HOLT

Holt is a lovely rural Georgian Norfolk town with plenty of unusual shops and surrounded by well-wooded parks. Having been burnt down in 1708, Holt presents a comparatively modern appearance, with a spacious market place, dominated by a fine cross of Clipsham stone to commemorate the war dead. A jumble of streets and alleyways fanout from the main High Street, offering plenty of facilities including pubs, cafes, galleries, and shops to enjoy. There is a lovely country park just to the south of Holt and the North Norfolk Railway (the poppy line) runs from Holt station to Sheringham. Holt is particularly attractive at Christmas, when all the shops adourn themselves in pretty white fairy lights, making for a really festive wonderland.

We start our tour of Holt at Byfords, a famous cafe, deli and posh B&B. If you enjoy people watching, its a great place to have a coffee and just sit and watch people wander by!

We are now in the main shopping centre of Holt and there are shops everywhere, selling all kinds of items. All the shops are small independent traders, many hidden away in yards, alleys and lanes. See for yourself by browsing the different shops below!

When you get bored of shopping (never! I hear some of you shout), then stop for a refreshment, there are plenty of different kinds of places, including tea-rooms and pubs.

In the centre of Holt is the market place, dominated by a fine cross of Clipsham stone. The red bus takes passengers to the North Norfolk Railway station.

Holt seems to have a lot of wall clocks - see how many you can spot on your visit!

The centre contains this very colourful and traditional gentleman's barbers.

Even the office of a local firm of solicitors is colourful and traditional.

There are many Georgian properties ...

and cottages.

If you go down the street behind the market place, you come to the lovely parish church of St. Andrew. Inside, the church is very well kept and a break from all the crowds of the shops.

A little way out of the centre of Holt is the North Norfolk Railway station. This is the "poppy line" which runs steam and diesel train services to Weybourne and Sheringham. See the NNR website for more details. A bus runs visitors from the station to Holt market place.

About a mile to the south of the town is Holt Country Park. The wood extends to almost 100 acres and contains Scots Pine, Oak and Silver Birch. Throughout the Country Park there are interesting features such as a totem pole, carved stile, play area and viewing tower.

At Christmas time, Holt becomes a winter wonderland as all the shops adourn themselves with pretty white fairy lights. It makes a lovely festive atmosphere.