Top 5 Things To Do

If January has you feeling a bit more active, there are plenty of ways to get moving near Byfords. Book a court at Holt Padel, hire a bike or e-bike, fit in a Parkrun or head to Kelling Heath for the gym and pool. Plenty of options, depending on how energetic you’re feeling.

Start the year by heading to Cromer for the New Year’s Day fireworks. The display starts at 5pm from the pier, so find yourself a spot along the seafront and watch the sky light up over the water. Read more.

Spend a morning at Cley Marshes getting to know some of the birdlife that calls the reserve home. You’ll be guided around the marshes, learn what to look out for and hopefully leave knowing your waders from your warblers. Read more.

With the sunrise not arriving until after 7:30am, January is the perfect excuse to bundle up and head out early. Find a spot among the dunes or where the pinewoods meet the sand, and watch the coastline slowly come to life. One of those mornings that’s well worth getting out of bed for.

For some seal spotting without the boat trip, Horsey Gap is where we’d send you. This month is the height of pupping season, so the beach will be closed off to protect the pups, but you can still watch safely from the dunes. Wrap up warm, keep your distance, and bring binoculars if you have them.

20 February - 30 March 2027

Head to The Gallery Holt in Lees Yard for Waterline, a new exhibition opening this February. Spend some time having a browse around and see what catches your eye.

25 January - 28 February 2027 - Read more

The snowdrops at Walsingham Abbey are a lovely excuse to get outside this February. Follow the paths through the grounds and woodland, where they line the banks of the River Stiffkey. They’re usually at their best around the middle of the month, so we’d aim for then.

Just down the road from Holt, Letheringsett Watermill is the last working watermill in Norfolk. Have a look around, stop for a drink in the tea room and, if you fancy it, pick up a bag of their speciality spelt flour to take home.

Head over to Burnham Market and settle in at Socius for a few plates to share. The menu is built around locally sourced ingredients, so arrive hungry and take your time. Afterwards, have a look around the village and browse the independent shops and galleries.

February might not be beach weather, but that’s part of the appeal. We’d head to Brancaster for a proper stretch of the legs, with loads of space and hardly any crowds at this time of year. Wrap up warm, walk as far as you want, then stop for lunch or a warm drink at The Jolly Sailors at Brancaster Staithe.

6 March 2027

Head to King’s Lynn Corn Exchange for a night of 80s classics with Wild Boys. Expect a packed set of hits from the likes of Duran Duran, Erasure, Phil Collins, Prince and Queen. 80s fancy dress is strongly encouraged too.

14 March 2027 - read more

The Spring Blickling Half Marathon starts and finishes right in front of Blickling Hall, so you don’t need to be running it to get involved. Head over to cheer everyone on, grab a coffee from the café and enjoy a bit of race-day atmosphere around the estate.

19 & 23 March 2027 - read more

There’s a nice mix on at Sheringham Little Theatre this March. On the 19th, Tomatoes Tried To Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life brings something a little different, while the 23rd sees a screening of The Royal Ballet’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Two very different nights, depending on what you’re in the mood for.

20 - 21 March 2027 - read more

For two days, the Norfolk Showground is packed with all things yarn and fibre. Browse independent makers from across the UK, discover plenty of lovely things you probably didn’t know you needed and see some seriously impressive creativity along the way.

March is a great time to head to Pensthorpe, with the gardens and wetlands starting to wake up again. Take a look around and see what birdlife you come across. It’s a good one when you fancy getting outside without committing to a big walk.

4 April 2027 - read more

Holt Sunday Market is back for the year, taking over the town on the first Sunday of every month from April to December. You’ll find local makers, food producers and plenty of stalls to nose around. It’s all right on our doorstep, so have brunch with us and then step straight out into the market.

6 - 10 April 2027 - read more

Matthew Bourne’s take on Cinderella comes to Norwich this April, moving the familiar story to London during the Blitz. One to get in the diary for a night at the theatre!

