As the weather begins to brighten and crowds flock to the seaside, we've compiled a list of five beaches in Norfolk that have picked up awards in 2023. 

1. Holkham

Holkham beach was chosen as one of the top 50 beaches in the UK by The Times this summer. 

It was named as the "comfortable winner of Eastern England's best beach."

North Norfolk News: Holkham beach is popular among horseriders due to its long, flat shorelineHolkham beach is popular among horseriders due to its long, flat shoreline (Image: Lydia Taylor)

Holkham has also been included in The AA's list of the top 20 beaches to drive to in 2023, ranking at number eight. 

2. Gorleston-on-Sea

Gorleston-on-Sea was named the best beach in the UK by Tripadvisor in their Travellers' Choice Awards for 2023. 

Gorleston came twelfth in a list of the top 25 beaches in Europe. 

North Norfolk News: Gorleston beach beat Weymouth, Newquay and Bournemouth for the title of best beach in the UKGorleston beach beat Weymouth, Newquay and Bournemouth for the title of best beach in the UK (Image: Candy Kourakos)

The beach has been used as a filming location for a number of films and television programmes including Yesterday, starring Lily James and Himesh Patel.

ITV's This Morning recently recorded live from the seafront. 

READ MORE: Joy as Norfolk pier is voted second best in the UK

3. Brancaster 

A popular travel magazine named Brancaster as one of the best beaches in the country in 2023.

Conde Nast Traveller praised the beach for its "lower-key loveliness". 

North Norfolk News: Brancaster beach appeared alongside Holkham, Hunstanton, Brancaster, Cromer and Sheringham on the listBrancaster beach appeared alongside Holkham, Hunstanton, Brancaster, Cromer and Sheringham on the list (Image: Ian Burt)

Brancaster was also the only Norfolk beach included in The Telegraph's list of 20 best beaches in the country. 

4. Overstrand

The Telegraph named Overstrand as one of the UK's best secret beaches in July. 

North Norfolk News: Overstrand is a popular spot for crabbing Overstrand is a popular spot for crabbing (Image: Casey Cooper-Fiske)

Quieter than neighbouring Cromer, the beach was suggested as an ideal spot for a day of crabbing. 

READ MORE: Seven times we've reported from Overstrand beach

5. Old Hunstanton

Old Hunstanton beach made the top 50 in the Daily Mail's list of best UK beaches to visit in 2023. 

It was the only Norfolk location to feature in the list.

North Norfolk News: Old Hunstanton beach is dog-friendly with no restrictionsOld Hunstanton beach is dog-friendly with no restrictions (Image: Ian Burt)

Just north of Hunstanton, the sandy beach is quieter and distinguished by the "amazing striated rock colours in the cliff wall".