25 simple pleasures to enjoy in the region

1. Going on the roller coaster at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach. There's hardly any wooden roller coasters left in this country, so we're lucky to have one on our doorstep. This nostalgic blast from the past is controlled by a real-life brake operator rather than a computer. There's a sense of danger entirely missing from the computer-controlled behemoths at places like Alton Towers.

2. Watching the dog chase seagulls across the wide, windswept sands at Old Hunstanton – it doesn't matter how fast he runs, he'll never catch one of the birds, which mock him with their cries.

3. Squelching through the mud to pick the first samphire at Thornham or Stiffkey – a unique taste that lasts for just a few short weeks of the summer.

4. Hearing the heaven hounds overhead as the geese fly in on an autumn night at Brancaster – a sure sign that winter is on the way

5. Looking out for otters at Thetford's Three Nun's Bridges armed with a camera.

6. Taking out a boat on the Little Ouse at Brandon.

7. Sampling different tipples at St George's Distillery in Roudham.

8. Watching a sunset from Cromer pier – There is nothing better than sitting on the iconic Cromer pier watching the sun go down over the North Sea with a tasty bag of fish and chips.

9. Climbing to the summit of Beeston hill. Many people think of Norfolk as flat but Beeston hill goes against that stereotype. Once you are at the top the views of the cliffs, north Norfolk woodland and beaches are spectacular.

10. Cycling around Blickling Park – With its ancient woodland and meadows, Blickling Park is a popular spot with walkers, cyclists and holidaymakers alike. The beautiful natural surrounding provide a perfect backdrop for the impressive Blickling Hall which was the birthplace of Anne Boleyn.

11. Sharing your chips with the seagulls on the quay at Wells, followed by a stroll along the pine-fringed beach from Wells to Holkham bay…

12. Climb the towering wind turbine at the Green Britain Centre in Swaffham - the only one in the world open to the public. It is 300 steps to the viewing gallery at the top, but you'll be rewarded with a unique panoramic view of the countryside.

13. Get your hiking boots on for a stroll along the Wensum Way between Gressenhall and Lenwade, a trail follows the meanders of the River Wensum. Everything great about the heart of Norfolk is here, including rolling fields of farmland, abundant wildlife and medieval churches.

14. A stroll around Whitlingham broad.

15. Eating ice cream in Eaton Park.

16. Walking the dog on Holkham beach.

17. Stomping around Strumpshaw fen bird-watching in the mud in December.

18Taking in the vast skylines over the reed-filled marshes of Breydon Water, as you wind your way from Burgh Castle's Roman Fort to Breydon Bridge at Great Yarmouth.

19. Spending an afternoon lolling in the idyllic surroundings of the Waveney Valley, guided by the Angles Way and pausing to visit Bungay Castle.

20. Sipping an evening drink beside Oulton Broad, busy with holidaymakers in hire boats.

21. A stroll along Southwold seafront with its pastel-coloured beach huts, and then a drink and chips on the town's pier.

22. Nature lovers can enjoy the sights of Suffolk Wildlife Trust Carlton Marshes nature reserve, near Lowestoft.

23. And children can enjoy a day out having thrills and spills at Pleasurewood Hills or enjoy looking at exotic animals at Africa Alive

24. Discover the glorious churches of our area – there are fine examples at Blythburgh and at Southwold.

25. And - as recommended by the national Visit England poll - Britain's magical waterland of the Broads. Where better to start than at How Hill - with its windmill on the horizon and a tranquil stroll to Ludham Bridge along the meandering River Ant to enjoy.