The National Cycleway goes along the Norfolk coast and through some of the prettiest countryside. Alternatively you can pick up suggested routes from the tourist office, such as the 21-mile Nelson circuit (£1.50), which takes in the Admiral's birthplace at Burnham Thorpe as well as Burnham Market and North Creake. Walsingham's (01328 710438) in Wells-next-the-Sea hires out mountain bikes at about £7 per day (£10 deposit).

Sailing enthusiasts keen to try the locally built Norfolk Oyster day boats - for informal instruction, sailing trips to see the seals in Blakeney Harbour or breakfast and supper trips to Cley Mill - should contact Charlie Ward at Traditional Boats (07979 643717).

New last summer, and a perfect way to reach some of the best beaches, are half- or full-day trips on a superb 45ft sailing barge from Blakeney Harbour to Brancaster, landing at Scolt Head Island or Holkham (food can be provided by Morston Hall). For barge bookings and prices phone 01263 740377.

There's also a RYA-accredited Sailcraft Sea School (01485 210236) in Brancaster that organises lessons in Wayfarers, Toppers and Lasers dinghies. Two-day courses cost £105 for children (from eight years) and £135 (adults). Hour-long taster courses are also available.

Birdspotters should head for the areas around Titchwell or Cley-next-the-Sea, both important nature reserves. Birds to spot include avocets, ringed plovers, little terns and marsh harriers. There's a large RSPB visitor centre at Titchwell and the information line is 01485 210779.

For horse riding, try North Norfolk Riding Centre (01328 820796) near Little Walsingham, where charges are £5 per 30 minutes for lessons or hacks. Day rides to the beach cost £50.

With the Ordnance Survey large-scale (1:25,000) Explorer maps of the Norfolk coast (numbers 23 and 24), it's easy to pick out good circular walks - try one along the sand from Holkham to Wells-next-the-Sea and back through the woods. Or the walk along the raised sea defences between Morston and Cley.

The best stately home in the area is Holkham Hall (01328 710227), an 18th-century Palladian mansion in a vast estate. Highlights are the paintings, most notably Ruben's Return of the Holy Family, and the marble entrance hall with trompe l'oeil ceilings. A "Bygones" exhibition is fun for children. A combined ticket for the hall and exhibition is £8 for adults and £4 for children.

For children, as well as the fabulous beaches there are attractions such as Sea World at Hunstanton and the Maize Maze at Compton Hall in South Creake.

Norfolk generally has less rainfall than other parts of the British Isles (check out the local weather here), but if the weather lets you down, you can visit some of the beautiful Norman churches or stately homes (Sandringham, Houghton Hall and Holkham Hall). Alternatively, stop in at one of the excellent local pubs! Guide books, maps and tide timetables are left out for the use of guests in the sitting room.