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From just west of Holkham, on the North Sea coast, to within a couple of miles of the River Nene estuary on The Wash and with a boundary wriggling south to the Little Ouse River then westward into the Fens, West Norfolk covers a rich variety of picturesque terrain.

Fringing the North Sea, stunning salt marshes and lagoons fronted by superb beaches encompass some of the finest wildlife reserves and best birdwatching sites in Britain. The coastline is punctuated by a string of fascinating villages with ancient staithes (quays) where trading vessels once moored. Now the staithes and a network of sheltered creeks host visiting yachts and the occasional fishing boat.

Following generations of family tradition, local folk gather a shiny black harvest of plump mussels which are offered for sale on doorsteps and wayside stalls. In summer samphire, the tasty sea grass, is picked and similarly sold.

West Norfolk's major town is historic King's Lynn, on the estuary of the River Great Ouse. Here are the only remnants in Britain of the Hanseatic League that flourished in medieval times. With two medieval guild halls, two ancient market places and a Hanseatic warehouse, the town - still a major port - carries the ambience of its seafaring past.

At the northern edge of The Wash, lively Hunstanton is the only west-facing resort on the east coast, and here you can witness some spectacular sunsets. Hunstanton has a variety of attractions and is ideal for a family holiday.

Among a wealth of historic highlights in the region are the 12th century Castle Acre Priory and castle, Castle Rising - once the home of Queen Isabella, the 'She-wolf of France' - and Sandringham, the country home of Queen Elizabeth II.