Cromer

The fishing boats line up on the beach at dawn, their nets draped like washing over wooden posts. This is proper seaside Norfolk - where Victorian tourists once flocked for the sea air and where families still queue for the legendary crabs that made this town famous. Cromer's pier juts confidently into the North Sea, a bold statement against the crashing waves that have shaped this coast for centuries.

Walk the cliff-top paths towards Sheringham and you'll understand why the Victorians built railways here. The views from Coast Guard Lookout stretch across miles of unspoilt coastline, while inland the rolling countryside dotted with Norfolk flint churches creates a landscape that feels distinctly English. Franklin Hill offers another cracking vantage point, particularly at sunset when the sea turns molten.

Sheringham makes for a lovely day trip, especially if you fancy a ride on the preserved steam railway. The Peter Coke Shell Gallery sounds quirky but it's actually rather fascinating - one man's obsession with shells turned into a proper collection. Meanwhile, the ruins of Gresham Castle provide a glimpse into Norfolk's medieval past, though it's a bit of a trek from the coast.

Getting here couldn't be simpler - the A149 coast road connects Cromer to Norwich in about 45 minutes, while King's Lynn is roughly an hour inland. The surrounding villages like West Runton and Beeston Regis each have their own character, marked by those distinctive village signs that Norfolk does so well.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for fresh crab sandwiches, yet positioned to explore the broader Norfolk coast and countryside at your own pace.