Cocked Hat

The Cocked Hat is a small woodland area just outside Hunstanton that offers a proper escape from the flat Norfolk coastline. It's nothing fancy - just a patch of forest where you can wander between the trees, get some shelter from the wind, and pretend you're not surrounded by holiday parks and caravan sites. The walk takes about twenty minutes to loop round, depending on how many times you stop to poke about in the undergrowth.

Truthfully, it's best suited to families with young kids who want a quick leg-stretch rather than serious walkers. The paths are straightforward enough, though muddy after rain, and there's enough to keep a four-year-old entertained without requiring a major expedition. Adults will find it a bit limited if you're after dramatic Norfolk scenery - the Pinewoods around here offer more atmosphere. That said, it's free and close to Hunstanton town centre, making it useful if you're staying at Manor Park or Searles Leisure Resort and need to burn off some energy before dinner.

Visit on a weekday if possible, as weekends tend to draw local dog walkers and the narrow paths get crowded. There's no facilities on site, so bring water if it's warm. It works well as a warm-up walk before heading to the beach or as a shaded break between attractions. Don't expect anything revelatory, but on a stuffy afternoon it does the job.