Everything Holt!
Not sure which spot to pick for your Norfolk holiday? Holt was recently named the second prettiest town in Britain by The Telegraph (no surprise there), which makes this glorious town the perfect destination for a getaway
EAT & DRINK!
If you’re a foodie then you really don’t have to venture out further than Holt to have your tastebuds dancing. From the classic Fish ‘n’ Chips to a Michelin star restaurant, you really are spoilt for choice.
Meadowsweet, a fabulous Michelin star restaurant in a lovingly restored Georgian building, has retained its star for the second year. The finest local produce is delivered via a beautifully prepared tasting menu so if you’re after an experience to stick with you, you may want to tick this off your list. As you can imagine, booking is a must! If you’re after something a little more casual, but with a country feel, Byfords is always a favourite for both locals and those visiting. Pop by and indulge in the Café or enjoy a candle-lit dinner in the most beautiful, unique setting. Fine dine at The Feathers Hotel, which has recently had an impressive makeover and the King’s Head is just further along, offering traditional ‘pub grub’ and a great selection of beers. Eric’s is a traditional British fish and chip restaurant, with a few modern twists. It’s been named one of the best places to get fish and chips in the county, so probably worth a visit! Are you a coffee enthusiastic? Holt is peppered with wonderful independent coffee shops and all will likely be able to sway you towards a pastry or two, too. Cross Street Union, owned by Danny, is a favourite of mine; selling coffee, buns and wine. I mean, what more could you need from a coffee shop? You can indulge some wine tasting there too, which is usually hosted on the last Friday of the month! Black Apollo & Two Magpies are two lovely spots to enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat and Krusty Loaf is a wonderful little bakery too. If you’re after a wholesome Café, Horratio’s offers a great menu of things like a traditional fry-up and the best jacket potatoes (along with some delicious cakes).
Michael’s Bistro is a family-run bistro in Franklyns Yard with a lovely, relaxed atmos and some seriously tasty food. Michael, a former contestant on Masterchef, and Charlotte have created a dog & family-friendly space, serving good-value, fresh food made with local ingredients. Sea bass is one of their signature dishes and it’s 2 for £14 on cocktails on Wednesdays! They also host a ‘coffee meet’ every Thursday between 9am-11am where you can come alone or with friends and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee, delicious cake and have a natter! Remember to use your voucher if you’re staying with us, for £££ off!
New to the scene is The Canny Fox, a gorgeous little micropub in Appleyard selling Norfolk beers, gin, wine and more! A really lovely setting with games inside and a nice outside patio area. Perfect for that after-work wine (can confirm)!
Okay, I think I’ve covered it all on the food, coffee and booze front?!
SHOP!
Before or after you indulge in Holt’s wide selection of fooderies, it’s only right to have a wander round the shops. Don’t forget to discover the little streets and charming courtyards that are tucked away and home to many charming book shops, boutiques, art galleries and antiques. The 18th century Georgian buildings I think are what really steals peoples hearts. Fun fact, Byfords is believed to be the oldest building in Holt (the cellar dates back to the 15th century), and it was one of the few that survived the Great Fire of Holt in 1708!
Bakers and Larners department store has been a reputable family business for over 250 years and remains one of the few in the county to remain under the ownership and control of the founding family. It reminds me of Holt’s very own John Lewis, but with a delectable Norfolk twist and a warming feeling. Be sure to grab a basket because no doubt it will be filled with things from beautiful homeware, fragrances and clothing. The food hall alone will send you into a food frenzy with it’s mouthwatering selection of goodies. Canapés, cheeses, cured meats and sweet treats… the list goes on. Even better, many of what’s on offer is local Norfolk produce. Make sure to indulge in the ‘From The Cellar’ area with a wide selection of wines, spirits, fortified wine, beer & cider too.
Hopper’s Yard is a truly charming little courtyard with lots of independent shops to nosey round. Quest is a quirky little shop filled with gorgeous little gifts and an upstairs with some homeware to die for. Tilley & Grace, Vanilla Tree, Anna and Eliza Gray are some lovely clothing boutiques. I could literally list every shop here but I’m just going to have to go for my favourites and let you pick yours! Tatty Tides is a beautiful shop with some really lovely country and coastal homeware, candles and fragrances. Are you an antique enthusiast? Holt Antiques & Interiors has a wonderful collection of treasures and super friendly staff to help. More gorgeous smells can be found in Norfolk Natural Living to freshen up your home with diffusers, candles and sprays. Morston Country Sports has everything you need when it comes to shooting, fishing and outdoor activities with lovely staff to help you out! The White Company, Finisterre & Joules are some names you might recognise and Fairfax & Favour sits proudly on the High Street along with Utopia ‘the unexpected galley’. Happy shopping!!
HOLT MARKET!
From handmade crafts to artisan food & drink, Holt market is the perfect way to spend any Sunday! There’s plenty of yummy street food to indulge in, music and a ray of little independent shops running through the streets. It runs from April through to December, on the first Sunday of each month, 10:00-15:00. There’s two more markets left for 2024 so don’t miss them!
3rd November & 1st December (Christmas Market)
BYFORDS!
Byfords aren’t shy when it comes to throwing an event or two! Their Jazz Nights & Afternoon Tea Extravaganza’s are a lot of fun so well worth putting in your diary! I recently went to one of the Jazz Nights with friends and it was a lovely evening! Fab atmosphere and a lovely selection of food and drink. You definitely need to book in advance though, as they get booked up pretty quickly.
Bewitched! – Friday 25th October
Afternoon Tea Extravaganza – Sunday 27th October, Sunday 24th November & Sunday 8th December for the Christmas Extravaganza!
Jazz Night – Wednesday 20th October & Wednesday 27th November
Byfords Festivi’tea – Monday 2nd December
WALKS!
Holt is surrounded by gorgeous countryside with some brilliant walks on the doorstep. Holt Country Park is set in 100 acres of woodland and is open all year round with an adorable little café called Hetty’s House Tea Room’s, selling hot and cold drinks, cake, sandwiches and more! Another beautiful country park to visit is Spout Hills which is a mixture of open fields and woodland. One of the walking routes can take you to Letheringsett Mill & Kings Head in Letheringsett which is a really lovely country pub with cosy interiors and a brilliant beer garden. Both are dog friendly and perfect for picnics!
HOLT FESTIVAL!
Holt Festival returns for 2024 on Saturday 13th to Sunday 28th July and brings with it a whole range of musicians, poets, actors, dancers, artists and comedians.
CHRISTMAS BEGINS IN HOLT!
15 – 17 Nov
Twinkling lights, food stalls, live music & more! Whilst there isn’t the usual fiasco of fireworks and the countdown this year, there will no doubt still be a warm buzz throughout the town and a steady flow of mulled wine! Click here for more info on what’s happening!
STAY IN HOLT!
With all these wonderful places to visit and things to do, why not stay here?! We have a gorgeous selection of cottages in and around Holt for you to choose from. All our properties in Holt are within walking distance to all the wonderful amenities that this gorgeous Georgian town has to offer and are just a short drive from the coast too! Or you can view all of our lovely cottages here!