Fakenham

The twice-weekly market still draws crowds to the Georgian market square, just as it has for centuries. Fakenham's no beauty contest winner, but it's proper Norfolk - a working market town where locals actually shop and the high street hasn't been completely hollowed out by retail parks. The Thursday and Saturday markets are the real deal, selling everything from fresh veg to vintage farm tools.

Market day aside, the town centre feels a bit sleepy midweek. But that's precisely why it works as a base for exploring north Norfolk's coastline and countryside. Wells-next-the-Sea lies just 12 miles north, putting those famous beach huts within easy reach.

The surrounding villages tell Norfolk's story through their carved wooden signs - Little Snoring, Thursford, and Blakeney each display intricate scenes of local life and history. Thursford's particularly worth noting, home to the famous Christmas Spectacular that packs out every winter. Meanwhile, Langham Dome offers a fascinating glimpse into Cold War history at this former RAF radar station.

Getting here's straightforward enough. The A148 cuts straight through from King's Lynn, while the A1067 connects to Norwich. No railway station anymore - that closed in the 1960s.

Staying at one of the holiday parks dotted around the area makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for supplies or a proper pub lunch, yet positioned to explore the north Norfolk coast without the summer crowds that clog up the seaside villages. Kelling Heath Holiday Park puts you particularly well for both the coast and the Broads.