You don’t have to go far for this one! Tucked just off Holt High Street, Spout Hills is all streams, ponds and open green space. Find yourself a spot, sit for a while and enjoy a bit of peace before heading back into town.

For dinner somewhere a bit special, Fino is a good one to know about. It’s small and relaxed, with a short seasonal menu of British and European dishes. Order a few things, settle in with a glass of wine and make an evening of it.

Sandringham is a little further from us, so give yourself a few hours while you’re there. Start inside the House for a bit of royal history, then head outside for the gardens. There’s plenty to see between the two.

14 - 30 May - read more

There’s always loads going on during the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, so it’s worth having a look at the programme while you’re here. Music, theatre, dance and plenty of other bits pop up across the county, so pick whatever takes your fancy.

Cromer celebrates its famous crab and lobster with a weekend of food, local crafts and cookery demos around the town. There’s usually an opening night concert at the Pier too, so have a look at what’s on and make sure you go hungry. Read more.

This is a nice one when you fancy a scenic walk but don’t want to lose the whole day to it. Start in Blakeney, follow the path across towards Wiveton and stop at the Norfolk Tea Co. Café when you get there. You can always carry on towards Cley if you fancy it.

Alby is about a 30 minute drive from Holt and a gem worth visiting. There are gardens to look around, local makers and studios to dip in and out of, and usually something different to see each time you go.

For something a bit more active, Holt Padel is just down the road. Book a court, grab a racket and give it a go. It’s easy to get into, even if you’ve never played before.

For one week, artists and makers across North Norfolk open their studio doors, so you can see where their work actually gets made. Pick a few you like the look of and make your own route around them. You’ll find everything from painting and pottery to jewellery and textiles, and it’s free to have a look around. Read more.

30 June - 1 July - read more

If you're here at the end of June, this one’s worth getting in the diary. There’s livestock, showjumping, local food, gardens and hundreds of stands to work your way around. It’s a big one, so we’d go early and give it the day to explore.

Save this one for a good weather day and start at Wells, heading along the coast towards Holkham. Take the beach for the big open views, or use the pinewoods when you want a bit of shade. Loop back through the Holkham Estate and you’ve got around seven miles under your belt.

No. 10 is one of our picks for dinner in Sheringham. It’s a small restaurant run by a husband-and-wife team, with a menu that changes with the seasons and makes the most of local produce. Book yourself a table and make an evening of it.

Tucked away just outside Norwich city centre, the Plantation Garden is very easy to miss. Head down into the old chalk quarry and you’ll find three acres of gardens hidden just below street level. A nice spot to duck away from the busier parts of the city.

The Sandringham Flower Show is a good one if gardens are your thing. There are show gardens, floral displays, competitions and plenty of stalls to browse, all in the grounds of the Sandringham Estate. Sometimes, there’s even a visit from a Royal! Read more

24 - 25 July 2027 - read more

Worstead Festival is one of those proper Norfolk summer days out, with live music, local food, craft stalls and plenty going on in the main show ring. There are chef demos, vintage vehicles and all sorts dotted around the village.

Sheringham is a good one for getting out on the water in summer. SUP Shack on the promenade hires out paddleboards and offers lessons too, so you can give it a go even if you’ve never done it before. A nice change from just sitting on the beach.

For an easy lunch by the coast, Cromer has a few good options. Try The Bucket List for loaded fries or Kerbside Kitchen for a smash burger. Pick something up and take it down towards the sea.

You don’t have to go far for a wonderful bit of green space. Holt Country Park is only a few minutes away, with woodland, heathland and plenty of spots to stop for a while. Take a picnic, follow one of the trails and enjoy being out of town without really going anywhere.

4 August - read more

Enjoy one of Shakespeare’s best known tragedies in the atmospheric setting of Holkham Hall’s Lady Elizabeth Courtyard. This classic tale of jealousy, deception, and madness is performed by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, who have a longstanding connection to The Bard. Bring a picnic, and settle in for an evening of exciting outdoor theatre.

