Welcome to North Norfolk

With wide skies, long sandy beaches, and serene countryside North Norfolk is a weekend destination with many strings to its bow. Despite being known for its lack of rolling hills and undeniable flatness Norfolk boasts a diverse landscape, ranging from salt marshes to woodlands, heathland, vast beaches and the infamous Broads. The Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers a significant portion of North Norfolk alone.

Where to Stay: Rustic Nature

North Norfolk is blessed with a stunning array of bed and breakfasts, hotels and self catering options no matter your inclination. For an outdoorsy but still luxurious stay the unique Happy Valley Norfolk in Grimston is ideal, nestled in beautiful woodland just a 20 minute drive from Kings Lynn and the coast. This venue hosts a range of upmarket glamping options from summertime bell tents to fully kitted, more than comfortable, wooden cabins with hot tubs. This includes Toad Hall, an opulent lodge on stilts with underfloor heating and a treetop balcony, where you can enjoy a soak in the hot tub and watch the sunset after a day of exploring.

Where to Stay: Brick and Mortar 

If laid-back countryside accommodation set within an idyllic private estate and gardens is more your style, then Fring Estate holiday cottages are perfect for you. With a heated outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts (from April to September) there are luxury lodgings for 2 people up to 20, there is something for every occasion! Fring Estate is just a short drive from the coast, and villages such as Wells-next-to-the-sea and Holt.

Village Stay

If you prefer to stay somewhere with the hustle and bustle of quaint village life then perhaps The Feathers Pub in Holt would be welcome, this much loved watering hole has rooms above the pub itself and is centrally located with good food at your door. For a quieter weekend and more spacious rooms choose the Lawns Rooms, just up the road and an extension of The Feathers. Enjoy the same hospitality with landscape views and large airy bedrooms that have recently been renovated by our very own Birdie. This stay is “wagging tail” friendly too, and even offers a Sandy Paws package with their very own dog menu!

A Day in Holt

Holt, a charming market town in Norfolk, England, just 10 minutes from the coast exudes timeless appeal with its picturesque streets, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. The town is renowned for its independent shops such as our very own Birdie Fortescue Showroom , art galleries such as The Gallery Holt, and antique stores, making it a haven for those seeking unique finds. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, including Holt Country Park and the North Norfolk coast, the town serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures. Whether exploring the quaint streets, or savoring local cuisine in its cosy eateries, Holt offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Our 5 Favourite Foodie Spots in Holt:

1. The Feathers Pub - This cosy pub serves “hearty, flavoursome and thoughtfully sourced” food, with an “old school menu inspired by local produce”.

2. Cross Street Union - a small but perfectly formed coffee shop that serves delicious coffee, baked goods and pastries. This spot is out of the way and almost off the radar. 

3. The Two Magpies - Well oiled cafe bakery serving sweet and savory delights, with several locations across Norfolk and Suffolk including Blakeney, Norwich, Southwold and Aldeburgh.

4. The Snug - A small Cafe/Bistro with a lovely courtyard serving “an eclectic mix of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and British cuisine using local, seasonal ingredients, cooked to order for the ultimate freshness and taste”.

5. Byfords - This “historic cosy restaurant and cafe in the heart of Holt” serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. “Be transported to a higgledy-piggledy world of wooden beams and tasty food”, you can even book a stay here too!

Out and About

North Norfolk is a beautiful region with diverse landscapes, nature reserves, and stunning coastlines, making it an excellent destination for adventurers, nature lovers, dogs and children alike. Here are three of our favourite spots or stretches:

• Blakeney Point Nature Reserve: Blakeney Point is a National Nature Reserve known for its unique blend of habitats, including salt marshes, sand dunes, and mudflats. You can take a boat trip to the reserve and enjoy a walk to observe seals and a variety of bird species depending on season. 

• Norfolk Coast Path - Hunstanton to Wells-next-the-Sea: For a more extended walking experience, consider exploring a section of the Norfolk Coast Path. The stretch from Hunstanton to Wells-next-the-Sea provides a diverse coastal walk with views of cliffs, sand dunes, pinewoods and salt marshes. You can choose a portion of the path that suits your preferences and enjoy the coastal scenery and village pubs along the way.

• Sheringham Park: Famous for its landscaped gardens and a treetop Gazebo, a viewing tower with stunning panoramic views. There are several walking trails that lead through the park, including the famous Rhododendron and Azalea Walk. The park is managed by the National Trust and offers a mix of natural beauty and historical architecture.

Birdie Fortescue Holt Showroom

Visiting Holt for the day? Why not pop in to our Holt Showroom for some expert advice and retail therapy. From furniture, to cushions, rugs and vases our store is a haven of homeware.

We are always delighted to meet our customers in person, and for you to see and feel our homewares. Our experienced team are always on hand to help with any styling advice you may need and to guide you through our extensive collections of homewares, art and antiques.

We are also the only Norfolk stockists of Edward Bulmer Natural Paint. View the colour range and chose your sample pots with us, and make that long awaited room refresh happen!

We often run a number of events at our stores, including talks and workshops with talented guests and makers, as well as masterclasses in design with Birdie. Please sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest event information and offers.

Visit us at The Barn, Feathers Yard, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6BW, open Monday to Friday from 10.00am - 5.00pm. Our Holt store is located round the back of The Feathers Hotel, just off of the high street. To speak to the Holt team please call 01263 713 500.

Please note we do not stock all items in our Holt showroom, if you would like to see something in particular please call ahead so we can arrange this for you, at our Holt Showroom or Fakenham HQ.