If you’re looking for a day trip with a difference why not head over to Norfolk for a seal trip out to Blakeney point.
Just a couple of hours from Leicester, take a stroll along Blakeney Quay and you’ll see the various companies offering trips out to see the seals at Blakeney Point, home to the largest grey seal colony in England (in winter there can be about 2,500 pups). Having spotted the signs for the tours back in July we couldn’t wait for a return visit to do the boat trip.
We took the tour with Bishops Boats. Priced at £20 per person, you’ll be out on the water for an hour and get a fantastic view of the seals in their natural habitat as they bask out on the Norfolk shores.
Tickets should be booked in advance and collected from the ticket point at Blakeney Quay. From there make your way a mile down the road to Morston Quay where you’ll get on the boat. As the boat makes its way out towards the sea around the sandbanks and beaches the water can get a little choppy, but it’s nothing to worry about! With the first seal spotted in the distance, enjoying a quiet laze on the beach, everyone starts snapping away… not quite prepared for the number of seals that are about to come up around the corner. Sailing around the beaches you’re suddenly greeted with a mass of common and grey seals, basking together on the beach and swimming in the waters. It’s a beautiful sight, even if the weather isn’t quite on your side.
A number of other tour operators also offers tours but having used Bishops Boats ourselves last week they get a big Cool As recommendation. The crew on board were friendly and knowledgable and, most importantly, they make every effort to ensure everyone on board gets a front row seat as they re-circle the seal shores so each side of the boat gets up close. They also offer a seal guarantee and in the very unlikely event that you don’t see any during the trip they’ll offer you tickets to return on another day.
And just for an added bonus, you can take your dogs on board with you too.
With Blakeney around 2.5 hours away it’s a lovely option for a day trip, but it’s also perfect to tie into a mini break as well. If you’re staying for longer then remember to check out our top tips for eating seafood on the Norfolk coast.
Tours run daily and in (almost) all weather conditions. The last tours of the day take place mid-afternoon (but times vary) due to the tides. For full timetable information visit the Bishops Boats website.
Parking, cafe and toilet facilities are available at Morston Quay. Parking is priced at £6 but is free for National Trust members.
