“Seals, here in England? Really? Are you sure?” are the sort of comments people have made when I’ve mentioned photographing seals.
A quick google search will reveal that seals can be found around Lincolnshire & Norfolk, in particular Blakeney & Horsey Gap, aswell as other coastal areas.
A number of companies run boat trips out to Blakeney Point to view seals, we booked our trip with Beans Boat Trips who promise a 50% refund if there are no seals. Depending on the tide the boats land on Blakeney Point, they did not in the week leading up to Easter (or for our trip) but did in the weeks beforehand and after! The boats depart from Morston Quay which is less than two miles west of Blakeney Village, and there’s a large car park by the quay operated by the National Trust (pay & display but free for members.) As mentioned a number of companies run trips to Blakeney Point from Morston Quay, as a result it was quite busy.
Beans boats were easily identified in their bright orange and white livery
and with the assistance of the staff we got on board and set sail on time.
The trip out to Blakeney Point takes about 30 minutes travelling along the creek towards Blakeney Point
passing the ex-lifeboat station en route
which was built in 1898 to to house lifeboats, but only in use for a few years as the build up of shingle made it impossible to launch boats. The building is now used by the National Trust, who own Blakeney Point (which is now an international breeding ground for many migrant birds during both summer and winter.) Various different types of boat are moored in the creek including this houseboat
Before long we arrived at the point and we were in luck, the seals were there basking in the sunshine.
As mentioned a number of boats make the trip out to the point
however their movements seemed to be choreographed in that each boat was able to get close to the Point enabling passengers to photograph the seals without any obstructions, regardless of which side of the boat you were located. I personally took a lot of photographs and at no point felt my view was obstructed for more than a few seconds.
And then before we knew it we were heading back towards the quay and dry land.
So a very enjoyable trip with great weather,as you could see, and of course seals!