Tourism businesses in north Norfolk are bracing themselves for a chilly Easter weekend – but urging trippers to pull on their scarves to come and sample the area's delights.
Despite a gloomy forecast of temperatures just hovering above freezing, tourism chiefs were remaining optimistic ahead of the big bank holiday getaway.
David Thompson, head of new tourism body Visit North Norfolk, said: 'What is coming across clearly in the district is north Norfolk is becoming an all-year-round destination so the weather won't impact on us as much as other areas.
'Tourist attraction organisers are disappointed that the weather isn't going to be similar to how it has been in recent years but it is going to be dry according to the forecast. People don't like going out in the wet but don't mind a bit of cold. A lot of people like the bracing wind.'
He added: 'I don't think it will have as adverse an impact that some people think and the British are hardy holidaymakers.
'There is a lot of stuff happening this weekend and all you need is a pair of Wellies and a good coat and you can have a good time.'
Tourism contributes an estimated £391m to the north Norfolk economy and underpins 8,500 jobs.
Mr Thompson said people came to north Norfolk for 'wildlife and cultural experiences'.
Jo Bosch, marketing manager for the Blickling Estate, said it was 'business as usual' at Easter and everyone was 'generally positive.' Its Easter trail would move inside the hall if the weather deteriorated but a few years ago when there was 2in of snow at Easter there were still queues of people.
The Muckleburgh Military Collection at Weybourne had its fingers crossed for weekend visitors as it was an indoor attraction, but managing partner Sir Michael Savory said local campsites bookings were down.
However Mark Durrant, from Woodhill Park camping and caravan site in East Runton, said its caravan bookings were full over the Easter break.
Cromer Pier was 'fairly positive' about booking levels for four Easter shows, but realised bad weather could hit 'walk up' trade, said spokesman Bruce Stratton.
Simon Egan, project development director for Bewilderwood adventure park near Wroxham, said he felt 'confident' about the Easter period.
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