Swaffham

This is proper market town Norfolk - windmills on the horizon, wide skies, and a weekly market that's been running since the 13th century. Swaffham sits bang in the middle of the Brecklands, where sandy heathland meets farmland and the pace of life drops several gears from the county's busier coastal spots.

The town centre revolves around the triangular marketplace, dominated by The Shambles - the old butter cross that's been keeping traders dry for centuries. Swaffham Heritage tells the story of John Chapman, the legendary Pedlar of Swaffham whose tale of dreams and buried treasure became local folklore. You'll spot him everywhere - carved into the church, depicted on the town sign, even lending his name to the shopping centre.

Beyond the market square, St Peter and St Paul Church towers over everything with its famous angel roof. Worth the neck strain. The surrounding Breckland countryside offers proper walking territory - all pine forests, open heaths, and ancient earthworks. Castle Acre's just down the road, where Norman castle ruins and a priory make for a decent afternoon out.

Getting here's straightforward enough. Norwich is 25 miles east, King's Lynn about 15 miles north-west. The A47 cuts right past if you're driving from the Midlands or further west.

Staying at one of the holiday parks dotted around the area makes perfect sense. Sandringham's close enough for a royal day out, while the Norfolk coast proper is only a 45-minute drive. Swaffham gives you that authentic market town experience without the tourist crowds - plus Steam-Shed Brewing does a cracking pint if you fancy something local after a day's exploring.