Norfolk’s tourism boom on Mothering Sunday

The double whammy of bright weather and Mothering Sunday brought families flocking to tourist hotspots at the weekend.

Whitlingham Country Park, just outside Norwich, had one of its busiest days of the year so far.

Albert Ward, from the park, said: 'We have been extremely busy right from the start of the morning.

'I put it down to Mothering Sunday and lots of people wanting to come out for that.

'People from Norwich tend to come here if the weather is nice, or if it is looking doubtful a bit further afield as they can easily get home if the weather turns.'

In Great Yarmouth, restaurants were packed along Regent Road and on the seafront crowds milled along Marine Parade not deterred by a slightly chilly breeze.

Yarmouth councillor and restaurateur Graham Plant said the impressive number of visitors on the first Sunday in April boded well for the season ahead.

He said: 'Every indication points to another good staycation summer and the smiles on the faces of people today shows Yarmouth has plenty to offer.'

At the seafront's Merrivale Model Village, families queued to take advantage of the attraction's special 50p entrance price to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Boss Peter Williamson said: 'By noon we had had 400 people through the gate and people have been queuing on to the pavement outside. For this time of the year it is fantastic.'

Cromer and Sheringham were also busy, with families enjoying the warmth on the beach in the towns.

Hilary Nelson, North Norfolk District Council's cabinet member for tourism, said: 'I think people have come out with the daffodils. Everything seems to be on the up and up. People are on the beaches and enjoying themselves. I also think it's really nice how well the pubs and restaurants have pulled together to make it a special day.'