Hunstanton

The cliffs here face west - unusual for England's east coast and absolutely magical at sunset. Hunstanton's striped chalk and red sandstone cliff face catches the evening light like nowhere else in Norfolk, making this Victorian seaside town feel properly special when most visitors have headed home.

Sunset aside, there's plenty to fill a proper seaside break. SEA LIFE Hunstanton does what these places do well - sharks, rays and touch pools that'll keep the kids happy for a good hour or two. Rainbow Park Hunstanton Fairground brings back memories of childhood holidays with its traditional rides and arcade games.

The real draw is Hunstanton South Beach. Miles of golden sand stretch north towards the nature reserves of the North Norfolk coast, while the famous striped cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop for beach walks. Low tide reveals vast expanses of firm sand - perfect for sandcastle engineering projects.

Searches Sea Tours run regular boat trips along this stretch of coast, offering a different perspective on those distinctive cliffs and the chance to spot seals lounging on sandbanks. The surrounding countryside is quintessentially Norfolk - big skies over flat farmland punctuated by flint churches.

Getting here is straightforward enough - it's about 15 miles north of King's Lynn on the A149, though that coast road can get busy in summer. The nearby holiday parks make perfect sense for exploring this corner of Norfolk. You're within easy reach of Sandringham, the Norfolk Lavender fields, and the whole magnificent sweep of the North Norfolk coast stretches away to your east.