As the summer season gets into its stride, North Norfolk Hotels fill up with guests looking for something to occupy their holiday time. There is plenty for them to see and do, from walks along the lovely beaches in Holkham, Wells, Sheringham and Cromer, to days spent pottering in the grounds of the county's grand National Trust properties, Oxburgh, Blickling and Felbrigg Halls. There is plenty for families, too, with carnivals in Wells, Sheringham and Cromer, and all sorts of traditional seaside attractions from donkey rides on Cromer beach and seal trips in Morston to fishing for crabs in Blakeney.
These pursuits have been popular for decades but over the past few years Hotels in North Norfolk have seen an increase in another sort of visitor - those keen to visit the county for its outdoor concerts and Arts festivals.
Despite welcoming well-known names such as Tom Jones, Simple Minds and Ronan Keating in the past, sadly this year there were no outdoor concerts at Blickling Hall near Norwich. However, this was more than made up for elsewhere, with Sandringham holding outdoor concerts for the very first time, welcoming pop star Will Young and opera maestro Russell Watson to sing in the grounds. And then there was the second Holt Summer Festival, a week-long celebration of the Arts whose many acts included an outdoor Blues extravaganza in the grounds of Gresham's School featuring rising star Oli Brown, former Rolling Stones' guitarist Mick Taylor and the long-running Blues Band. Those staying at Norfolk Luxury Hotels could also catch The Blues Band this year at The Blakeney Harbour Room on the coast, where forthcoming acts include a number of tribute bands as well as Dr Feelgood in September, Chas and his band in October, and The Hamsters, recommended by Radio 2, in February next year.
With the Worstead Festival back on track for next year (albeit a scaled-down version) and plans already in place for next years Holt Summer Festival, it seems that those planning weekend breaks in Norfolk will, once again, be in for some musical and Arts-based treats.