Norfolk is famous for its endless sandy beaches. The closest are Brancaster (National Trust) with its wonderful dunes and links golf course; Holkham, where it is rumoured, the tide comes in faster than a galloping horse due to the miles of flat sand, and pine forests hug the coast; Burnham Overy Staithe and Brancaster Staithe (National Trust) famous for sailing and kayaking along the creeks; dual aspect Hunstanton, Old Hunstanton for its family dunes and huts, and New Hunstanton for its funfair, fish and chips, and jaw dropping sunsets!

The Peddars’ Way goes right past the front door of the cottage, leading on to the North Norfolk Coastal path, one of the most beautiful in the country. There are as many walks as there are days in the year and something for all weathers and ages. Marsh boardwalks, long sandy beach walks, heathland walks, country lanes, stately home parks – and most of them have a pub or café somewhere along the way!

Sandringham (gardens, house, café, woodland walks), Holkham Hall (concerts and country fairs, house, beach, parkland) and Houghton Hall are all within 20 minutes drive.

In the summer the beaches are perfect for whole days of sand castles and paddling. You can hire bicycles at Bircham Mill and visit the mill itself which is still working and making their own flour and bread. There are family-run boat trips from Blakeney and Morston to see the thriving local seal colony. At Hunstanton there is crazy golf, amusement arcades, great fish and chips and for a rainy day, the Hunstanton Sealife Centre. Church Farm Stow Bardolph Rare Breeds Centre is south of King’s Lynn, a great day out with hands on animals, toy tractors and trampolines for children and a wonderful café and shop for the parents! Right on the A10 it is perfect for breaking the journey up or back home and is run by my sister and brother in law!

North Norfolk is just bursting with good pubs, cafes and farm shops. The local pub, the King William serves excellent food and beers. Other well known spots are the newly renovated Victoria at Holkham, the Hoste Arms in Burnham Market with its jazz nights, and the White Horse in Brancaster Staithe, probably the best place in the world to watch the sun set over the marshes with a g&t in your hand.
The Thornham Deli is only a short drive away serving delicious food and irresistible cakes and coffees.
Fish and chips in the area are just the best and you are spoilt for choice.

The famous marshes of Titchwell and Snettisham are only a few miles away, and are both RSPB centres, giving twitchers plenty of choice of marshes or wild views over the Wash. There is also the wonderful new Cley Marshes Visitor Centre a bit further away, run by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. This coast is especially famous for its migrating birds in the winter.

There are many small, independent shops in the area. Burnham Market for its up market delis, boutique clothes shops and two glorious bookshops. Burnham Deepdale with its clothes shops, The Hare and the Hen local potters studio and the famous Norfolk Gone Crabbing store. Further afield is cheerful Wells with it’s harbour for crabbing, and Holt, packed with gift shops, galleries and cafes, well worth the day trip. Farm shops abound with delicious food at excellent prices and zero air miles!