I didn't visit Norfolk as a child but after discovering it in recent years it's become one of my favourite places to go for a healthy dose of Vitamin Sea. From sleepy villages to lively tourist haunts this county really does have something for everyone.
One of my favourite places to base myself is Sheringham. I'm lucky that a close friend from my village who hails from Norfolk and still has close family there has a pied a terre in the town and is generous enough to invite me along on some of her visits.
To me Sheringham is the perfect seaside town. It's not been ruined by tourism and is very much still a town for the locals. At first glance, Sheringham is very traditional with lots of pretty flint cottages, a steam railway and an active fishing community and celebrations of life gone by including a very popular 1940's weekend festival.
But look closer and you realise the town is not being left in the past especially in the many eateries. If you like nostalgic food it's all there for you. Fancy a cream tea or fish and chips? No worries. I can recommend Dave's Fish Bar and Restaurant (eat in or takeaway) in Cooperative Street just a short walk from the seafront where you can enjoy your chips without being bothered by seagulls. Time your meal for sunset -I promise you will be wowed.
Something more modern? How about authentic Tex Mex food at frankly bargain prices (certainly by Home Counties standards) with a sea view? Then join the queue at Guac and Mole on the West Promenade. No indoor seating but a few spots outdoors and no licence so feel free to bring your own beer! There's also plenty of pubs, a Thai restaurant, bistros selling locally sourced food and tea rooms and a couple of good icecream outlets - I had my first ever oat milk ice-cream! A delicious treat for someone like me with an intolerance.
Sheringham is perfect for outdoor fun. I was blessed with good weather during a recent visit and was coaxed into the sea (sans wetsuit!) by my friend who swims in all weathers. There's a wild swimming group which meets regularly and the wonderful Sea Sauna Sheringham for the ultimate hot/cold experience. There are lifeguards and flags for safer sea fun.
We saw people surfing, kayaking, body boarding and even jet skiing recently and at low tide, children digging holes and making sandcastles in the soft fine sand which is revealed by the receding water. I'd advise water shoes if you want to paddle or swim, especially at high tide where there are pebbles. Luckily there are a couple of fabulous shops selling everything from sea shoes and buckets and spades to festival trailers and wetsuits at reasonable prices to ensure you have everything for the best ever day at the beach.
There are some excellent walks for all abilities too from a gentle stroll along the prom where you can admire the beach huts to a walk from Beeston Bump to the old coastguard lookout on Skelding Hill, 170 metres above sea level where the volunteers from the Sheringham Coastwatch are usually happy to explain their work. Keen walkers can walk just over 4 miles to Cromer, famous for its crabs and pier.
There's lots to do near Sheringham too. Visit beautiful Blakeney (you might see seals) or Holt, go birdwatching at the Cley and Salthouse Marshes Visitor Centre (where they offer excellent scones with clotted cream and jam and an amazing view over the marshes) or visit one of the many country estates in the area.
There's every kind of holiday accommodation in the area from old school static caravan parks, guest houses and a YHA with clean basic rooms, to chic character rentals, country hotels and boutique hotels.
There's always something going on from Open Studios to festivals and theatre productions so check out what's on to make the most of your visit. Or just come and enjoy the surroundings for the ultimate relaxing break.
Disclaimer: I was not paid or rewarded in any way to share this information.