Norfolk is a county in East Anglia, and shares borders with the counties of Suffolk, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire; its coastline runs from the easternmost point of England to the large estuary of the Wash. The county is largely rural in character and, like much of East Anglia, is remarkably flat and low-lying. It is a popular destination for tourists; the most frequently visited areas of the county include the picturesque North Norfolk Coast area of outstanding natural beauty, the popular seaside town of Great Yarmouth and the wonderful Broads National Park.

Norwich – Norfolk’s county town, as well as a cathedral and university city – is also an interesting place to visit, and provides the region’s main cultural, economic and entertainment facilities. Further, the county is dotted with fascinating little villages and market towns, and many of those along the coastline provide picture postcard scenes. Norfolk is also steeped in history and is home to a superb array of historic houses and stately homes, including the ornate Blickling Hall and the expansive Sandringham House and Estate – the rural retreat of the British royal family since 1862.

The area of wetland in south-eastern Norfolk and the far north-eastern corner of Suffolk known as the Broads was designated a National Park in 1989, joining the likes of the Lake District, North York Moors, Peak District and Northumberland National Parks in enjoying increased protection that help preserve the unique landscape for future generations. The network of shallow lakes and waterways includes six rivers – the Ant, Bure, Chet, Thurne, Waveney and the Yare – and formed as a result of medieval peat diggings that flooded during the 13th century.

During the summer months, the 125 miles of waterways – uninterrupted by troublesome locks and weirs – bustle and thrive with yachts, barges and pleasure cruisers as the National Park becomes a haven for holidaymakers and day visitors. The Broads also sustain a fascinating array of wildlife, including many species of rare birds, and for centuries provided the reeds used for thatching the roofs of the county’s buildings.

Dotted around the edge of the extensive Norfolk coast are a good number of beaches, some of which are thought to be among the UK’s best. Other features of the county include a selection of theatres, zoos and amusement parks, such as the pleasure beach, the sea life centre in Great Yarmouth, the Amazonia tropical jungle and Banham Zoo.