It seems 2018 is the year to visit Norfolk, with The Guardian listing it among one of the top places to go worldwide.

Eastern Daily Press: Boats sit on the still water at Wells. Picture: Ian BurtBoats sit on the still water at Wells. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

The newspaper's travel articles have worldwide acclaim and their yearly hotlist is highly regarded by travel experts. Forty places around the world are recommended to visit and includes cities, regions, or whole countries.

This year Norfolk made a somewhat surprise appearance brushing shoulders with the likes of the Seychelles, Greece, Peru, Russia, Uganda and even the Caribbean.

Notable Norfolk highlights included seal-spotting at Blakeney Point, the town of Wells-next-the-sea, the annual Norfolk and Norwich Festival and the National Centre for Writing in Norwich, due to open this summer.

Liverpool, the Isle of Wight, Newcastle, Dundee and the Scottish Highlands were the other UK destinations to make it onto the list.

Eastern Daily Press: A view over Norwich city from Britannia Road. Norwich Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Cathedral with City Hall and St Peter Mancroft Church.Picture: ANTONY KELLYA view over Norwich city from Britannia Road. Norwich Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Cathedral with City Hall and St Peter Mancroft Church.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

So, whilst we may not have the weather of the Seychelles or the wildlife of Uganda, it seems we are still a big contender in the worldwide travel industry.

Here's to Norfolk!