Christie's Pool

Christie's Pool sits just outside Hunstanton, a shallow freshwater lake that draws walkers and birdwatchers in equal measure. It's the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan a trip around, though once you're there, you'll understand why locals keep coming back. The water is clear enough to spot the occasional pike, and the reed beds around the edges attract everything from lapwings to the odd marsh harrier if you're lucky enough.

This is decidedly not a swimming spot - it's a nature reserve in all but name, and that's rather the point. You walk the perimeter, there's a decent path, and you've got views across the water that shift depending on light and season. Spring brings the birdsong; autumn turns the surrounding landscape rust and gold. It takes about forty minutes to do the full loop at a leisurely pace, though plenty of people just stand about with binoculars for hours.

Families with older kids will get on fine here, though younger ones might find it a bit static after twenty minutes. It's proper walker territory. Bring decent boots if there's been rain - the ground squelches.

If you're based at Wild Luxury, Parkdean Resorts Manor Park, or Searles Leisure Resort nearby, Christie's Pool makes an easy morning or late afternoon outing. It's free to visit and there are no formal opening hours - just turn up. The beauty of Norfolk coastal parks is having places like this on your doorstep; quiet, unforced, and genuinely rewarding if you've got the patience to look.