Winterton Dunes

Sand dunes stretch for miles here, creating one of Norfolk's most dramatic coastal landscapes. Walking across these windswept hills feels like stepping into another world - the grass-topped mounds rise and fall in waves, hiding secret valleys and creating a playground that children absolutely love. Grey seals often haul themselves onto the beach below, particularly during pupping season from November through January.

Families staying at nearby parks like Richardson's Hemsby Beach or Haven Caister-on-Sea make this a regular pilgrimage. The dunes are brilliant for letting kids run wild, though keep them close to marked paths - it's surprisingly easy to get turned around in this maze of sandy peaks.

Birdwatchers come for the skylarks and yellowhammers that nest in the marram grass. The views from the highest points take in the sweep of coastline towards Great Yarmouth, though honestly, the real magic happens in the intimate valleys between the dunes where you feel completely cut off from civilisation.

Allow at least two hours if you want to properly explore, longer if you're planning to combine it with beach time. The car park can get busy on sunny weekends, so early morning visits work best. Wear proper walking boots - the sand is deeper than it looks and those innocent-seeming slopes can be surprisingly steep.