Great Yarmouth

Candy floss and seagulls set the scene here - this is proper British seaside at its most unapologetic. Great Yarmouth wears its bucket-and-spade heritage proudly, with golden sands stretching north towards Winterton Beach and south past Hemsby Beach, where families have been making memories for generations.

The town itself pulses with traditional seaside energy. Amusement arcades line the seafront, fish and chips shops do a roaring trade, and the pier extends boldly into the North Sea. But venture beyond the main drag and you'll find quieter pleasures - the medieval streets of the old town tell stories of herring fishermen and maritime trade that built this place.

Northwards, the coastline transforms dramatically. Winterton Dunes and the Winterton - Horsey Dunes nature reserves offer wild expanses where grey seals haul out in winter and rare birds nest among the marram grass. It's a proper contrast to the funfair atmosphere further south, where Hirsty's Family Fun Park and Hemsby Fun Park keep the children entertained.

Inland, the Norfolk Broads begin their watery maze just a few miles west. Churches like Holy Trinity & All Saints tell quieter rural stories, while village signs at Martham and Winterton-on-Sea showcase local pride in beautifully painted detail.

Getting here is straightforward - the A47 runs directly from Norwich, about 20 miles inland. Trains connect from London Liverpool Street, though they take the scenic route via Norwich.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're within easy reach of both the seaside thrills and the tranquil countryside, with Caister-on-Sea and Hemsby offering different flavours of Norfolk coastal life.