Safari tents near Sandringham

Best known for Sandringham House, a holiday home for British monarchs since the 1860s, this small village is set on Norfolk’s northern coast. And, if the royals love North Norfolk, that's a pretty solid nod that you're on the right track for planning your own holiday. After checking out the grand manor, gardens, and museum, campers can enjoy the surrounding countryside. A few campsites and caravan parks can be found around the sleepy village, some with cabins that are ideal when the weather is cooler. These spots are prime bases for campers looking to explore other parts of Norfolk, including the beach resort towns on its southeastern coast, its reserves, and the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).

The obvious attraction in Sandringham is the royal estate that dominates the place. The house and gardens are open to the public from April to October when the royals aren’t in residence, but the estate’s 240-hectare country park is always open. A mixture of woodland and heathland with a cafe and visitor centre, it’s a pleasant place for a walk.

Fans of the royal family might also want to take a quick look at Wolferton Royal Station, once used by visiting royals for Sandringham. Now on a disused line, it is a private home but the platform is open most days between midday and 6pm. A mile or so up the road is Dersingham village, where local pubs can be found along with Dersingham Bog National Nature Reserve. The grand Houghton Hall, Bircham Windmill, and the historic town of King’s Lynn are other nearby attractions. For good old-fashioned seaside fun with amusements and fun fair rides, head for Hunstanton. For a pretty harbour town, try Wells-next-the Sea.

Meanwhile, Sandringham is found on the shores of The Wash, the enormous bay and estuary at the very top of East Anglia. With salt lagoons and mud flats, it attracts huge numbers of wading birds from late summer onwards. They are best seen from the hides at RSPB Snettisham, just a couple of miles from Sandringham.