Those who are lucky enough to visit are seduced by the stunning, and mostly deserted, north Norfolk coast. Come for wide sandy beaches, brick and flint villages, boat trips at Blakeney, marshlands teeming with bird life, the famous Norfolk Broads - and vast skies. As for the capital, Norwich is home to a Norman keep and castle, heaps of churches and a superb cathedral, while its vibrant pubs have given rise to a famous Beer Festival; ale-lovers flock in October.
One of the best ways to see Norfolk is from a self-catering barn rental. There are some absolute beauties on offer - check out the stylish Barsham Barn collection - and they make a perfect base for families and groups of friends.
Browse Swaffham's lively Saturday market - and fresh crab and artisan cheeses at the farmers' market (first Wednesday of the month). Go crabbing at the Georgian seaside village of Wells next the Sea, then book in for Sunday brunch at the Globe Inn, a little gastropub on Buttlands Green; dogs and children welcome.
England's top lavender farm, Norfolk Lavender, is at Heacham: walking and minibus tours throughout the summer. Harvesting is weather-dependent but generally takes place mid July.
Swing, climb and leap 40-foot up in the trees at Woodland High Ropes Adventure at Fakenham.
Once again flour is being milled using the power of the wind: Denver Windmill at Downham Market has a tea room, bakery and guided tours.
Always good to have a pub lined up when out in the country: the lovely Dabbling Duck at Great Massingham, a distinctive village with four large ponds on four greens, is the starting point for a two-hour walk along the long distance Peddars Way. Check out walkingworld.com.
Blickling Hall, Aylsham, a magnificent Jacobean pile, is owned by the National Trust. In its grounds is one of the finest little food shops in Norfolk, Samphire, so pick up a pork pie and picnic under the trees The Brecks Countryside Project is one of the great natural areas of Britain, a place of strange beauty on whose heathery heaths rabbits were once farmed. Just outside Swaffham is Beachamwell Warren - walk, cycle, ride, jog.
Cyber cafes and medieval churches mingle in Norwich's steep maze of cobbled streets, such as Elm Hill. The county capital's superb Norman keep is home to an interactive museum and the elegant cathedral has the second tallest spire in England. Culture, night life and veggie restaurants abound.