Seal Cottage, Horsey. Minutes to Horsey Gap seal colony & Norfolk Broads
Cottage in Broadland District
5 guests · 3 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
High-end valuePrice for this property is higher than average in the area
About this cottage rental
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.
Amenities
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Broadland District
$$$$
Ratings and reviews
5.0 / 5.0
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.
5.0 / 5.0
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!
5.0 / 5.0
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!
5.0 / 5.0
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.
5.0 / 5.0
Enjoyed Seal Cottage. Lovely and warm and in a very quiet and rural situation. The owner was excellent.
4.0 / 5.0
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.
5.0 / 5.0
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
5.0 / 5.0
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.
5.0 / 5.0
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.
5.0 / 5.0
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.
5.0 / 5.0
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).
5.0 / 5.0
Would highly recommend! Superb!
2.5 / 5.0
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
2.5 / 5.0
Cosy, comfy and v clean. loved the house.
2.5 / 5.0
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.
5.0 / 5.0
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.
5.0 / 5.0
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.
5.0 / 5.0
Relaxing and restful
This is the second visit to Seal cottage and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Fabulous walks and beach. Will definitely return.
5.0 / 5.0
Super holiday
Great cottage, brilliant location and a beautiful, peaceful place to stay.
5.0 / 5.0
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.
5.0 / 5.0
Modern, well equipped and in an excellent location.
Modern, well equipped and in an excellent location.
5.0 / 5.0
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!
5.0 / 5.0
A welcome break with family after months apart!
A wonderful week and our second visit to Seal Cottage. Just the best cottage in a fantastic location and just what we all needed! Thank-you Suzanna for opening up your cottage during this difficult time.
5.0 / 5.0
Lovely cottage
Lovely cottage in a quiet location.
5.0 / 5.0
Lovely cottage
Beautiful, peaceful location with a lovely enclosed garden for the Dog! Very comfortable main bed and like home from home facilities. Great cottage to use as a base to explore Norfolk.
5.0 / 5.0
Nature galore
We had a fantastic stay at Seal cottage. The house was very clean, comfortable and had everything we needed. The kitchen was very well equipped. It was great to be just a short stroll from the beach and Horsey Mere. We saw an amazing array of wildlife: seals, deers, rabbits, a weasel and an otter! We loved our stay in a lovely, quiet part of the world.
5.0 / 5.0
Seal Cottage was well kept and very clean on our arrival. It sits in a lovely location. We loved it.
Very easy to book the property and excellent communication from the property manager. We would love to return
5.0 / 5.0
excellent
very good, relaxing. Enjoyed our stay very much
5.0 / 5.0
Long weekend
Fabulous from start to finish!
Definitely recommend.
5.0 / 5.0
Relaxing February half term family break
Superb week spent at Seal Cottage. Ideal for what we were looking for......a relaxing half term week with our two children (10 &12) and granddaughter (12).
Kids loved the cosy cottage and were so excited by being here and seeing the seals on the local beach. Although, there wasn't a great deal for children to do locally, it was a great base to visit other places including Great Yarmouth and Norwich.
Cottage facilities were excellent.......like a home from home.........couldn't fault it.....very cosy and enjoyed being here.
5.0 / 5.0
Fabulous cottage home from home
Everything you need. Can't wait to go again,perfect for dogs fully enclosed. Location great loads to do.
5.0 / 5.0
Highly recommend!!
We had a truly wonderful time, the property was wonderful. Thank you Suzanne for being so understanding about our changes of plans, much appreciated.
5.0 / 5.0
Seal Cottage Location.
Excellent location for beaches, walks and the Norfolk Broads.
House well kitted out. Log stove and hot/warm central heating.
5.0 / 5.0
Lovely cottage in a beautiful area
Had a wonderful relaxing week at this lovely cottage with our family
5.0 / 5.0
Exceptional!
Beautiful cottage in spectacular surroundings. The owner has provided exceptional accommodation, full of charm and comfort. We visited the seals on Horsey Beach, ate at The Nelson’s Head pub and made full use of the wood burner on our return. Perfect! Would highly recommend.
FAQs
How much does this cottage cost compared to others in Broadland District?
The average price for a rental in Broadland District is $198 per night. This rental is $75 above the average.
Is parking included with this cottage?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Seal Cottage, Horsey. Minutes to Horsey Gap seal colony & Norfolk Broads. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cottage?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cottage. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Seal Cottage, Horsey. Minutes to Horsey Gap seal colony & Norfolk Broads pet friendly?
Yes! This cottage is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Seal Cottage, Horsey. Minutes to Horsey Gap seal colony & Norfolk Broads?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, and parking.
Explore similar vacation rentals in Broadland District
Explore all rentals in Broadland DistrictBroadland District travel inspiration
Read our blogGuides
Best East Coast Beaches and Getaway Locations You Can’t Miss
Budget Travel
7 Most Affordable Snowbird Destinations for 2025
Guides
Top Activities to Try in Panama City Beach, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama: Adventure and Fun Await
Local Culture
Exploring Miami’s Wynwood District: Street Art, Food, and More
Guides
Fun Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland
Local Culture
A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Dining in Orlando, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Oahu and Honolulu