Happisburgh Lighthouse

The red and white stripes of Happisburgh Lighthouse are visible for miles across the flat Norfolk coast, and once you're there, you understand why. This 1790s tower stands on one of Britain's most vulnerable coastlines - the cliffs here are crumbling into the sea at an alarming rate, which makes the lighthouse's continued existence feel rather poignant. You can walk right up to it and circle the base for free, taking in views across the North Sea that stretch further than seems possible from this corner of England.

It's not one for climbing inside - the lighthouse isn't open to visitors in that sense - but that shouldn't put you off. History buffs will appreciate that this is the oldest working lighthouse in England, and the dramatic erosion visible from the beach tells you everything about why it's needed here. The walk down to the beach takes about ten minutes from the car park, and it's genuinely striking when you're standing at the foot of those stripes with the cliffs towering above you.

For families, it's a decent half-hour stop rather than an all-day affair. Older kids who like a bit of coastal drama will get more out of it than toddlers. If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Manor Caravan is practically on your doorstep - it's an easy morning excursion before heading inland towards Norwich. The village itself has a pub and a few shops, but don't expect much beyond that. Go on a clear day if you can; the North Sea wind can be brutal, and poor visibility rather defeats the point.