Four beaches in Norfolk have been named among the best in the UK.

The Times and Sunday Times annual best UK beaches guide has recognised coastal spots across the country for their beautiful seaside scenery.

In the 16th edition of the guide, six of the UK's 50 best beaches are located in the East of England.

READ MORE: Sheringham named among best places to live by Sunday Times

Sheringham has been ranked as the east of England's beach of the year, with Holkham, Brancaster and Burnham Overy Staithe joining the top of the list.

Holkham BeachHolkham Beach (Image: Matthew Usher)

Praising the north Norfolk coast, it follows Sheringham being named among the best places to live by the Sunday Times in March.

The publication praised the coastal town as a year-round "sweet spot on the Norfolk coast" with a "blue flag beach and serious social scene".

People enjoying Sheringham beach People enjoying Sheringham beach (Image: Newsquest) In his description of Sheringham, Chris Haslam, the award-winning chief travel writer at The Times and Sunday Times, captures its "timeless charm".

“Arriving in Sheringham is like driving into the 1930s" he said. "There’s a single platform railway station, a high street garlanded in bunting and a fisherman’s quarter reminiscent of St Ives.”

Brancaster BeachBrancaster Beach (Image: Matthew Usher)

Chris Haslam has personally visited and inspected all 50 beaches in the guide in the past eight weeks.

The guide showcases the "unrivalled beauty" of the UK seaside, evaluated through a rigorous 11-point inspection checklist.

The harbour at Burnham Overy StaitheThe harbour at Burnham Overy Staithe (Image: Chris Bishop)

The criteria includes water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, car-parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene levels at restrooms and showers, and dog-friendliness. 

READ MORE: Norfolk beach named among most scenic dog walking spots in UK

The 2024 guide only features beaches that are rated as “excellent” for water quality by the national environment agencies.

Mr Haslam said: "My Jack Russell, Dave T Dog, and I have journeyed 5,583 miles and explored 543 beaches.

"The 50 beaches that made our list are graced with outstanding natural beauty, superb infrastructure, and a clear sense of pride from those who live, work, and play there."