Great Yarmouth

Think traditional British seaside, then add a hefty dose of Norfolk's countryside charm. Great Yarmouth sits where the river Yare meets the sea, creating this odd mix of bucket-and-spade beaches and proper countryside that somehow works brilliantly.

The Norfolk Broads sprawl inland like a watery maze. Horsey Windpump catches your eye first - the National Trust knows what it's doing with this restored beauty. From there, it's a short walk to Horsey Mere for cracking views across the water. The real treat? Horsey's seal viewing spot draws crowds in winter when grey seals haul out on the beaches.

Martham Broad Nature Reserve offers quieter moments. The boardwalk takes you deep into reed beds where bitterns boom if you're lucky. West Somerton Village Sign might sound dull, but Norfolk takes its village signs seriously - proper folk art.

Poppylands 1940s Tearoom does what it says on the tin. Full period dress, rationing jokes, and tea served properly. It's theatrical but not naff.

Getting here means the A47 from Norwich - about 45 minutes through flat Norfolk countryside. The train from Norwich takes an hour and drops you right in town.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. Golden Beach Holiday Park and California Cliffs Holiday Park put you within walking distance of the seafront, while Clippesby Hall sits inland near the Broads. Richardson's Hemsby Beach Holiday Park gives you options - beach one day, countryside the next. The roads are flat and cycling-friendly, so you can easily hop between seaside and countryside without the car.