Great Yarmouth

Wide golden beaches stretch for miles here, backed by the kind of proper old-fashioned seafront that hasn't lost its soul to corporate chains. Great Yarmouth feels genuinely seaside - the sort of place where candy floss still costs what it should and the arcades haven't been sanitised into oblivion.

The town's character comes from its working port heritage, visible in the narrow medieval Rows that snake between modern shopping streets. While the high street might feel a bit tired midweek, the seafront never disappoints. Those beaches are the real draw - proper sandy stretches that go on forever, perfect for long walks when the day trippers have packed up.

Just inland lies some of Norfolk's most rewarding countryside. The Broads unfold like a watery maze, with Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden offering lovely walks through ancient woodland. St Benet's Abbey provides a fascinating glimpse into medieval Norfolk, while the various broads - Alderfen, Crome's, and others - create a landscape that feels almost Scandinavian on misty mornings.

Barton Broad Boardwalk gives cracking views across the water, especially when the light catches the reed beds at sunset. The historic Wherry Hathor adds authentic maritime flavour to any Broads exploration.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the A47 brings you straight from Norwich in about 40 minutes, while regular trains connect to the capital. Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough for evening fish and chips on the seafront, yet positioned brilliantly for exploring both the coast and the unique Broads landscape that makes this corner of Norfolk so special.