Clippesby Hall

There are some very fine adventures to be had once you step outside Clippesby Hall, whether you're after outdoor activities, good scenery or a family day out. The site is in the Norfolk Broads National Park and a short drive from its popular waterways, where boating, canoeing, paddleboarding or peaceful wildlife watching are the go-to activities. Hire a day boat to drift along the rivers while keeping your eyes peeled for herons and otters. There's also stunning countryside on all sides of the site, with miles of quiet lanes and woodland tracks for a gentle walk or longer ramble; circular routes also begin directly from the site. Meanwhile, a 15- to 20-minute drive is all it takes to reach Norfolk's wide sandy beaches, dunes and traditional seaside towns like Great Yarmouth. Those who fancy more wildlife-spotting can head to the coastal nature reserves, birdwatching hides and riverside walks. There are plenty of ideas around these parts for family activities, too, whether it's a trip to animal/adventure parks like Pettitts Animal Adventure Park (20 minutes) or historic houses and museums like the Elizabethan House Museum in Great Yarmouth (20 minutes). Of course, there's also always the option to drive to a cosy village pub or browse nearby independent shops.