Sparrow Dale

Ancient woodland meets coastal heath in this proper pocket of Norfolk forest just outside Sheringham. The paths wind through mixed deciduous trees - oak, ash and birch mainly - with patches where heather and gorse have crept in from the nearby heath. It's not a massive area, but what's here feels genuinely wild compared to the managed plantations you'll find elsewhere in Norfolk.

Walkers get the best deal here. The main trail takes about 45 minutes at a steady pace, though families with young ones might want to double that. There's a lovely section where the trees open up and you can glimpse the coast in the distance on clear days. The ground can get proper muddy after rain - not the place for your best trainers.

Bird watchers do well here too. I spotted several species of tit, a few finches and heard what I'm fairly sure was a nuthatch during my visit in autumn. The mix of habitats means there's usually something calling from the canopy.

If you're staying at Kelling Heath Holiday Park or any of the other nearby sites, it's well worth the short drive for a morning constitutional. Just don't expect facilities - this is raw Norfolk woodland, which is rather the point.