UK & Ireland — Scotland East & North Sea

Brancaster Staithe

52°58.6'N 000°39.5'E · Brancaster Staithe (Norfolk) (0nm)

1–4m

Depth

Excellent

Holding

55m

Alarm radius

Low

Crowd level

Brancaster Staithe is North Norfolk's quietest and most unspoiled sailing village — a genuine working quay with National Trust ownership, sheltered between the vast Brancaster beach (backed by dunes owned by the National Trust) and the sheltered harbour creek. The village has a small sailing club (Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club), a traditional quayside pub, and the feel of a place largely unchanged since the 1950s. The North Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty extends in both directions — saltmarsh, dunes, tidal creeks and seabird colonies. Scolt Head Island (National Nature Reserve, 1nm offshore) is the largest offshore barrier island on the Norfolk coast and holds one of England's largest nesting colonies of Sandwich terns. The whole coast between Brancaster and Cley is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Best Months

MayJuneJulyAugustSeptember

Anchor Zones

Brancaster Staithe — inner creek anchorage

Excellent

1–4m · Alarm: 55m

Anchor in 1–3m (CD) in the sheltered creek channel north-east of Brancaster Staithe quay. Mud and sand — excellent holding. Near-complete all-round shelter once inside the creek; the bar and approach channel provide the main challenge. Tidal range approximately 5.0–5.5m springs (North Norfolk coast has large tidal range). The bar at the harbour entrance can have breaking seas in N/NW onshore conditions. Call Brancaster Staithe Harbour Commissioners (VHF Ch 16 or mobile) before entry. Brancaster Staithe is much quieter than nearby Burnham Overy Staithe or Wells — a classic unspoiled Norfolk sailing village.

Setting Your Anchor Alarm

55m radius for the sheltered creek. Excellent all-round shelter once inside. With 5.0–5.5m tidal range at springs, actual depths at HW reach 6–9.5m — the most generous water for approach. Be aware that strong tidal streams run through the creek at springs (2–3 kt). The approach bar shifts after storms; call Harbour Master before attempting entry for current conditions.

Recommended radius: 55m

Hazards & Warnings

  • !Entrance bar — depth varies (typically 0.5–1.5m CD after storms); entry only near HW in calm conditions; breaking seas in N/NW onshore wind on the bar
  • !Tidal range 5.0–5.5m springs — strong tidal streams in the creek at springs (2–3 kt); anchor well clear of the channel
  • !Shifting sandbanks throughout North Norfolk — the offshore banks change position; consult current chart
  • !North sea fog — common in spring and summer when warm SW air meets cold North Sea; maintain radar/GPS watch
  • !Scolt Head Island and tidal flats — extensive drying areas around the island; navigate only with large-scale chart

Skipper's Tips

  • ✓Call Brancaster Staithe Harbour Master before entry — they know the current bar depth and will advise on the best approach course and timing
  • ✓The White Horse Hotel at Brancaster has one of the finest views and menus on the Norfolk coast — book dinner well in advance in summer
  • ✓Scolt Head Island (1nm offshore) is one of England's most important nature reserves — boat trip from Brancaster Staithe when conditions allow; outstanding for terns in summer and waders in autumn
  • ✓Wells-next-the-Sea (6nm east) is the main provisioning stop on this coast — fuel, provisions and a remarkable harbour (enter near HW on the bar)
  • ✓The Norfolk Coast Path runs along the top of the saltmarsh from Brancaster to Blakeney — one of England's finest coastal walks

Facilities

Restaurant

Anchoring Rules

Permit:
Not required
Fee:
Free to anchor. Visitor moorings may be available — contact Brancaster Staithe Harbour Commissioners VHF Ch 16. Modest harbour dues.
Restrictions:
Entry only near HW on the bar — call Harbour Master for current bar depth before entry. National Trust land surrounds the harbour — respect nature reserve designations. Scolt Head Island NNR: no landing on the tern colony from April to August. Speed limit in the creek.

Sleep Safely at Brancaster Staithe

Set your anchor alarm to 55m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.

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