New bridle path set to improve access to Holkham Beach

February 22, 2024 | News | 2 minute read

A new access route to Holkham Beach for those arriving with their horse is underway following a three-year planning process.

Work on Lady Anne’s Drive began in September 2023 and will see the development of a new bridle path to improve safety for riders, drivers and pedestrians, while simultaneously enhancing biodiversity at the site.

The £100,000 eco-friendly scheme, created in consultation with The British Horse Society, has been approved by Natural England and North Norfolk District Council and initial work levelled 500m of ground on the eastern side of the fields parallel to Lady Anne’s Drive. Over the winter months, a species-rich hedge has been planted along the bridle path, creating a protected avenue to the beach for riders. Holkham Beach attracts around 500,000 visitors each year.

Iain Wolfe, Operations Manager of Holkham Enterprises, says: “With the wide and varying user groups and ever-increasing footfall comes the potential for risk and, with such a high volume of vehicle traffic and pedestrians, by separating the parking and access for pedestrians and horse riders, we can reduce this risk. We will consider how we can make the parking area more user-friendly with the potential addition of mounting blocks and hitching posts.”

This article is taken from the Holkham Gazette (Autumn/Winter 2023), written and edited by Daska Davis.