Holt's popular cafe and shop, Byfords
Holt is a stunning rural, Georgian town in North Norfolk, set on the edge of the Norfolk Coast, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here you can enjoy the best of both coast and countryside, with the seaside resorts of Sheringham and Cromer just 15 and 20 minutes away.
Although steeped with history, when the town burnt down in 1708 it was completely destroyed and so the area had to be completely rebuilt, therefore the architecture and appearance of the town is much more up to date than the rest of Norfolk.
Holt is a shopper's paradise, packed with galleries, bookshops, boutiques, cafés and antiques shops. You could spend hours wandering the charming streets, discovering alleyways lined with shops and hidden courtyards which reveal yet more stores.
One of the most popular places in Holt is Byford’s, an olde-worlde café and shop housed within a historic red-brick and stone building, taking centre stage in the middle of the town. It’s the perfect place to stop for a light lunch.
Railway's Poppy Line from Hole to Shermingham
That’s not the only place to eat in Holt though; Folly’s Tearoom is a charming vintage café in a quiet courtyard, the perfect peaceful escape after a morning of shopping. For a delicious evening meal try the King’s Head or The Hunny Bell in nearby Huntworth, or for a fine-dining experience, head to Morston Hall which is about 15 minutes from Holt.
"Holt is a shopper's paradise, packed with galleries, bookshops, boutiques, cafes and antiques shops."
Just one mile outside of the town you’ll Holt station, which is the west terminus for the Poppy Line, where an atmospheric steam train will take you from here on a 10.5 mile round trip to Sheringham. At the station in Holt you’ll also find a picnic area and the North Norfolk Model Engineering Club which operates throughout the summer.
For walkers, cyclists and bird watchers, there are lots of places to explore within easy reach of Holt. Just one mile outside of the town you’ll find Holt Country Park, where you can enjoy a spot of peace and quiet as you stroll through tranquil woodlands. Cared for by Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Cley Marshes are less than five miles away and are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. There is also a visitor’s centre with a café, shop and viewing area. That’s just a taste of the fantastic locations dotted along the Norfolk Coast which is great for long walks, especially if you have a dog in tow.
Holt itself is a gorgeous, historic town with loads to discover, but other nearby attractions include Muckleburgh Military Collection and Baconsthorpe Castle.