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North Norfolk

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The North Norfolk Coastline is so picturesque and unspoilt that even the Royal Family built a holiday home here. An official area of outstanding beauty, the stretch of coast between King’s Lynn in the west and Cromer in the east has something for every weekender. Bucket-and-spade seaside resorts such as Hunstanton and Cromer sit alongside picturesque coastal towns like the gorgeous Wells-next-the-Sea and historic fishing villages such as Burnham Market and Cley. Add to the mix miles and miles of white, sandy beaches and some of the UK’s most diverse nature reserves and you really have a weekend destination to write home about.

What to see?

While it’s easy to get to North Norfolk by train, to fully appreciate the whole coastline you really need to have a car (or a bike and a strong pair of legs) at your disposable. But once you’ve got yourself some wheels, the opportunities are endless.

For visitors seeking the quiet life, North Norfolk really is a haven of tranquillity. Take the historic fishing port of Wells-next-the-Sea – if a banging nightlife is what you’re after, this might not be the best place to stay. But for attractive Georgian streets, picture-perfect stone cottages and a wealth of little shops and delicious foodie bolt-holes, this is the perfect place to potter. And for those who really want to experience a slower pace of life, the Wells-Walsingham narrow-gauge steam train chuffs merrily along the five miles from Wells to Little Walsingham and its ruined abbey (www.wellswalsinghamrailway.co.uk Tel: 01328 711630)

Nature lovers will adore Cley Marshes and Blakeney Point. Cley Marshes, sitting between Cromer and Wells is home to over 300 species of birds and a great place to wander among the golden reedbeds. But for a real wildlife treat take the boat from the pretty village of Blakeney out to Blakeney Point, where a 500-strong colony of common and grey seals. Trips run daily from April to October, but the best time to see the seals fulfilling every idler’s fantasy – basking in the sun with very little to do but look cute – is high summer. (Bishops Boats - www.norfolksealtrips.co.uk Tel: 0800 0740 754)

But it’s the long stretches of beach that should be a real draw for the frazzled city-dweller looking for respite. The beach at Holkham, part of the gorgeous estate at the magnificent Holkham Hall (www.holkham.co.uk Tel: 01328 710227) is only one example of white sands worthy of the Caribbean. In fact, that particular stretch was used in the closing scenes of Shakespeare in Love as the tropical island where Viola washes up.

It goes without saying that sailors and other watersports enthusiasts will find something to their tastes, but for the rest of us, a pint and a fantastic fish supper overlooking the North Sea can release just as many endorphins.

Or why not try?

Sandringham House (www.sandringhamestate.co.uk Tel: 01553 612908)

On Yer Bike Cycle Hire (www.norfolkcyclehire.co.uk Tel: 01328 820719)    

Fakenham Racecourse (www.fakenhamracecourse.co.uk Tel: 01328 862388)

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