And breathe…

When life’s stressful, it’s hard to stay tense and knotted when you get to the beach. Stand for five minutes and watch the tide ebb and flow, and we challenge that you’ll instantly breathe a little easier. Of course there are plenty of ways to unwind on the Norfolk coast, but here are some of our favourites for instant calm.

Let’s walk

Starting at The Lodge Old Hunstanton, there’s a fabulous circular 9- or 11-mile walk that takes you along the North Norfolk Coastal Path and Ringstead Downs before leading back to the pub for some well-earned refreshments.

Set the sat nav:

The Lodge, Old Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 6HX

tel: 01485 532896 email: info@thelodgehunstanton.co.uk

Straighten up

Aching back and tight muscles? We highly recommend Coastal Pilates which combines core exercise with fitness walking on the beach. Head to Old Hunstanton Beach at 8.45am on Tuesday, or Brancaster Beach at 9am on Friday – sessions are £8 (or £24 for four sessions) where instructor Sarah Minney leads classes. And if the weather is less than favourable, try her Monday mat work classes at Thornham Village Hall – intermediates from 10.45-11.45 and beginners from 12-1pm, or alternatively call for 1-2-1 sessions.

Coastal Pilates, tel: 01485 210646, email sarah@coastalpilates.co.uk

Go natural

If you’re in need of some pampering, holistic therapist Annette Robinson has the answer at her fingertips, quite literally. Using her natural first approach, she combines aromatherapy, massage, hot stone therapy and reflexology, along with a range of essentials including facials, manicures and pedicures. Her philosophy is that the little daily niggles are usually telling us that we need to nurture ourselves, and we agree. Home/holiday cottage/hotel visits available.

North Norfolk Natural Therapy, tel: 07765 488872

All lit up

There can be few pleasures as wondrous and relaxing as curling up with a good book and losing yourself in great literature for a few hours. If Norfolk is offering one of its big blue skies, head for the nearest beach (Old Hunstanton, Brancaster, Holkham for starters) with a blanket and a picnic for instant peace. Or if it’s a day to sit by the fire, head to Briarfields where there are no fewer than three to cosy up by. While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up a ticket for their next Bookfest – previous author talks have included Kate Mosse, Sophie Hannah, Emma Healey and Barbara Erskine.

Set the sat nav:

Briarfields, Titchwell, Norfolk PE31 8BB

tel: 01485 210742 email: info@briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk