garden - see rare wildlife from this wonderful spot.
One of the many seal pups close to the cottage - (seal pup season - Nov to Feb)

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Horsey, ENG
  • Norfolk Broads
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Horsey Windpump
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Hickling Broad
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Norwich (NWI-Norwich Intl.)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Master bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Upstairs Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Seal Cottage, Horsey. Minutes to Horsey Gap seal colony & Norfolk Broads


Seal Cottage .... nr beaches, seals and Norfolk broads.

Great coastal location ‘in the wilds of Norfolk’ with wonderful walks straight from the cottage to Horsey Mere, on the Norfolk Broads, and Horsey's spectacular seal colony. Great for couples, families and wildlife enthusiasts, Seal Cottage, Horsey, is an idyllic coastal escape.

The cottage is in a wonderful location close to one of Norfolk's largest and most accessible seal colonies. As well as being just a few minutes away from Horsey's beautiful sandy beach, with car park, Horsey Mere on the Norfolk Broads is also close by with its iconic National Trust wind pump. Horsey is known worldwide for its diverse wildlife and nature conservation.

This cosy semi-detached house is the perfect place to come on holiday, relax, explore all the local beaches and enjoy this special unspoilt part of Norfolk. Nearby, from Horsey Staithe, there is a wonderful 'wildlife' boat trip taking you out onto Horsey Mere (April - October). Day boats can also be hired locally.

The cottage has an open-plan kitchen and dining area with a warm yet modern feel. The kitchen is well set up for cooking. Do venture out to pick up some seafood/catch of the day from Hirst’s Farm-shop/ Fishmongers in nearby Ormesby. The cottage has a spacious yet cosy sitting room with a woodburner, plenty of logs and shelves with games, DVDs and books. In both the sitting room and kitchen/breakfast room there is a freeview TV with a built in DVD player. Downstairs there is also a shower room with w/c. Upstairs there are 2 double bedrooms with king size beds, both with good quality mattresses and built in cupboards. The twin bedroom with matching single beds has a chest of drawers. There is also a bathroom with overhead shower attachment.

As well as having a woodburner stove, the cottage is central heated and double glazed throughout so very cosy all year round. It has a large fully enclosed garden. There is also a spacious 'walk in' open covered area ideal for bicycles. At the front there is ample off-street parking for 2 cars.

Horsey coastline is a designated 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. The area is renowned world wide for its diverse wildlife, conservation and rare birds. This is where the European Crane first settled after 400 years of absence in the UK. As well as being popular for bird watchers, remarkably Horsey also has one of the largest and most accessible seal colonies. Last winter there was a record number of seals (over 3,000 seal pups) born on or close to Horsey Gap beach.

From the peaceful cottage garden there are wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and the cranes are often heard or seen flying over, as are a number of other rare birds.

Also from the cottage, there are various footpaths perfect for dog walking. If you walk along the coast you are likely to have a wonderful close view of the seals. Please note that during the seal breeding season (end October - February) viewing is from the sand dunes so as not to disturb the seals or their pups during this important time. Dogs can come too but must please be kept on leads. Dogs are welcome on Horsey beach apart from during this time.

There is a great longer circular walk (1hr45) (right next to the cottage) taking you past the infamous Brograve Mill, Horsey Mere, the iconic National Trust Horsey Windpump and then back along the stunning sandy beach/dunes of Horsey beach.

Horsey has its own pub, The Nelson Head known for its great fish and chips - (and featured as a top 10 in Norfolk in both the Norfolk Magazine - 4th best cosy pub and in The Eastern Daily Press for being one of the most dog friendly). There is also a popular café, Poppylands, a short walk from the cottage. Winterton-on-Sea, with a it’s long sandy beach and Seal view café, is another great coastal destination being just a short drive away. In the other direction is Sea Palling which is normally busier but well worth a family trip.

Great for a beach holiday, for keen wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, birdwatchers, cyclists and walkers. So many wonderful walks and good places to stop off for a bite to eat en-route.

TRAVEL DISTANCES : Norwich Airport 24 miles away
Norwich station 24 miles
Acle station 12 miles
Great Yarmouth 13 miles

Winterton-on sea 5 miles
Sea Palling 3 miles
Cromer 25 miles
Norfolk Broads - Horsey Mere - very close by.
Hickling Broad 7.5 miles.

