King's Lynn

Medieval merchants built their fortunes here, and the grand warehouses along the Great Ouse still tell that story today. King's Lynn feels like Norfolk's best-kept secret - a proper market town where cobbled streets lead to the magnificent St Nicholas' Chapel and the old Guildhall sits proud on Saturday Market Place.

The town centre rewards a good wander. Custom House, that elegant 17th-century beauty on Purfleet Quay, makes for cracking photos against the river backdrop. True's Yard Fisherfolk Museum gives you the full story of Lynn's maritime past, while the Tales of the Old Gaol House will have you gripped with local ghost stories.

Heading out from town, the countryside opens up into proper Norfolk flatlands. Sandringham House is just eight miles away - worth the trip for the gardens alone, even if you're not bothered about royal connections. The village signs dotted around places like Narborough and West Acre show off Norfolk's quirky artistic tradition.

Marham Fen offers decent walking if you fancy stretching your legs, and the area around Pentney has some lovely quiet lanes for cycling. It's all very flat, which makes getting about on two wheels a doddle.

From London, the A10 gets you here in about two and a half hours, or there are regular trains from Cambridge. Norwich is 45 minutes up the A47 if you need a bigger shopping fix.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for dinner or a pint, but far enough out to enjoy the peace of the Norfolk countryside. The Sandringham Camping and Caravanning Club Site puts you right in royal territory, while Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa offers a bit more luxury after a day exploring the Fens.