Saving Grace

How about a day on the Norfolk coastline? At low tide, Holkham Beach (40 minutes’ drive) seemingly stretches almost to the horizon, backed by dunes that are overwintering homes to oystercatchers and terns, or spot more birdlife at National Trust - Blakeney National Nature Reserve. Have a wander around the fishing harbour at Wells-next-the-Sea (both half an hour), take a dip in the North Sea from the sandy beach or spot ‘The Lifeboat Horse’ sculpture by artist Rachael Long by the quay. Step back in time to visit the conservation village of Heydon (20 minutes), mentioned in 1086’s Domesday Book and one of the few privately owned villages in Britain. Have a potter around its leafy streets to admire the red-brick (mainly) Georgian houses, visit the local pub on the village green and have a snoop in the antiques shop. For more days out with an historical theme, nip into Norwich (half an hour) to look around the Romanesque cathedral, marvel at the stained glass and enjoy moments of silence in the cloisters. Alternatively, explore the train museum at Whitwell and Reepham Railway Station (10 minutes), where you can also take heritage steam-engine rides at the weekend.