Holt dates back to Roman times – with Peacock Lane being part of a Roman Road from Salthouse. There are Roman remains which can be found mainly to the North of the town. In early maps, it often appears as Holt Market – and it began as a thriving community over a thousand years ago. 

In 1708, there was a fire that broke out amongst the market stalls, sweeping through the town and its wooden buildings. Over the next 100 years, it was rebuilt using brick, stone and flint – which is why the Market Place and High Street are mostly Georgian, with the back lanes, streets and yards more predominantly Victorian.

When you take a trip to Holt, whether you’re staying for a few days or passing through on a day trip whilst staying elsewhere, you’ll need to know where it is good to visit. There’s plenty to do while in Holt. We recommend spending a day exploring the independent boutiques and stores and enjoying some of the local eateries. The town is regularly voted as one of the UK’s favourite high streets and in the summer of 2023 was hailed by Holly Tucker, founder of Not On The High Street, as one of the country’s most desirable locations for independent shopping.

One of Holt’s biggest draws is its Sunday Market. This market is an award-winning, destination street market. Taking place on the first Sunday of each month from April to December, the market showcases the best local independent craftspeople, designers, makers, food producers and street food traders.

This project was created in 2017 by the Holt Town Council, Holt Chamber of Trade and the Holt Society to promote the rich and unique history of the town. 

The trail consists of 24 pavement plaques and meanders between key places in the town, revealing their fascinating history, interesting facts and even some of Holt’s hidden locations.

Spout Hills, often named Spouts Common by locals, is fourteen acres of lush green space. This area is rich in wildlife and is home to a spring-line around the valley, which provided water to the town until the 1940s. Spout Hills is a perfect spot for picnicking, dog-friendly walks and enjoying a peaceful walk.

We can’t write about Holt without mentioning the North Norfolk Railway – with its historic steam engines which chug through Holt Station on their route across the Norfolk countryside from Sheringham. The Poppy Line is a must-do attraction in North Norfolk, and the railway station at Holt is a faithful recreation of a Midland and Great Northern country station in the early 20th century.

Close to Holt is Weybourne Beach, a stretch of coast with views extending west towards Blakeney Point, and to the east cliffs rise which extends to Happisburgh. Close to the beach is the village which has a pub and hotel together with a corner shop. 

Weybourne is surrounded by designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty with fantastic views.

Wander through Holt’s streets adorned with Georgian architecture; there are many stunning 18th-century buildings you can see when walking through the town. In 1708, a devastating fire swept through Holt and destroyed most of the older buildings. As a result, the lovely historic Georgian buildings now stand in Holt.

Holt is a shopper’s paradise with a wealth of independent boutiques and galleries. You can find several clothes shops, gift shops, homeware shops and bookshops. Some local favourites include “Fairfax & Favor”, “Bircham Gallery” and “Bakers and Larners of Holt”.

Any nature enthusiast would love Holt Country Park. It is situated on the edge of the Norfolk Coast area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a Green Flag award winner. Find yourself immersed in 100 acres of mixed woodland, surrounded by orchids in the summer and snowdrops in the winter. The rich flora supports a wide variety of wildlife including deer, woodpeckers, goldcrests and even many species of butterfly. If you find yourself exploring the heathland of this vast area, you may stumble across a stunning group of ponies or cattle, depending on the time of year.

Holt has long been a haven for artists. Explore local art galleries such as “Utopia” and “Red Dot Gallery”, showcasing a diverse range of works by both local and national artists. If the British weather isn’t playing ball, exploring the galleries and popping into a cafe can be a great way to spend a rainy day

In Holt, there are a range of places to eat and drink, including Holt Fish Bar, Hetty’s House Tea Room and The Owl Tearoom. The Owl Tea Room is possibly one of the oldest tea rooms in Norfolk – dating back to 1929. They offer a selection of homemade bread, cookies, quiches, sausage rolls, and much more! If you fancy a hearty meal, you may want to get a table at The Feathers or The Kings Head Holt. Both offer a great variety of pub food and a warm ambience.

If your stay aligns with the Christmas season, experience Holt’s festive magic. The town’s Christmas lights, seasonal markets, and the annual Christmas Parades create a truly enchanting atmosphere. Every year, people flock to Holt for the Christmas events which can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.

Just West of Holt between Letheringsett and Wiveton, you can find Norfolk’s wildlife, gardening and wildflower centre. This nature reserve is tucked away in the Glaven Valley and is a wonderful place for families or individuals. There is a plant shop, as well as a café to grab a bite to eat after walking around and spotting all the different animals on the grounds.

While Holt is inland, it’s a convenient base for exploring the stunning Holkham Beach. A short drive away, this vast expanse of golden sands, is a perfect destination all year round. The beach is open to dog walkers, and even horse-riders! From April to August dogs must be kept on leads, but there are still miles of sandy beaches to explore.

If this sounds like your ideal getaway plan, make sure to book your Holt self-catering holiday cottage today! For additional details or any enquiries about our holiday homes in this quaint market town, feel free to reach out to us at the Norfolk Cottage Agency. We’re committed to making your stay in this charming area an unforgettable experience.