Eight Acres

Norfolk’s long been the summer retreat of royalty, and you can check out how the other half lives on guided tours of the lavish rooms and gardens at Sandringham Estate. Majestic Holkham Hall (both 30 minutes’ drive) is hardly slumming it either, and after you’ve seen the elegant staterooms, the kids can let off steam on rope trails or paddle off the beach. Ah, those Norfolk beaches. Cromer (30 minutes) is your typical seaside resort, with a Victorian pier and sandy beaches, and if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s also got great snorkelling over the off-shore chalk reef. Quiet Mundesley (45 minutes) is ideal for young families and Sheringham (30 minutes) for rook pooling and crabbing, while Wells Beach (25 minutes) is dog friendly, so the pooch can have fun too. And if the kids are still demanding more, whisk them off on family rides at Pettitts Animal Adventure Park (an hour) or to Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure (25 minutes) for guinea pig encounters and stage shows.