The coast, is perhaps the jewel in Norfolk's crown. Expansive sandy beaches, salt marshes, pine woods edging the sand dunes and historic harbour villages - with houses of red brick and flint construction - are waiting to be explored. The R.S.P.B and National Trust have reserves with important bird species resident, and visits by rare migratory birds cause great excitement amongst the bird watching fraternity. The seal population at Blakeney Point can be visited by boat from Morston and Blakeney. This part of the coast is also popular with small boat sailors.

In any season, the Heritage coast is a wonderful place. In winter, a walk along the edge of the marshes, with bracing sea air is invigorating. In summer, a stroll amid drifts of sea-blue lavender glowing in warm sunshine, stunning sandy beaches and big skies - is both relaxing and uplifting.

A visit to Holt, Burnham Market or one of the coastal towns, Wells, Cromer or Sheringham, with their art galleries, museums and variety of shops, makes for an interesting day. If you like a livelier seaside resort then Great Yarmouth caters for those who seek traditional seaside entertainment.

Sandringham House, the country retreat of the Royal family is well worth a visit and is only a short drive away. A tour of the house is particularly interesting and there is also a museum, visitor centre and acres of beautiful grounds to explore.

Norwich boasts some of the finest medieval architecture in Britain, with its cathedral, Norman castle, city walls, half-timbered houses and intricate network of winding medieval streets. The impressive cathedral spire dominates a city with an abundance of things to do. Inside the castle is a fascinating museum, the stunning modern architecture of The Forum is home to the Origins attraction and the American Memorial library. The Castle Mall and Chapelfield shopping centres, together with the traditional shopping streets and the extensive street market make Norwich one of the premier shopping centres in the UK.

A short drive from the Beechwood lies the Norfolk Broads, Britain's finest wetland. An extensive network of rivers and shallow lakes with small waterside villages, can be visited by car but is best discovered by boat. Day boats can be hired from one of the many boatyards.

Close by are the renowned gardens at East Ruston Old Vicarage, 20 acres of coastal garden just waiting to be explored.