Hollywood stars flock to a ‘moonlit’ beach just three hours from Birmingham

A stunning beach renowned for its stretches of virgin sand and rare wildlife has been crowned one of the most beautiful in Britain – and well worth the three-hour journey.

Holkham, which is also home to a historic hall and has seen visits from Hollywood A-listers, is open all year round, making it ideal for dog walking or leisurely strolls. The Household Cavalry often choose this location for their summer vacation, with scenes of them galloping along the beach and splashing in the sea being a common sight.

READ MORE: July cost of living payment updated to £75 ‘to be paid directly into bank accounts’

Get breaking news BirminghamLive WhatsApp

At low tide, the beach stretches for miles, offering an uninterrupted view of sand, sea and sky. With its pine forests and large bird populations, the area comes under the protection of the Holkham National Nature Reserve. This means visitors must follow certain rules, including keeping dogs on a leash, to protect the local wildlife.

No wonder Conde Nast recognized Holkham as one of the best beaches in the UK. In ninth place, the publication described the beach as “wild and free and almost lunar”. Boasting its “golden sands backed by pine forests and huge sand dunes held in place by wildflowers and marram grass”

This untouched gem is also linked to the historic Holkham Hall. The 18th-century great hall, adorned with grand pillars and beautifully decorated rooms, remains today the private property of the Earl of Leicester, Cambridgeshire Live reports.

However, it is open for public visits, including its magnificent 25,000-acre park. You may recognize both the Hall and the beach from the silver screen.

According to the Holkham website, Holkham Beach has served as the backdrop for several films, including Shakespeare in Love, which won seven Oscars in 1998. The iconic final scene of Gwyneth Paltrow walking on Holkham Beach is unforgettable.

Hollywood big names like Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan and Andrew Garfield filmed on the beach in 2010 for the dystopian film Never Let Me Go. In 2018, the beach turned into ‘Zone X’ for a sci-fi apocalypse in Annihilation, starring Natalie Portman.

Keira Knightley already visited Holkham in 2008 with co-star Ralph Fiennes, where they explored the halls and grounds of Holkham Hall for the Duchess.