Holkham National Nature Reserve

The shoreline in front of Holkham is a stunning sweep of dune-backed sand, divided from the village by a wide buffer of salt marshes, meadows and pine forest. It's arguably Norfolk's prettiest beach, but it's no secret, and visitors come in droves to paddle, sunbathe, picnic and scan the dunes for rare birds from hides on the edge of the woods. Access to the 14-sq-mile reserve is from the car park opposite Holkham village, but be ready for a 1-mile walk to the sand.