5 days photographing 5,000+ newborn grey seal pups on the Norfolk Coast. Pupping season lasts a few weeks, and once the white coats moult the shot is gone until next winter.
For photographers who'd rather be in the field than the tourist bus.
5 Days / 4 NightsMax 5 PhotographersAll Abilities WelcomeTransport from LondonNov & Dec 2026 · 2 Departures
Viewed by : photographers · Popular·Last updated: October 2026
5,000+ fluffy pups. Norfolk's great wildlife spectacle.
Join us for an amazing 5-day / 4-night adventure to one of the gems of the UK. Norfolk. Where our star attraction is photographing adorable newborn grey seal pups at pupping season. Our small group of like-minded wildlife photographers travels to the photogenic Norfolk coastline to photograph some of the largest grey seal colonies in the world.
Over 5,000 cotton-white pups are born each year in the Norfolk area. We visit multiple beaches at different times of day, allowing for a rich variety of shots, always at a safe, respectful distance using telephoto lenses, so as never to disturb the wildlife or the newborn pups. The UK is home to over 40% of the world's grey seal population, making this a truly world-class wildlife experience on your doorstep.
As a bonus, Norfolk's famous windmills and lighthouses provide dramatic landscape photography at sunset and golden hour, and the December departure even coincides with a meteor shower opportunity.
What's Included
Everything taken care of: just bring your gear
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Professional Photo GuideExpert tuition throughout. Specialist wildlife photography coaching including telephoto tracking, behaviour reading, and field craft.
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Transport from London (Return)Collected from a London meeting point and returned at the end of the tour. All local transport during the tour included.
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Cottage AccommodationComfortable self-catering cottage with private rooms throughout. En-suite available (+£200). Supermarket stop on arrival.
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Telephoto Lenses & Camera BodiesDion carries supplementary telephoto lenses and bodies available to try during the tour, alongside your own kit.
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Multiple Beach SessionsVisits to multiple grey seal beaches across multiple days, morning, afternoon, and sunset sessions for maximum variety of light and behaviour.
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Full Financial Protection100% financially protected, arranged through Towergate Insurance and underwritten by Evolution Insurance. All booking funds PTR protected. Certificate issued on deposit.
Daily Itinerary
5 days on the Norfolk Coast
We always move to the best locations based on conditions, flexibility is key to great wildlife photography.
The adventure begins! You and your fellow wildlife photographers are collected from the London meeting point and travel north to Norfolk in our comfortable vehicle. Our arrival time may permit a bonus afternoon photography session at the seal beaches, so pack your gear for easy access. We check into our lovely cottage, head to a supermarket for supplies, then enjoy dinner locally while discussing photography settings, techniques, and what to expect over the next four days.
Each morning, your guide checks the weather forecast to identify the best conditions. We may begin with a landscape sunrise session at one of our dramatic location options, then head to the seal beaches for golden morning light. The seals are most active in the mornings, with nursing pups, playful interactions, and the occasional mock charge from protective mothers. An afternoon session follows, and we wrap up with a sunset shoot at one of Norfolk's iconic windmills.
After a possible sunrise session at a lighthouse or windmill location, we head to a different section of the Norfolk coastline where the seal colony offers a fresh perspective and different ages of pups. Our objective is to build a diverse portfolio: white fluffy newborns, curious juveniles, and enormous breeding bulls are all present. Lunch at our favourite award-winning Norfolk café, then an afternoon session and sunset photography.
Our last full day on the coast. We return to Norfolk's beaches for a final day with the grey seal rookery. By now you'll have a refined eye for the best compositions, behaviours, and light angles. This is your chance to perfect your portfolio shots. We'll take a lunch break at a café or pub, then return for an afternoon session. A celebration dinner in the evening with the group to share and compare our favourite images from the week.
A relaxed final morning before we pack up and begin the journey south. Drop-off in central London (near Warren Street station) or at West Acton. Post-processing tips and a wildlife photography resources guide sent to all participants after the tour.
Gallery
Shots taken on this tour
What Clients Say
Reviews from the Grey Seal tour
★★★★★
Google
"I had an amazing experience on my seal photography trip. The guide was very knowledgeable about the best spots for good photos. Importantly, he kept us at a safe distance from the seals and ensured we never disturbed them. I'm a big seal fan and it was fantastic to observe their natural behaviour and take some candid, personal shots from a responsible distance."
