Wells-next-the-Sea
Wells and Walsingham Light Railway · Photo: Timothy Titus
Walk the boardwalk through the pines to one of England's widest beaches, then trade sand for a tiny steam train that trundles inland to Walsingham and back. Under-5s ride free.
Nature & gardens · 10:00–12:30 (2h30m)
Check the tide times first; toilets and snacks are at The Lookout.
An indoor and outdoor beach in Wells-next-the-Sea, aimed at ages 0–12.
Photo: holkham.co.uk
Railway · 13:15–15:30 (2h15m)
Lunch at the Signal Box Cafe, then ride to Walsingham and back.
An outdoor heritage railway in Wells-next-the-Sea, aimed at ages 0–12.
Photo: Timothy Titus
East of EnglandAldeburgh
Row between the little islands of Thorpeness Meare in the morning, then spend the afternoon at Minsmere's Wild Zone, sand martin tunnels and pond dipping.
Thorpeness Meare → RSPB Minsmere
East of EnglandCambridge city centre
Three free university museums sit within a ten-minute walk of each other in central Cambridge, so a wet day costs nothing but lunch. Start under the giant whale skeleton, eat at the Fitzwilliam's courtyard cafe, then finish with sledges and snow goggles at the Polar Museum.
University Museum of Zoology → The Fitzwilliam Museum → The Polar Museum
East of EnglandSouthend-on-Sea
Ride or walk the world's longest pleasure pier out into the estuary, then head up the hill to Hadleigh's ruined castle, which is free to explore, for big views back over the water.
Southend Pier and Train → Hadleigh Castle
