Norfolk has won high praise from traveller's bible Lonely Planet in the latest edition released yesterday which describes the county as idyllic and Norwich as “brimming with activity”.

Norfolk has won praise in the latest edition of the Lonely Planet traveller's guide, which describes the county as idyllic and Norwich as "brimming with activity".

Authors of the new edition of the guide to Great Britain, released yesterday, highlight the Broads, the "unspoilt crescent" of Norfolk's coast and its pretty villages.

They say well-chosen modern developments, medieval churches and a lively student population help to make Norwich one of the region's most appealing cities, saying it is a "heart-warming demonstration of how innovation and preservation" can go hand in hand. The guide adds: "It has the liveliest pubs, clubs and restaurants around."

Brenda Ferris, Norwich City Council's executive member for culture, tourism and leisure, said she was pleased, but not surprised, by comments on the city, which attracts more than six million tourists every year.

She said: "Norwich is a buzzing, busy, fascinating city with lots going on."

The rest of Norfolk is heaped with praise by the authors, who say the Broads "beckon for boat holidays".

They advise visitors to Yarmouth to see past greasy spoon cafes and neon-lit piers to the old town and museums

Readers are urged to visit the "lovely coastal spot" of Burnham Deepdale, which authors say boasts one of the country's best backpacker hostels.

Cromer is described as a "faintly forlorn but still attractive".

And visitors are urged to take a seal trip at Blakeney and told that Wells makes for a charming day trip or stopover.