Why I love Norfolk

Quiet, calm, cosy, fresh, outdoors, homely, sunny, lively, sleepy and fun – these are just a few words I would use to describe possibly the loveliest place on earth: Norfolk

I visit Norfolk at least once a year during the summer for a short stay/long weekend. My mum grew up in Cambridgeshire and therefore spent the majority of her summer hols in this quiet county.

• Beaches and coastline

Norfolk is arguably home to the best coastline in Britain and North Norfolk is famed for its huge tide; some days there is no sand and other days you can walk for miles out to sea and yet water is only swilling round your ankles and if you’re lucky, it might even reach your knees!

• Crabbing!

Norfolk is the best place to crab and there’s such variety! You can crab of the town harbour at Wells-Next-The-Sea or of the beach front at Blakeney or the fear-inducing incredibly high pier at Cromer – the home of crabbing which hosts the World Crabbing Championship every August bank holiday.

In my mind, nothing beats the sheer fun of dangling your crabbing net over the edge of the port/pier and excitedly waiting before hurriedly pulling up the net and tipping any crabs into a bucket filled up with sea water from the beach. Then, at the end of the day, tipping the crabs back into the water with a satisfying splash after a hard days work!

• Stately homes

Is there anything more quintessentially British then a family day out traipsing round an old stately home? My childhood memories are full of exploring old national trust homes and Norfolk is home to many including Blickling hall, Felbrigg hall and the privately owned Holkham hall which transport you back in time to the lives of extraordinary people  through paintings and portraits, trinkets and tapestries!

• Fish and Chips

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the best food in British history and Norfolk is no stranger to an excellent range of fish and chip shops. I, personally, love the fish and chip shops in Hunstanton and Cromer and find there is no better way to end the day then sit on a bench at the sea front with more fish and chips than you could possibly eat. I love the fresh air blowing in your face and your hair in your eyes as you scoop salt and vinegar laden chips into your mouth along with the crispy battered cod. However, it is nothing compared to the breathtaking sunset in front of you as it sinks below the sea horizon.