Alex T.Grey Seals Tour · Norfolk
★★★★★
Google
"This was a shared photo experience with my daughter and Dion made the whole experience very enjoyable and memorable. From the sunrise at Happisburgh lighthouse to the seals at Horsey Gap, a truly informative 4 days. Thanks also for the loan of your lenses and Nikon body. Will certainly be looking to use Photo Tours again in the future."
DiscobrownGrey Seals Tour · Norfolk
★★★★★
Google
"I was fortunate enough to get the last spot on a trip with Dion to Horsey Gap. Dion was a great guide and coach, managing to help all the attendees at their various stages of learning. He managed to find super opportunities for us and shared some secret spots he'd found for shooting. All in all a wonderful experience."
Michelle M.Grey Seals Tour · Horsey Gap
★★★★★
Google
"Dion is very kind and generous in sharing not only his own equipment — cameras, lenses and filters — but also his photography knowledge and experience across different genres. He even taught us to shoot a full moon with his professional long lens when there was spare time. I would highly recommend the multi-day Norfolk tours."
Professional Photographer · Lead Guide · UK Photo Tours Founder
Dion has led the Grey Seal Pups tour multiple times and has an intimate knowledge of the Norfolk coastline, the best seal locations, and the light at every time of day. His patient, encouraging teaching style makes this tour perfect for all skill levels. A Kase Filters ambassador, Dion's goal is simple: to help you come home with images that take your breath away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
No. Single occupancy is standard on this tour, so your own room is included in the price on every departure. You do not pay extra for travelling alone.
The price includes 4 nights' self-catering cottage accommodation (own room), return transport from London, all local transport, use of telephoto lenses and camera bodies if needed, and full photography tuition from Dion. Meals are not included (self-catering cottage, supermarket stop on day 1). En-suite upgrade is available for +£200.
All skill levels are welcome, from complete beginners to experienced photographers. Dion covers everything from basic camera settings for wildlife (shutter speed, aperture, ISO and autofocus modes) through to tracking moving subjects, reading seal behaviour and composing in the field. Your camera just needs a manual or semi-manual mode. Seals are a forgiving first wildlife subject: the pups spend long periods resting, which gives you time to get your settings right.
A telephoto lens (200mm+, ideally 400–600mm) is ideal for seal photography. However, Dion carries supplementary telephoto lenses and bodies you can try periodically during the tour alongside your own kit. Memory cards and spare batteries are essential. A full kit list is sent after booking.
We always photograph at a respectful, safe distance using telephoto lenses, typically 20–30+ metres from the seals. This protects the wildlife (especially the newborn pups and nursing mothers) and also often produces better, more natural images. Your guide will advise on appropriate distances at all times.
Both are excellent. The November tour typically sees the peak of the pupping season with maximum numbers of bright white newborn pups. The December tour coincides with slightly older pups beginning to moult, plus a meteor shower opportunity on clear nights. Both tours offer excellent wildlife photography, the choice is largely about your schedule and the added bonus of the meteor shower.
Fitness level is easy to moderate. Beach walks to seal locations are generally short (under 1 mile) on flat or gently rolling terrain. November/December weather can be cold and windy, warm, windproof, and waterproof layers are essential. Wellies or waterproof boots are recommended for beach access. This tour is accessible for most fitness levels.
The Norfolk coast in November and December can be cold, wet and windy, but the seals are there whatever the weather. Overcast days often suit seal photography well, giving soft, even light on the pups' white coats with no harsh shadows. Dion checks the forecast each day and moves sessions around to make the most of the better spells. Warm, windproof and waterproof layers are essential.
Absolutely, many solo travellers join this tour and the shared cottage creates a wonderful communal atmosphere. The small group size (max 5) means everyone gets to know each other quickly, and photography holidays for singles are something we specialise in. You'll never feel out of place travelling alone.
You're also welcome to meet us at the accommodation itself.
Yes. Transport from London is complimentary and included in the tour price, but if you live closer to Norfolk it's often easier to drive and meet us at the cottage near Happisburgh. Just let us know when booking and we'll share the full address and arrival details.
We aim to be back in London by around 3:00pm on the final day, after a relaxed final morning and the drive back. We offer two drop-off points: central London, near Warren Street station and close to several tube lines, or West Acton station on the Central line. If you have a flight booked that day, we'd recommend building in several hours of grace period before your check-in time in case of road delays.
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Ready to meet the pups?
Join us on the Grey Seal Pups Workshop
One of the most heartwarming wildlife experiences in the UK, 5,000+ fluffy pups, iconic Norfolk landscapes, and expert guidance throughout. Places fill quickly.
