Cromer Pier

The pier juts out into the North Sea like it owns the place, and frankly, it does - Cromer Pier has been doing this since 1901. You get the full seaside experience here: salt-tanged air, proper Victorian ironwork, and the kind of view that stretches all the way across the coast. There's a pavilion theatre halfway along where they still put on shows, though it's worth checking what's on before you make the trip specifically for that.

Walking the length of it takes about fifteen minutes each way, depending on how long you linger at the end. The real draw is the lifeboat station - Cromer's RNLI crew have the kind of reputation that comes from actual heroism, not marketing speak. They sometimes have the boat on display, and kids find that genuinely interesting rather than glazed-over bored.

It's free to walk on, which is the main thing. Peak summer gets rammed with families and day-trippers, so go mid-morning on a weekday if you want to actually breathe. The wind can be vicious out there, so bring a proper jacket - this isn't sheltered beach territory.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - The Grove Glamping's close, or Seacroft if you want the full caravan experience - the pier works well as a morning activity before heading elsewhere. Cromer itself has fish and chips places that know what they're doing, which you'll absolutely want after this. It's not going to fill a full day, but it's exactly the sort of thing a Norfolk seaside break needs.