For those looking for a bit of last-minute holiday inspiration this summer, you might want to consider giving your passport a break and joining the growing number of Britons having a staycation.

These holidaymakers have decided to remain in the UK and discover all the natural beauties right on their very doorstep.

Exciting foreign getaways certainly have their attractions, but UK-based holidays can stand to save you money, planning time and organisational stress. There is a range of British adventures to embark upon and places to visit, but there’s nowhere quite like Norfolk. As the Huffington Post puts it, Norfolk holidays, are complete with incredible views, rich cultural history and beautiful, golden beaches.

Once you get to Norfolk, you will be spoiled for choice. There are countless picturesque, tranquil beaches, and each one has its own special attractions. Depending on whether you’re looking for a truly relaxing experience or an action-packed family day out, the diverse nature of Norfolk means that you’ll find one to suit your needs.

Holkham Bay – A celebrity favourite

This beach has several claims to fame. It was featured in the award-winning film Shakespeare in Love, The Eagle Has Landed and, more recently, The Duchess, featuring Keira Knightley. It is also an old favourite of the royal family, as can be seen in official photos that show Princess Anne and Prince Charles playing on the beach as children. On top of this, it was once voted the best British beach by a poll of more than a hundred travel writers. This is no surprise given the diverse, unspoilt landscape with a mix of green marshes and sandy dunes.

Hunstanton – For excitement and entertainment
This beach, known locally as Sunny Hunny, is Norfolk’s only west-facing beach. This makes it an incredibly romantic destination for couples wanting to enjoy the sight of the sun setting over the sea. The beach retains some of its Victorian seaside charm and has plenty of activities to keep families busy. There are boat trips, donkey rides, kitesurfing and cliff top walks to experience.

Cromer – For theatre lovers
Cromer is a North Norfolk seaside town famous for The Pavilion Theatre, located on the Cromer Pier. The open-air theatre still has an annual summer show which, in itself, attracts a huge amount of visitors. The surrounding sand and shingle beach is popular with surfers, kayakers and swimmers, and there is a fun fair with slides and rides for families to enjoy

Wells-next-the-Sea – For a more private experience
This popular, North-coast Norfolk beach is situated a fair distance from town and is well known for its colourful huts and its beautifully abstract sand dunes. The long flat terrain of the beach makes it perfect for families and sand castles and, given its geography, most of the beach is well sheltered from offshore winds. There is a lifeguard on duty to put parents’ minds at ease.

Great Yarmouth – For unforgettable family fun
This beach is perfect for children, who will never go bored for a second. There is a range of activities and traditional seaside entertainment along its mile-long promenade strip, including donkey rides, boat trips, mini golf and trampolines. With all the restaurant, bars and cafes you could easily spend the entire day at this beach without running out of things to do.

Horsey Beach – For wildlife lovers
Horsey Beach is not for those who love the hustle and bustle of dynamic modern beaches. This wonderfully unspoilt, quiet Norfolk beach is located on the Eastern coast and is exactly as nature intended – wild and barren. It’s a fantastic destination for those wanting to get back to nature. In fact, wildlife lovers will want to make a beeline for this beach, given that you are in with a chance of seeing some basking grey seals. Your chances of spotting one are now higher than ever before as last winter, seal births topped 1,000 for the first time.

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About the Author:

Diane Pearce is an entrepreneur who has been buying and letting holiday cottages for 15 years. She is passionate about providing last-minute getaways to those seeking a retreat. She now owns BimbleBox, a popular holiday cottage rental website that exists to provide beautiful and affordable escapes to remember.