England's Hidden Haven For Beaches, Wildlife, And Seafood Is Pure Countryside Bliss

The United Kingdom is an amazing destination for its impressive history, culture, and natural beauty, with attractions ranging from ancient ruins to modern wonders. But for all the U.K.'s worthwhile sights and experiences, a sunny beachside destination it is not –– at least in the minds of most travelers. However, the U.K.'s reputation as a gray and rainy landscape is not entirely fair. Yes, the country's northerly climate is a bit less consistently pleasant than Southern European destinations on the Mediterranean. However, travelers are often surprised to find that the U.K. does have several great beachside areas that make for great vacations, especially in the summer. 

Thanks to its extensive coastline and warmer weather relative to the rest of the country, Southwest England's Cornwall is arguably the best-known U.K. spot for a charming beach vacation. But ever further north, the U.K. has plenty of other memorable beachside destinations. One under-the-radar spot for an unforgettable British vacation is the unassuming county of Norfolk. Though it doesn't get the attention of other parts of the country, Norfolk is the perfect combination of beachside fun, exceptional beauty, and Britain's medieval cultural heritage. 

Norfolk is a county in the region of East Anglia, along Britain's eastern coastline with the North Sea and a natural bay known as The Wash. This premium coastal location affords Norfolk around 90 miles of fantastic beaches, ranging from accessible swimming stops to pristine nature preserves. If you're looking for family-friendly fun on the beach, Norfolk has multiple seaside communities that stand out as some of the most scenic beach towns along the U.K.'s coast. The Norfolk town of Great Yarmouth, for example, is a charming coastal resort that rivals more famous U.K. beach towns like Brighton or Blackpool. Elsewhere on the Norfolk coast, smaller towns like Hunstanton and Cromer provide more low-key relaxing getaways on the North Sea. 

Norfolk's coastal location and long maritime history also make it an ideal destination for foodies and ocean lovers. Unsurprisingly, Norfolk's towns have some of the best seafood offerings in the entire U.K. Likewise, Norfolk has excellent spots for both seawater and freshwater fishing, including many of Britain's best locations for catching crabs.

While modern resorts like Great Yarmouth are certainly fun, travelers may prefer a much quieter immersion into the unique nature of England's eastern coastline. Fortunately for these travelers, Norfolk also contains many excellent spots to experience the beauty of the North Sea's coastal ecosystems in their natural setting. Many parts of Norfolk are top U.K. spots for birdwatching, with areas like the Norfolk Wildlife Trust's Cley Marshes serving as home to hundreds of species of both sea and land birds. Simultaneously, Norfolk's Blakeney National Nature Reserve is a fantastic spot to see native marine life, including England's largest colony of adorable grey seals.

As amazing as Norfolk's coastal areas are, they're far from the county's only worthwhile attractions. Further inland, Norfolk is also home to fascinating historical sites, charming towns, and unique treasures of England's multimillennial-old cultural heritage.  Perhaps Norfolk's most famous cultural gem is the gorgeous Sandringham House, a splendid country estate that serves as one of the main residences for the British royal family. Unlike other royal residences, the estate is personally owned by King Charles III (rather than being publicly owned via the Crown). But Sandringham's parkland, courtyards, gardens, and a few inner rooms are open for public tours are various times of year, making it one of the top places to visit in Britain if you love the royal family. Even if you don't go inside, Sandringham's exquisite Jacobean architecture against the surrounding Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is an unforgettable sight to behold. 

Norwich, Norfolk's largest city, is also a top-notch destination for exploring England's past and present at the same time. Towering above the city is the 315-foot-tall Norwich Cathedral. Dating back to the 11th century, Norwich Cathedral is one of the largest and most impressive medieval cathedrals in England and a spectacular gateway into the country's medieval past. Other destinations in the city, like Norwich's King Street Quarter, Riverside, and the 900-year-old Norwich Castle, let you walk through a living medieval city while still enjoying Norfolk's modern amenities and charms.