Here are several compelling reasons to holiday in Holt:
Holt is best known for its rich history and captivating architecture. The town boasts an array of beautiful Georgian buildings, traditional flint cottages, and charming narrow lanes. Exploring the town's historic streets, visiting the antique shops, and admiring its classic buildings.
Holt is also renowned for its unique and independent shops. The town offers a delightful shopping experience, with various boutiques, galleries, craft shops, and speciality stores. Visitors can browse for antiques, artworks, handmade crafts, fashion, and local produce, making it a perfect place for retail therapy and finding one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
The town is home to several art galleries showcasing the works of local and national artists. The renowned Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is located nearby, exhibiting an impressive modern and contemporary art collection. Book a holiday to combine with one of the cultural events held throughout the year, including the Holt Festival, which features music, theatre, literature, and more.
Step outside the town and explore the stunning Norfolk countryside. The Norfolk Broads, a network of navigable rivers and lakes, are within reach, offering opportunities for boating, wildlife spotting, and scenic cruises.
The North Norfolk coast is also within easy reach, with its picturesque beaches, salt marshes, and nature reserves. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, birdwatching, and exploring the coastal landscapes. The nearby Holt Country Park offers peaceful woodland trails and picnic spots for those seeking tranquillity.
One unique attraction in Holt is the Owl Trail, where visitors can discover beautifully decorated owl sculptures throughout the town. This family-friendly activity adds an element of fun and adventure to exploring Holt's streets and landmarks.
Holt's central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider attractions of Norfolk. The Norfolk Broads, a network of navigable rivers and lakes, are within reach, offering opportunities for boating, wildlife spotting, and scenic cruises. The historic city of Norwich, with its medieval cathedral, castle, and shopping opportunities, is also easily accessible from Holt.
Families and friends staying in a Holt holiday cottage can fill their holiday with visits to a host of family-friendly attractions and locations. Here are some of our favourite days out:
Bewilderwood
Located in Hoveton, not far from Holt, Bewilderwood is an award-winning adventure park in a magical woodland. It features treehouses, zip lines, mazes, storytelling, boat rides, and imaginative play areas, creating a whimsical and interactive experience for children and adults alike.
Bure Valley Railway
This heritage steam railway runs between Aylsham and Wroxham, passing through the beautiful Norfolk countryside. Kids will enjoy a scenic ride on the train, watching the steam engine in action, and exploring the station areas.
Sheringham Park
Situated near the coastal town of Sheringham, this National Trust property offers stunning gardens, woodland walks, and panoramic views of the Norfolk coastline. Families can enjoy picnics, play areas, and nature trails, providing a great opportunity for outdoor exploration.
North Norfolk Railway
Also known as the Poppy Line, this heritage railway runs between Sheringham and Holt. Families can experience a nostalgic steam train journey and take in the picturesque scenery along the way.
The Muckleburgh Collection
Located in Weybourne, this military museum showcases an extensive collection of military vehicles, weapons, artefacts and other things that once went bang. It offers educational exhibits and interactive displays that will fascinate children interested in history and military vehicles.
Dinosaur Adventure
Situated in Lenwade, a short drive from Holt, Dinosaur Adventure is a theme park with a prehistoric twist. It features life-sized dinosaur models, adventure play areas, a dinosaur trail, and various interactive exhibits, making it an exciting destination for young dinosaur enthusiasts.
Beaches Near Holt
Pack buckets and spades: There are some beautiful beaches within easy reach of Holt. Here are some of our favourite beaches:
Wells-next-the-Sea Beach
Located about 12 miles north of Holt, Wells-next-the-Sea Beach is a picturesque stretch of sandy shoreline backed by dunes and pine woods. It's part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve and offers a vast expanse of beach to explore. The beach is family-friendly, with ample space for picnics, sandcastle building, and paddling in the shallow waters.
Sheringham Beach
Situated approximately 9 miles northeast of Holt, Sheringham Beach is a traditional seaside spot with a mix of sand and pebbles. It offers stunning views of the North Sea and has a promenade with shops, cafes, and amusements. Sheringham also has a tidal pool, perfect for swimming and rock pooling during low tide.
Cromer Beach
Located about 10 miles northeast of Holt, Cromer Beach is a popular destination known for its iconic pier and sandy shores. The beach is family-friendly and offers a range of activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the rock pools. Cromer itself is a charming, traditional seaside town with fish and chip shops, cafes, and ice cream parlours.
Holkham Beach
Although a bit further from Holt (approximately 15 miles north), Holkham Beach is well worth the visit. It is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Norfolk, with its vast stretch of golden sand and dunes backed by a pine forest. The beach is part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve and offers a tranquil setting for long walks, sandcastle building, and enjoying the area's natural beauty.
While cottage holidays in Holt can easily be spent on nearby beaches, in the countryside or visiting family attractions, it would be easy to turn your time into a shopping expedition exploring Holt's charming range of independent shops and boutiques – perfect retail therapy.
While specific establishments may change over time, here are some common types of shops you can typically find in Holt:
Antique Shops
Holt is renowned for its antique shops, offering a wide range of antique furniture, collectables, ceramics, and vintage items. These shops attract antique enthusiasts and collectors from near and far. Your first port of call should be the Holt Antiques and Interior Centre on Thornage Road, or search for antique furniture from Delftware to oak-panelled armchairs at Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill.
Art Galleries
The town has several art galleries showcasing local and national artists' works. You can find a variety of art styles, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and more. Popular galleries include the Holt Gallery in Lees Yard or the Red Dot Gallery on Fish Hill.
Independent Boutiques
Holt boasts numerous independent boutiques that offer unique clothing, accessories, and gifts. These shops often feature stylish and one-of-a-kind items, allowing visitors to find something special. Unleash your credit cards in independent boutiques such as Vanilla Tree in Franklyn Yard or Follyology in Hopper Yard, which focuses on designs made of natural organic cottons and silks and other sustainable fabrics.
Homeware and Interiors
Holt is known for its selection of homeware and interiors shops. You can discover beautiful furniture, home accessories, fabrics, and decorative items to enhance your living space.
Bookshops
Book lovers will enjoy browsing the quaint bookshops in Holt. You can find a range of new releases, bestsellers, local interest books, and children's literature. Try the Holt Bookshop, an independent emporium and its neighbour, The Holt Book Gallery, which sells second-hand books.
Delicatessens and Food Shops
Holt has a selection of food shops and delicatessens where you can find delicious local produce, artisanal goods, speciality ingredients, and gourmet treats. Explore the enticing Wine Cellar, Food Hall and Pantry at Bakers and Larners (their hampers are irresistible) in Market Place.
It's important to note that individual shops may come and go, and new ones may open. The best way to discover the current shops in Holt is to explore the town or check with local directories, websites, or tourist information centres for the most up-to-date information on specific establishments.
