With glorious sunshine and soaring temperatures, people across the region were treated to the first taste of spring at the weekend.

The beautiful blue skies and temperature highs of up to 19C – more common in May than March – gave families the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and provided a welcome boost for tourist attractions.

Louise Rout, manager of Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden in South Walsham, said: 'It is as if the garden has just woken up; there are brimstone butterflies and bumblebees everywhere.

'We have been very busy, both in the garden and tearoom. I spotted one family having a picnic on the staithe overlooking our broad, a sure sign that spring is in the air.'

Trevor Eady, general manager of the heritage Sheringham-to-Holt North Norfolk Railway, believed yesterday's sunshine brought more families to their three-day steam gala.

'It's been absolutely brilliant – very, very busy,' he said.

Blickling Hall, the National Trust stately home near Aylsham, welcomed 1,236 visitors on Saturday and yesterday – more than double the number who came over the same weekend last year.

People also headed to Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse as it reopened for the first weekend of its 2014 season.

The north Norfolk coast was a popular choice with many enjoying the delights of Blakeney, Cromer, Holkham and Wells.

Robbie Kirtley, owner of the seafront Rocket House Café in Cromer, said: 'We've been rammed – absolutely packed. We've definitely done more lunches than we have for a long while.

'There have been a lot of people about. It's been an excellent day.'

In Norwich, Ronaldo Ices did a roaring trade at its London Street stall.

Rob Ellis, from Ronaldo Ices, said Saturday and yesterday had been the first two days of selling ice cream at the stall this year and about 150 ice creams had been sold yesterday alone.

'We had a really good day. It's been excellent. It's probably on a par with what we would do in midsummer on a Sunday,' he added.

People in the city also soaked up the sun at Castle Gardens, Chapelfield Gardens and other parks and open spaces, and many took the opportunity to enjoy alfresco drinks with friends in bars and cafes.

Meanwhile, families flocked to the seafronts and beaches of Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

Queues could be seen outside ice-cream and doughnut kiosks for the first time this year and although the temperature was a little cooler by the sea, children could be seen playing ball games in the sand while a few brave people dipped their toes in the sea.

It was a similar story at Beccles Quay, where dog walkers and fishermen took advantage of the warm weather, families fed the ducks, and boat owners gave their boats a spring clean or relaxed on deck.

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