Stiffkey Meals Dunes

The dunes at Stiffkey stretch along the Norfolk coast in a way that catches you off guard - suddenly you're walking through proper sand hills dotted with marram grass, miles from anywhere. It's the kind of landscape that feels both wild and welcoming, even when the wind's picking up off the sea.

You get real views here. On a clear day you can see right along the coastline, and the light does something special to the sand in late afternoon. The dunes themselves are free to explore, no gates or visitor centres to navigate - just walk from Wells-next-the-Sea along the beach or the coastal path and you'll stumble into them naturally. Allow a couple of hours if you want to wander properly, longer if you fancy settling down with a book and a flask.

Walkers will get the most from this spot. The paths wind through the dunes offering different perspectives, and it's far quieter than some of Norfolk's busier coastal stretches. Families with young kids might find an hour's worth of sand-scrambling enough before heading elsewhere, though it's brilliant for older children who like exploring independently.

If you're staying at Pinewoods Holiday Park nearby, this is practically on your doorstep - close enough for a half-day adventure without the faff of driving far. The dunes work well combined with a visit to Wells town itself, which has charm and decent cafes. It's not dramatic or theatrical, but it's the real Norfolk coast doing what it does best.