Norfolk, with its vast skies, charming villages, and stunning coastline, offers endless opportunities for photographers. From serene beaches to historic landmarks, this guide highlights 10 locations in Norfolk for photography enthusiasts that I like to visit, complete with a few tips on when and how to capture their beauty.

1. Happisburgh

Known for its iconic lighthouse and rugged coastline, Happisburgh offers dramatic seascapes and a quintessential Norfolk charm.

Best time to shoot: Where there is no set time of day or year to shoot here for the best light, the blue hour is my favourite time to shoot for moody shots.

Tip: Experiment with long exposures to capture the movement of the sea and clouds.

2. Thurne Mill

This picturesque windmill on the Norfolk Broads is a favourite among landscape photographers. Surrounded by waterways and reeds, it’s a tranquil spot to capture.

Best time to shoot: Early morning or sunset for soft light and serene reflections, I prefer shooting here at Sunset

Tip: Use the leading lines of some of the drainage ditches to help improve the shot

3. Brograve Mill

This atmospheric ruin of a windmill stands out against the flat, open landscape of the Broads, making it a compelling subject for photography.

Best time to shoot: Sunset for dramatic lighting.

Tip: Incorporate leading lines, such as the waterways, to draw the viewer’s eye to the mill. Allow plenty of time to walk here, as it is quite a hike

4. Sea Palling

With its sandy beach and sea defences, Sea Palling offers unique opportunities for seascape photography. The groynes create leading lines for dynamic compositions.

Best time to shoot: Sunset or Sunrise for warm, glowing light.

Tip: Venture further along the beach to find some of the more interesting compositions

5. Overstrand

This charming coastal village boasts dramatic cliffs and a peaceful beach. It’s perfect for capturing both natural landscapes and human-made structures.

Best time to shoot: Early morning for calm and solitude, or sunset for the classic shot looking onto Cromer pier

Tip: A higher tide works really well here, but watch out for rouge waves that will soak you and your camera

6. Morston Quay

A popular spot for capturing boats, marshes, and wildlife, Morston Quay is a versatile location for photographers.

Best time to shoot: Late afternoon for warm, diffused light.

Tip: If wearing wellies, you can follow the tide out to the creak, but do be careful as when the tide comes back in, it comes in very quickly

7. Hunstanton

Famous for its unique striped cliffs and west-facing beach, Hunstanton is one of the best places in Norfolk to capture sunsets.

Best time to shoot: Sunset, when the light enhances the red and white hues of the cliffs.

Tip: When sunset is 3 hours after/beofre high tide, you will get great images of the old trawler wreck and the rocks

8. Thornham Coal Barn

This rustic, weathered barn set against the marshes is a favourite subject for photographers seeking a timeless, rural feel.

Best time to shoot: Sunset is favoured for soft hues or sunset for dramatic skies, but sunrise can work well here

Tip: A higher of the high tides, I believe to be over 1.9m will ensure the water reaches the old coal barn.

9. Caister-on-Sea

Known for its golden sands and historic lifeboat station, Caister-on-Sea is a great spot for beach photography.

Best time to shoot: Early morning for soft light and fewer people.

Tip: The shifting sands of the Norfolk coast can mean the sea defences can be completely covered, or fully exposed.

10. Bacton and Walcott

These neighbouring coastal villages offer expansive beaches, groynes, and a glimpse of Norfolk’s sea defences.

Best time to shoot: Sunrise during high tide for dramatic wave action that nearly fully covers the sea defences, at low tide, the sea defences don’t have any water near them.

Tip: Use long exposures to create smooth, ethereal water effects.

Final Thoughts

Norfolk’s diverse landscapes make it an amazing playground for photographers, there is something for everyone.

Plan your visits around the best lighting conditions, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Each location is worth visiting many times, as different tides and lighting change each location so much and will always give you plenty of amazing results.

I hope this guide is of help to you and remember to always be safe when it comes to calculating the tides, if you are unsure, don’t take silly risks. Happy shooting!