Norfolk

Best British Days Out (The Times, June 2007)

NEW DAY OUT @ Bewilderwood
Once upon a time, there was an enchanted forest where cheeky marsh boggles lived, chasing each other through trees while keeping an eye out for the fierce crocklebog who lurked in the dismal dyke. The forest is just north of Norwich, opened last month, and is this summer's most intriguing new family attraction. Bewilderwood has 50 ecofriendly acres of treehouses, mazes and zip wires, and its creator, Tom Blofeld, calls it "a reality adventure for bold and daring children". Adults go wild about it, too. £10 (underfives free); 01603 783900, www.bewilderwood.co.uk

SEAL BOAT TRIP @ Searles, Hunstanton
The Wash has one of the biggest colonies of common seals, our most common (and cutest) marine mammal, in the world ? 3,000 at the last count. The mums haul out onto the sandbanks to pup in June and July, and the grown-ups mate in September. Searles Sea Tours steers to within five yards of the baskers. "They're relaxed about the boat," says captain Willie Searle. "We've been doing this since 1929, so they've had a while to get used to us." Two-hour trips every day, weather permitting; £12 (children £6); 07831 321799, www.seatours.co.uk