Finally we got to ditch the fleeces and slap on the sun-cream as the borough enjoyed some of the best weather in the country over the bank holiday weekend.

Finally we got to ditch the fleeces and slap on the sun-cream as the borough enjoyed some of the best weather in the country over the bank holiday weekend.

Businesses were reportedly in the pink with some takings up 30pc on previous bank holidays - while an unfortunate few were simply pink after spending too long in the sun.

On the beach at Winterton there was a sense that nobody could ever want to be anywhere else as children played ball on the beach and swallows swooped over head.

Meanwhile Great Yarmouth's show-piece seafront with was “packed” on Monday with attractions further inland enjoying good attendances too.

Pleasure Beach owner Albert Jones said he was “very pleased” overall, with Saturday starting “a bit slow” picking up on Sunday and building to a very busy Monday up 30pc on the previous year.

At Joyland's American Family Diner staff worked flat out and were especially busy on Monday which senior supervisor Kat Hall said was “completely mad.” “We had people sitting outside. The seafront in general was packed. A lot of young people and families came in for meals. It was a lot busier than last year.”

And at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens director Ken Sims said: “We were blessed by the lovely weather. We were so pleased for the visitors. We found that people were very pleased that the weather had turned in their favour. Even the alligators have taken to going outside and spending time out in the sun. It was just about the best bank holiday weekend that we have had in recent years.”

Visitor numbers at Bewilderwood, near Hoveton, were also good. “Bewilderwood was excited to have Bewilderwood buzzing again for another season. We were also delighted with the gate numbers over the bank holiday weekend - it was perfect way for families to spend time in the shade of the trees and quality time in the fresh air,” said Simon Egan park manager.

Tourism bosses this week hailed the arrival of summer and said that Norfolk was well-placed to benefit from spiralling living costs, the price of petrol and weakening pound.

Many locals were opting to holiday at home, exploring the diverse attractions on their doorstep and finding out there was a lot to see and do.