Beacon

The Beacon at Great Yarmouth is exactly what it sounds like - a proper Victorian lighthouse that's been standing guard over the Norfolk coast since 1842. You climb the narrow spiral stairs to the lamp room at the top, and the effort pays off with views across the Broads and out to sea. It's a bit of a squeeze in the stairwell, so don't go if you're claustrophobic, but the payoff is genuine.

For history types, there's real substance here. The tower itself tells the story of Norfolk's maritime past, and the beam that once warned ships off the treacherous shallows is part of the town's identity. Kids can manage the climb without too much grumbling - it's not endless, though younger ones might need a hand on the steeper sections.

The whole visit takes maybe 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how long you linger at the top. Admission details aren't widely publicized, so ring ahead or check at the tourist office in Great Yarmouth itself, which is right there on the seafront.

It works well as part of a broader Norfolk coastal afternoon. Clippesby Hall and the Norfolk Broads Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite are both less than six miles away, making it a simple diversion if you're staying in the area. Pair it with a walk along the seafront or a visit to one of the local fish and chip shops - though I'd skip the tacky arcades unless you've got restless teenagers.