Property manager

Suzanna
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 25 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
2 small/medium sized Dogs max. Dogs to be kept downstairs and not allowed on furniture.
For any weekend bookings the check out time on a Sunday can be later by arrangement.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Great Yarmouth

Located in Great Yarmouth, this cottage is in a rural area and on a lake. Horsey Windpump and Happisburgh Lighthouse are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Norfolk Broads and Norfolk Coast. Travelling with kids? Consider Oasis Amusements, or check out an event or a game at Yarmouth Stadium. Discover the area's water adventures with power boating, sailing and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling.
Map
Horsey, ENG

What's nearby

  • Norfolk Broads - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Horsey Windpump - 2 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Hickling Broad - 11 min drive - 13.4 km
  • BeWILDerwood - 20 min drive - 23.1 km
  • Great Yarmouth Beach - 36 min drive - 21.9 km

Getting around

  • Buckenham Station - 22 min drive
  • Norwich (NWI-Norwich Intl.) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Bell - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪King's Arms Public House, Martham - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Fishermans Return - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Winterton Fish Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Greyhound Inn - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Seal Cottage, Horsey. Minutes to Horsey Gap seal colony & Norfolk Broads pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Seal Cottage, Horsey. Minutes to Horsey Gap seal colony & Norfolk Broads?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Seal Cottage, Horsey. Minutes to Horsey Gap seal colony & Norfolk Broads?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Seal Cottage, Horsey. Minutes to Horsey Gap seal colony & Norfolk Broads located?

This family-friendly Great Yarmouth cottage is located by the sea, within 1 mi (2 km) of Norfolk Broads and Horsey Windpump. Oasis Amusements and Norfolk Coast are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 89 out of 91 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 91 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 91 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 91 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 91 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sue P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great holiday - thank you!!
Seal Cottage was everything we hoped for! Thank you to Suzanna for making sure our stay was easy going. The house was clean and had everything we needed. It is in an idyllic location, perfect for beach, broads and city visits!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bridie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely cottage
We had a wonderful stay at Seal Cottage. Enjoyed the walks, saw lots of seals on the beach. Poppylands is a great spot for a cream tea (does get busy though!) Thank you :)
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicola H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent
Fantastic cottage exactly as described.Lovely and cosy and in a great location . Lovely and clean and comfy beds .
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

lisa p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautifully furnished cottage in a peaceful area
Lovely property. Nice bright and airy. Lovely furnishings. Nice big garden for sitting in the sun and the dogs too run around in listening to the birds. Surrounded by fields with wildlife like red deer, muntjack deer, hares and marsh harriers. 15 minutes walk to beach for normal speed walkers. 30 mins for elderly slow walkers. Nature reserve in sand dunes lovely too. Short walk to poppy lands 1940s cafe. Circular route to horsey Windpump. Beach at horsey gap lovely with seals bobbing along. Further along at Winterton-on-Sea beach fab with no breakers to keep climbing over. Would recommend as a peaceful relaxing retreat.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

David P., London, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent accommodation
Walking distance to the Horsey Gap beach, with its large seal population. Situated on walking paths into the village (medieval church, nice Nelson’s Head pub, windmill and Broads boat tours), this house is lovely and properly furnished and fitted out. It has a fenced in grassy garden and patio (perfect for dogs). The house is in fields. Very comfortable beds!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent base - clean, comfortable and great location!
An excellent base for exploring the area - an easy walk to the beach and to join a boat trip on the Broads. Clean and comfortable, the property had everything we could have asked for. A lovely enclosed garden for the dog too!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

david M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family trip
Well equipped 3 bedroom property in a quiet corner of Norfolk. Large lawned enclosed garden ideal for young children and dogs to play Helpful host Good communication. We enjoyed our time at Seal Cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sylvia B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Seal Cottage Horsey
Enjoyed Seal Cottage. Lovely and warm and in a very quiet and rural situation. The owner was excellent.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

nita s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great week away
Well kept spacious property in a great location. Close to the beach and brilliant place to see the seals. Ideal spot for fantastic walks in the area and for visiting the nearby beaches.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ann F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely cottage
Seal cottage is so lovely and so close to gorgeous beaches and amazing surroundings. Cannot fault the cottage so quiet and has everything you need.Suzanna the owner is lovely and helpful would certainly recommend going there
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

