We might be nearing the end of summer, but that doesn't stop us from looking forward to our next weekend getaway.
Pretty towns that litter the 7,000 miles of UK coast are often popular places for a staycation, but with so many to choose from, it can be hard to pick where to go. But one town could make your decision much easier.
Located on the Norfolk coast, Burnham Market is a charming 17th-century village home to some of the best beaches in the UK. Full of quirky independent shops and surrounded by glorious countryside, it's so posh it's been nicknamed 'Chelsea-on-Sea', coupled with its popularity with Londoners.
It regularly ranks high in the many lists of the UK's best escapes, including in Conde Nast Traveller, as well as being crowned Norfolk's 'loveliest village'. What's more, it's right next to Holkham Beach and Brancaster Beach - in the UK's top 10 white sand beaches.
They're just a 12-minute drive away with beautiful rolling sand dunes and plenty of space to fly kites, build sandcastles or have a dip in the sea. If it's more scenic strolls that you're after, Burnham Market also has you covered.
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Enjoy four miles of golden sand at nearby Brancaster Beach (Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)It's close to the beautiful Scolt Head Island and Titchwell Marsh nature reserves, with the latter a haven for bird watchers. And now to the village itself, where there's plenty to keep you entertained.
The local shops sell everything from fresh seafood to hand-crafted hats. For locally landed catches including brown shrimp, sea bass, lobsters, crabs and oysters, head to long-standing institution Gurneys Fish Shop, which has been there since 1992.
You can also get your fine wines, beers and spirits from Burnham Market Stores, plus more local produce. There's also the Whitehouse bookshop, Little Sunshine Toys or Pentney House. The latter, also known as ‘The Hat Shop’, sells literally thousands of hats in every colour and style imaginable. And don’t miss Mable’s, a pottery painting studio and sweet shop that’s as much fun to spend an afternoon in as it is to look at.
There are plenty of cute shops in the village centre (Getty Images)Of course, no staycation is complete without some great grub - and there's definitely plenty to get stuck into here. A favourite is Tilly's Cafe for coffee and homemade cakes. Plus, there's the Tuscan Farm Shop, an Italian deli selling the top produce. For a special meal, why not try No. Twenty9 Bar and Restaurant?
And if you’re after a to-go option, The Mermaid is a traditional - albeit upmarket in appearance - chippy with the best fish and chips in Norfolk according to one Tripadvisor user. All that's left now is to decide where you will stay.
The Hoste Hotel, a luxury hotel that was originally a pub that dates back to 1651, has 62 rooms on offer with a bar, two restaurants and a spa. It’s even been recognised as one of the UK’s leading ‘cool hotels’ by The Times in the past.
If you're after something away from the hustle and bustle of the village, then the White House is for you. Set two miles from the centre of the village, the bed and breakfast has a spacious garden and tennis courts.
You can reach Burnham Market from London by catching a train from King's Cross to Kings Lynn and then get a 40-minute taxi. But you can drive there as well via the M11 or A12 and then take local roads.
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