Out & About
Discover… Holt
This pretty Georgian town is surrounded by country parks and offers plenty of hidden gems to explore
Holt’s handsome 18th century buildings, charming hidden courtyards and myriad art galleries, shops and eateries make it an idyllic place to spend a day. After most of the town was destroyed by a fire in 1708, it was painstakingly rebuilt using the Georgian style of architecture that is still on display today. The market place in the heart of the town houses a cross memorialising the soldiers who lost their lives in the war, which forms part of the Holt Owl Trail, a circular route which will take you to all the key landmarks – simply follow the owl pavement plaques.
What to see and do
You won’t find many chain stores here, so it’s an ideal place for a spot of shopping. Head to Bakers and Larners, a family-run department store, where you can lose hours wandering the food hall, kitchen shop and aisles of other trinkets and homeware goodies. Discover the town’s four hidden flint stone yards, where there are independent shops, tearooms and other gems waiting to be explored.
If you fancy getting away from it all, head to Holt Country Park, a beautiful 100 acre woodland with picnic areas, nature trails and a playground for little ones.
Just outside the centre of Holt is the North Norfolk Railway station where you can catch the famous Poppy Line steam train services to neighbouring Weybourne and Sheringham.
The nearby ruins of Baconsthorpe Castle – a moated, fortified 15th century manor house – is also well worth a visit on your way home.
Lunch
Appropriately situated on Fish Hill, Eric’s Fish & Chips offers traditionally fried chips and the freshest fish and seafood from their tastefully decorated restaurant. Classic homemade sauces and a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks are available to wash it all down. At the moment the restaurant is offering takeaway only, but there is some outdoor seating so you can enjoy lunch al fresco.
Drinks
Finish off your day with a tipple at Chubby Seal, a craft beer cafe that has six keg taps that are always rotating, so you’ll never try the same beer twice. Also on offer are an array of wines, gins and non-alcoholic beverages to drink in or take home, so everyone is catered for.
Stay the night
Byfords
Set in the centre of glorious North Norfolk and only a stone’s throw from the coast, this is the perfect base from which to explore all the area has to offer.
Boasting 16 posh B&B ensuite rooms and a luxury self-catering apartment, Byfords is believed to be Holt’s oldest building, so expect beams, exposed brickwork and cosy nooks and crannies among the modern home comforts.
All of the hotel bedrooms are on a bed and breakfast basis meaning you can enjoy a delicious home cooked breakfast for every night you stay, with the option to dine in the cosy café downstairs for lunch, dinner or even afternoon tea.