Start in Wells-next-the-Sea – a real breath of fresh air. This traditional Norfolk fishing town gazes out over mudflats and marshes to the sea; the tang of salt-spray and fish-and-chips hangs on the breeze while birds wheel above.

Head towards the town’s quayside – maybe picking up supplies at Wells Deli first – and follow the long embankment out to sea (keep an eye out for seals, which often bob in the estuary’s tidal ebb and flow). At the end, there’s a Lifeboat Station and steps leading down to the huge beach, but for now turn left, into Wells Wood. Here, the Coast Path wends via stilted beach huts and towering Corsican pines – perfect for forest bathing by the sea.

At Holkham Gap, where Lady Anne’s Drive meets the trail, stop for sustenance at the Lookout Cafe before striding seaward, onto sweeping beach Holkham Beach. With its never-ending white sand, shallow lagoons, piping oystercatchers and backdrop of trees, it’s one of the best in the country. Stroll west, to where the pines end, then veer inland, to return east via the Holkham Meals, grazing marshes beloved by birds: in summer, spoonbills are often seen, while autumn and winter bring large flocks of geese.

Back at Holkham Gap, you could trace Lady Anne’s Drive to the Victoria Inn, for a fine meal and a cosy bed. Or return to Wells-next-the-Sea for proper fish and chips. The hip and handsome flint-stone village of Burnham Market (accessible via Coasthopper bus) has some excellent restaurants too.

Overnight in Wells-next-the-Sea or Holkham. There are many options – see Accommodation, left.

New day, new landscape. It’s a short stroll up the hill from the Victoria Inn, or a 45-minute walk from Wells-next-the-Sea, to reach the gates of Holkham Hall. This 18th-century Palladian-style house sits at the heart of a thriving 25,000-acre estate. Spend all morning here, roaming the deer park, following the trails, re-fuelling in the cafe and experiencing Holkham Stories to learn more about the estate’s revolutionary farming heritage (and ride a tractor).

This afternoon, head back to Wells-next-the-sea to meander along the back streets – don’t miss Wells Maltings, a restored Grade-II listed building that hosts arts events, or a rest at Whin Hill Cider, where you can sample its tipples in the sunny courtyard. Then, for the classic Norfolk experience, go ‘gillying’ (as the locals call it). Wells Harbour is THE place to fish for crabs: grab a kit (many stores sell them), sink your line and wait for a nibble.

Alternatively, spend your afternoon alpaca trekking – the animals make surprisingly serene companions for strolls along the bridleways and coast trails. If alpacas aren’t your thing, hop aboard the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway, the world’s smallest public trainline. Its tiny cars steam through the countryside from Wells-next-the-Sea to the village of Walsingham, a key pilgrimage site from the 11th century, when Lady Walsingham had visions of the Virgin Mary. Visit the monastery ruins, shrines and museums.

Overnight in Wells-next-the-sea. There are many options – see Accommodation, left.

You don’t have to get up early when you’re on holiday, but this morning it might be worth it… Sunrise is magical here, as the first rays break in the east, the light glitters off the creeks and shallows, and the dawn chorus is in full song. No matter what time you decide to leave, though, this morning’s walk along the Coast Path from Wells-next-the-sea to Morston is invigorating, full of sea breezes and saltmarshes, alive with the chatter of birds.

It’s worth a detour to charming Stiffkey, which hides down a footpath in a wooded river valley. Stock up on Norfolk produce in the village shop before returning to the Coast Path to wind east, looking across a mosaic of tidal sandbanks and inlets, rich in rare plants and birds.

Drink in the natural drama all the way to Morston, a tiny fishing hub with a huge foodie reputation – for a real splurge, book lunch at Michelin-starred Morston Hall. Boat trips leave from the quay for Blakeney Point, a spit of golden sand and shingle, designated a national nature reserve. Sail out and scan the marram grass for birds and the resident seals – it’s especially joyous in winter, when the white fluffy pups are born.

Disembark in Morston and re-join the Coast Path to finish in Blakeney, for a fine fish supper at one of its array of restaurants.

Overnight in Blakeney. There are many options – see Accommodation, left.

Blakeney was once a busy commercial port; these days, it’s a peaceful spot, with masts chinking on the quay and a cluster of quiet, cobbled lanes. Seal watching trips depart from here too, or you could captain your own sailing dinghy or paddleboard (lessons are available) to explore at your own pace.

When you’re ready to leave, strike east along the sea bank via the saltmarshes. This landscape never looks the same twice, the tides constantly reshaping and resculpting the shore, creating rich wildlife habitats. The Coast Path navigates this transitional area between land and sea before bending inland along a channel into the lovely little Cley-next-the-sea, with its proud windmill and lanes of little shops and cafes. For now, though, leave Cley by the channel’s opposite East Bank to reach Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Cley Marshes, an internationally important mosaic of reedbeds and brackish lagoons, alive with birds. You could spend hours in the hidden hides, scouting for avocet, bittern, marsh harrier, sandpiper and huge flocks of pink-footed geese.

Grab a bite in Cley Marsh Visitor Centre before returning to the East Bank and wending, via Walsey Hills and Bard Hill to reach Salthouse. Take a peek in the village’s light-flooded St Nicholas Church, where local art is often on display, before reaching Salthouse Heath. The view from the escarpment, over the gorse scrub, woodland, villages and marshes, far out to sea, is one of Norfolk’s best. It’s worth nosing around here too: the heath conceals archaeological sites (including a Bronze Age cemetery) as well as World War II remains. And if you’re feeling hungry, the Dun Cow serves traditional pub meals.

Overnight in Blakeney. There are many options – see Accommodation, left.