Great Yarmouth

Donkey rides and candyfloss might define the holiday memories, but Great Yarmouth runs deeper than its seaside stereotype. This Norfolk coast stalwart has been pulling in visitors since Victorian times, and the mix of old-school charm and modern attractions still works a treat.

The town's medieval heart surprises many first-time visitors. Pop into the 14th Century Medieval Guildhall - one of England's oldest civic buildings - and you'll find yourself standing where merchants once traded and justice was dispensed. Admiral Duncan's Pump tells tales of naval victories, while the Admiral Horatio Nelson monument reminds you that Norfolk bred Britain's greatest sea hero.

Golden Mile aside, the surrounding area offers proper variety. Gorleston Golf Club provides a decent round with coastal views, while the Boating Pond gives families a gentler pace. The coastline stretches both ways from here - north towards the Broads' watery maze, south to Lowestoft's working harbour.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. The A47 runs straight from Norwich in under 45 minutes, while trains connect directly to London Liverpool Street in around two and a half hours. Once you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks like Haven Seashore or Broadland Sands, you've got the best of both worlds - seaside fun on your doorstep and the Norfolk countryside just inland.

Basing yourself at a local park makes perfect sense for exploring this stretch of coast. You can walk to the beach most mornings, drive to Norwich for culture and shopping, or venture into the Broads for a spot of boating. It's that rare combination of convenience and choice that keeps families coming back year after year.