Wilderness feeling in Repton designed NT grounds of Sheringham Hall. Mysterious, enclosed by twisting trunks: rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, but viewing points take you above the cloud of maple, acer, styrax, oak leaves to reveal its rainbow vastness fringed by sea and coast: magical. Spot North Norfolk steam train skirting woods to Weybourne Station for 40s nostalgia. Pint in village local, stroll cliffs above sea and back through woodlands via lovely visitor centre.
Wood Farm, Upper Sheringham, Norfolk NR26 8TL
+44(0)1263 820550
Google map: bit.ly/dxfFEe
Lots of people think Sheringham's got a stony beach full of pebbles, but just wait till the tide goes out. It's got a long flat sandy beach which is just great for the kids to play on. The beach is brilliant for building sand castles, but with such a shallow gradient and no sudden drops the kids will be able to paddle all day long.
The town has everything you need for your day trip out, while still retaining its old world charm.
If you're looking for somewhere to stay, we'd recommend www.bookcottages.com/north-norfolk-its-coast.htm , the whole of the North Norfolk coast has so many interesting and diverse beaches you've just got to visit.
The Coasthopper bus service (between Sheringham and Hunstanton and on some journeys, Kings Lynn) makes the north Norfolk coast very accessible if leaving your car at home.
We stayed at Salthouse, travelling by train from Woking to London, then Norwich, then to Sheringham. Quick shopping trip to stock up on groceries and then on to the bus to holiday cottage. We did beg lifts at the start and end of the holiday between home and station and took a taxi once during the holiday late at night.
Otherwise we walked or took the bus... very reliable and always on time when we wanted it. Compared to travelling by car in this area in the past, we found that the elevated view from the bus gave us a whole new panoramic perspective on surrounding cliffs and fields. And it was so wonderful not to have to worry about finding a parking space when we arrived at places.
Salthouse is home to Rick Stein food hero Cookies Crab Shop and the annual Salthouse art exhibition in the church which overlooks the village and salt marshes. Salthouse 07 is from July 5th to August 5th.
www.norfolkgreen.co.uk
01553 776980
www.cookies.shopkeepers.co.uk
www.northnorfolk.org/salthouseartandevents/
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
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