Cromer

Crabs the size of dinner plates and cliffs that tell a story millions of years old - that's what draws visitors to this Victorian seaside town perched on Norfolk's dramatic coast. The famous Cromer crab, sweet and meaty, still gets hauled up by local fishermen who've worked these waters for generations. You'll taste the difference in the seafront restaurants.

High chalk cliffs frame golden beaches where fossil hunters dig for treasures. West Runton Beach stretches for miles, perfect for proper seaside walks when the pier gets too crowded. The area's geological significance runs deep - this coastline reveals ancient secrets in every rockfall.

Felbrigg Hall sits just inland, a National Trust gem with stunning gardens and an estate that feels wonderfully untouched. The West Runton & Beeston Regis Heath offers brilliant walking territory, all gorse and heather with views across the North Sea. Beacon Hill provides the best vantage point for miles around.

Transport links are surprisingly good. West Runton station puts you on the Bittern Line to Norwich, while the A149 coastal road connects all the seaside towns. It's about 25 miles north of Norwich if you're driving.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense here. You get the best of both worlds - easy access to Cromer's traditional pier and crab stalls, plus the freedom to explore the quieter stretches of coastline. The Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary provides a lovely contrast to all that sea air, especially if you're travelling with children who need a break from sand between their toes.