Feed your soul with a staycation

I’M WRITING this in a hotel in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, about to set off and explore the historic town. By the time you read this, we’ll be in Lincoln, with spirits raised even higher by more of the glories of England.

Just as all relationships need to be refreshed from time to time by declaring affection, so the precious sense of belonging to the UK is nurtured by going out, looking, then saying: ‘Wow!’

In both situations, the words to be found are — ‘Yes, I really do love you . . .’

No airports, no security, no baggage allowances — instead, you chuck anoraks, wellies, sunhats and shorts into the car and go.

Our itinerary went like this: Ely Cathedral, Norwich, Cromer, King’s Lynn, Lincoln.

We’re both passionate about cathedrals, parish churches, old guildhalls, little cobbled streets, the English seaside, castles, art galleries... and not forgetting a scruffy, oily motorcycle museum (in North Walsham) to add to the mix.

We were awestruck by Norwich Cathedral and entertained by the amusement arcade at Cromer, where my husband failed to win me a Peppa Pig. We ate a fine Indian meal in Norwich and enjoyed some famous Cromer crab.

On our journey, we visited my son’s godmother in Swaffham and my daughterin-law’s Lincolnshire parents. Neither of us had been to this part of Britain before, but know we’ll return, as the five-day whistle-stop didn’t do it justice.

I was tired when we left, but will return refreshed.

What’s more, as a couple, my husband and I shared so much — like respect for the craftsmen who created such beauty 500 or 600 years ago, as well as renewed conviction that this spiritual heritage is beyond price.

I wish everybody would make a trip like this. Go out into Britain’s towns and countryside and coastline. Make a point of seeing something new.

It feeds the soul and makes you proud.