carolyn j., Southam

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Happiness horsey gap
Very well equipped. Beds and bedding very good quality. Two bathrooms . Feels like home from home . Enclosed good size garden for adults/children and dogs.parking excellent. Great walks right on doorstep to beach or across country.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jayne K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Restful break in a gorgeous cottage
Seal Cottage is such a lovely property. Beautiful views and comfortable beds. There’s plenty of room in the cottage and a large back garden. It was wonderful to be able to walk on a footpath through the fields to The Nelson, Poppylands Cafe and the beach to watch the seals. Such a beautiful part of the UK. We hope to return sometime soon.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jayne P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great getaway
We enjoyed a great week at Seal Cottage. Everything we needed was provided and we made great use of the BBQ. 15 minute walk to the lovely sandy beach, very few people and no commercialisation, so other than the colonies of seals, we had the beach much to ourselves.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

D F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very enjoyable stay
Excellent base to explore both locally and further afield. Great enclosed garden for children. Fab parking and easy to find. Comfortable cottage. Comfy beds. Well equipped. Lovely family kitchen / dining. Beautiful local Horsey Beach, visited day time and particularly enjoyed on an evening watching seals when very few people there (and parking attendants had left).
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gail F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely loved the cottage! Really well equipped, beautifully presented!
Would highly recommend! Superb!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Karen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful escape
Absolutely gorgeous countryside bolthole. Exquisitely decorated with super comfy beds, good showers (1 up, 1 down) and great storage. The kitchen dinner is really well-equipped, down to things like a pastry brush, and the space is excellent for sociable cooking and eating. It leads out onto the patio from where there are lovely views of the sunset across the fields. Beware: it's a suntrap and I managed to get a bright red face even on a dull weekend, much to everyone's amusement! It's wonderful to sit on the patio, in total peace apart from the sound of many birds laughing and having fun. Blissful rest. Thank you Suzanna - everything was super easy and chilled! x
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Marese W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great House
Cosy, comfy and v clean. loved the house.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gillian M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rural peace and relaxation
Cosy and comfortable, a real home from home . Rural and peaceful setting for a real away from the crowds break . Exceptionally comfortable beds and cotton bed linen , a touch of luxury. Everything provided in the kitchen including cloths , tea towels , dishwasher and laundry tablets. Nothing was forgotten . Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sarah J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely break
We’ve had a lovely week at this cottage. So cosy and warm. Lovely stroll to the pub and Horsey beach. Had a wonderful week. Would recommend.

10/10 Excellent

Thelma D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely quiet location
Large well equipped kitchen diner. Comfortable lounge. Downside was very weak wifi, but that isn’t the problem the house owners can cure. We thoroughly enjoyed a restful stay.

10/10 Excellent

Samantha C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing and restful
This is the second visit to Seal cottage and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Fabulous walks and beach. Will definitely return.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jenny A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super holiday
Great cottage, brilliant location and a beautiful, peaceful place to stay.

10/10 Excellent

Dianne M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful, relaxing holiday in perfect cottage and location
Seal Cottage is absolutely perfect. It is modern, clean, quiet, bright and airy, and equipped with everything needed for a lovely relaxing holiday. It is only a short walk to the long and quiet coastal beach where there were lots of seals sunbathing on the sands and swimming in the sea, amazing! There are footpaths to explore from the doorstep and farm shops, excellent pubs with gardens and fish and chips etc only a short drive away. We had a wonderful week here and will definitely return.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Paul H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Modern, well equipped and in an excellent location.
Modern, well equipped and in an excellent location.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jo P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous cottage in a tucked away location
We had a wonderful time at Seal Cottage. Spacious and well equipped - even a stair gate for our toddler. Suzanna was fantastic and answered all of my questions quickly with detailed information about the local area. Would definitely come again. Thanks for a lovely stay!

About the host

Hosted by Suzanna

Host profile image
Having lived locally in Norfolk for over 20 years I am able to offer invaluable advice and local knowledge to all guests. Please feel free to ask any questions or seek suggestions for activities or destinations to visit during your stay.

Why they chose this property

Cosy, peaceful and relaxed yet only a short walk from the beach, 'Poppylands' Café and Brograve Mill. Also a few minutes away from Horsey's highly rated pub, The Nelson's Head.

Fantastic country walks straight from the cottage.

What makes this property unique

Beautifully renovated and furnished - a great holiday home for couples or families.

Great wildlife from your doorstep. Also the amazing spectacle of the Seals on Horsey beach, particularly during the breeding season (end October to February)

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests