Days out

A more accessible beach, with less of a walk but still the pine woods and sand. Better for swimming, and home to a row of very cute beach huts that are always worth a photo.

A quaint seaside town a short drive away, with a beach, a pier and pretty streets for strolling. It’s famous for its crab, so don’t leave without a crab sandwich.

Just outside Cley, a lovely café in the grounds of this historic hall, serving from breakfast through to evening pizza in summer. A scenic spot for tea and cake in the garden overlooking the salt marshes, with plenty of space for little ones to run around.

A grand Palladian house in a vast deer park, with walks, cycling, a walled garden and seasonal events.

A Jacobean mansion in beautiful gardens and parkland, cared for by the National Trust.

A 17th-century country house with a walled garden and miles of woodland walks, spectacular in autumn.

The North Norfolk Railway runs heritage steam and diesel trains between Holt and Sheringham through lovely countryside. A proper day out.

Set in old fishermen’s cottages, with local history, fossils and seafaring stories. A good one for a rainy day.

The Thursford Christmas Spectacular is a much-loved Norfolk tradition, with shows through November and December. Book well ahead.

Nearly 100 acres of woodland on the edge of Holt, with a visitor centre, a waymarked arts trail and a cycle route.

A natural park of about 700 acres, with gardens (one designed by Piet Oudolf), a nature reserve, flamingos, cranes and red squirrels, and WildRootz, a big outdoor play area, plus indoor play for small children.

A signed route of about 59 miles from King’s Lynn to Great Yarmouth. Along this stretch it follows National Cycle Network route 1 and regional route 30 to Cromer, then the Quiet Lanes of north-east Norfolk.