King's Lynn

Medieval merchants once sailed up the Great Ouse to this handsome market town, and their legacy lingers in the cobbled lanes around Tuesday Market Place. King's Lynn feels properly lived-in rather than polished for tourists - which is exactly what makes it so appealing.

The town centre rewards a good wander. Custom House dominates the waterfront with its chequered stonework, while St Margaret's Church looms over Saturday Market Place with twin towers that have watched over traders for centuries. True Tales of Lynn brings the maritime history to life, though frankly the streets tell their own stories if you know where to look.

Just beyond the town boundaries, Norfolk's countryside opens up beautifully. Wild Ken Hill stretches across thousands of acres of rewilded farmland and ancient woodland - brilliant for spotting red kites and barn owls. The area around Round O and Ken Hill Wood offers lovely walking through mixed forestry, while Norfolk Lavender near Heacham makes for a fragrant summer detour.

The Wash coastline lies tantalisingly close, with Heacham's sandy beaches just a short drive away. Hunstanton's striped cliffs and traditional seaside pleasures are equally accessible, making this corner of West Norfolk surprisingly varied for a relatively compact area.

Getting here couldn't be simpler - King's Lynn sits on the main London to Norwich railway line, with regular services taking under two hours from Liverpool Street. The A47 provides easy road access from the Midlands and beyond.

Staying at one of the nearby parks puts you within easy striking distance of both the historic town centre and Norfolk's gentler countryside attractions, without the premium prices you'd pay closer to the coast.