Cromer is an ideal starting point for many of the interests that make Norfolk such a special place.

The Pavilion Theatre hosts a dizzy array of professional variety shows. Recent acts include The Pasedena Roof Orchestra, The Drifters, Ga Ga a Tribute to Queen, The Corrz, Rockin' On Heavens Door, The Glenn Miller Tribute Band and too many more to mention. The Theatre Cafe also provides a wide selection of light meals. Call 01263 512495.

Bird watching and nature interests abound in a region filled with nature preserves, beautiful lake and reed land and coastal idiosyncracies.

Bean's Boat trips from Morton quay are a popular and safe way to gain a close-up view of the seals and birds on and around Blakeney Point. The trips are 2 hours long of which one hour is spent on Blakeney Point abd approximately one hour is spent on the boat to see the seals swimming and basking on the sandbanks at the end of Blakeney Point. Contact John Bean (01263) 740038.

The North Norfolk Poppy Line includes unique steam trains running from Sheringham through Weybourne to Holt. From the comfort of the diesel units you can enjoy panoramic views of the countryside and out to sea, or sit behind the driver and see how the train is operated whilst enjoying the scenery. The 'Day out with Thomas' is a personal favourite. Call 01263 820800.

A bewildering array of stately homes and halls surrounds Cromer. Particular favourites includes some of the following.

Felbrigg Hall garden and park, this lovely house is within North Norfolk's area of oustanding natural beauty and stands in its own 1,750 acre estate. one of the finest seventeenth century houses in the country, Felbrigg has its original eighteenth century furniture and pictures. Call 01263 837444.

Holkham Hall, home of the Earl of Leicester. See the stunning grandeur of the marble hall, the magnificence of the state rooms and the Old Kitchen with its pots and pans. The Bygones museum is crammed with over 4,000 domestic and agricultural artifacts as diverse as Victorian money, boxes and vintage cars. Call 01328 710227 or visit http://www.holkham.co.uk/.

Wolterton and Mannington are about 2 miles apart in North Norfolk, 20 miles North of Norwich. Cromer, Sheringham and the coast are 8 miles away. Both halls have wonderful gardens and will host receptions, weddings and conferences. Wolerton Hall was built by Thomas Ripley in the 1720's for Horatio Walpole, politician, diplomat and younger brother of Britain's first Prime Minister - Sir Robert Walpole. Other members of the family made alterations in the early 19th century, including adding the wing and enclosing the Park. On the death of the 3rd Earl in 1858 the Hall was abandoned and his son moved to Mannington. The property was restored when the 5th Earl moved back in 1905. The present Lord Walpole inherited the property in 1989. Since then there has been a programme of reorganisation, conservation and research into the history of the family, Hall and Park using the extensive and previously neglected archives. Call 01263 584175.

Blickling Hall has delightful gardens and parkland surrounding the house with many good walks. Its spectacular Jacobean plaster ceiling in the long gallery, distinguished library, secret garden, dry moat, Victorian parterre garden and tearooms make it a unique place to visit. Call 01263 738030.