Heigham Holmes

A sprawl of sand and marram grass that catches most visitors off guard - Heigham Holmes doesn't announce itself with fanfare or facilities, just open beach backed by dunes a few miles east of Great Yarmouth. What you get here is essentially wild coastline, the kind of place where the sea feels properly indifferent to your presence rather than laid on for your benefit.

It's the sort of spot that rewards walkers far more than casual tourists. The beach stretches long enough to absorb crowds, and if you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Norfolk Broads Country Park is barely two miles away, or Waxham Sands if you want something slightly further afield - it's an easy enough morning or afternoon escape. The dunes have real character too, especially in spring when things start flowering. Bring binoculars if you're remotely interested in birds; this corner of Norfolk draws them in proper numbers.

Historically it's got some pull for archaeology types - the area has yielded finds going back centuries. But honestly? This is a place you visit because you want quiet beach time rather than because there's a specific thing to see. No admission fees that I'm aware of, no opening hours to wrestle with. Just park nearby and walk. Allow an hour minimum, though you could easily spend half a day here if the light's decent and you're not in a rush. Winter's actually better than summer - fewer people, wilder feel. Families with young kids might find it a bit bleak after the first twenty minutes.