29 August - read more

Creake Abbey’s Summer Gift Fair is a good one for a Saturday mooch, with local makers, artists and food producers filling the grounds. Have a look around the stalls, grab something to eat and leave a bit of time for the abbey ruins while you’re there.

Known for its colourful beach huts, wide sands, and sheltered pine forest, Wells is perfect for an August beach day. It’s a popular spot, but visit at low tide and you’ll find plenty of space to stretch out if you walk in the direction of Holkham. Perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and best enjoyed with an ice cream in hand.

One of our favourite North Norfolk walks, made for a sunny day. Set out across the clifftops to Weybourne, with views of coastline and countryside to enjoy. At the halfway point, stop at The Ship Inn for a drink before thinking about the journey back. If you’ve timed it with low tide, return to Sheringham along the beach. If not, we’d head inland through Sheringham Park for a change of scenery.

On a clear August evening, Blakeney Quay is one of our favourite places for sunset. Find yourself a bench overlooking the salt marshes, sit back and stay while the light disappears. Nothing complicated about this one.

2 October - read more

The Auden Theatre is just up the road from us, and this October Aria and Sarah Gillespie are both performing for an evening of jazz, folk and soul. Have dinner with us first, then head over for the show at 7:30pm.

10 - 11 October - read more

Head to the Norfolk Showground for all sorts of antiques and vintage finds, from little trinkets to larger furniture and statement pieces. Be sure to go with an open mind because you never quite know what you’ll end up coming home with!

Blickling Estate is a wonderful place for history, architecture, and stunning autumn views. With more than 900 acres of woodland and parkland to enjoy, follow any of the signposted routes for a good dose of fresh air. When you’re ready to retreat indoors, the Muddy Boots Café is the perfect place to warm up with a hot drink.

This idyllic historic village is made for an autumnal afternoon potter. Wander around the village green and nearby parkland, before stopping for something sweet at Heydon Village Tea Room.

Follow the Norfolk Coast Path along the clifftops from Sheringham to West Runton, with the sea alongside you most of the way. Time it with low tide and you can come back along the beach instead, with a bit of beachcombing on the way.

6 November - read more

There may be a noticeable chill in the air, but that’s no reason to miss out on an evening of live music and local food and drink. Set in the grounds of the stunning Mannington Hall, wrap up warm, spend the evening sipping something delicious, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

7 November - read more

A visit to Creake Abbey’s Farmers’ Market is a great way to discover local makers and artisans. With over fifty stalls to browse, plus the resident independent shops to be found in the courtyard, it’s easy to spend a few hours pottering, and likely end up picking up some handmade gifts.

With Christmas just around the corner, we can’t recommend anywhere better for a browse than our favourite independent department store. You’ll find a bit of everything in this proper Holt institution, whether you’re looking for gifts or simply feeling a little self-indulgent.

Perfect for a proper helping of sea air and coastal views, head to Wells at low tide for a walk that blows away the cobwebs. This time of year, you often feel like you’ve got the beach to yourself, which only makes it more special. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the sand and amongst the pinewoods, and walk as far as you fancy.

With the weather not quite up to par and the evenings drawing in, sometimes our favourite place to be is inside, doing not all that much. Spend an afternoon relaxing in Henry’s, whether that’s settling in with a book or having a proper catch up with one another. Sip a coffee, or perhaps something stronger, and let the afternoon happen around you.

21 November - 24 December - read more

Wrap up warm and head to Sandringham for an evening of lights, music and plenty of festive atmosphere. Wander through the illuminated trail, take in the displays and, if you’re feeling nostalgic, have a go on the vintage funfair too.

Varied dates from 3 - 31 December - read more

Leave the car behind and get into the Christmas spirit aboard the Norfolk Lights Express. The steam train is completely decked out in lights, with colourful displays appearing along the route as you travel through the countryside towards Sheringham.

We’d be doing December a disservice if we left this one off the list. Holt is especially magical at Christmas, and we’re very happy to be right in the middle of it. Pop in, get cosy and enjoy the festive atmosphere at Byfords.

Head to Blickling for a few hours and see the Hall dressed up for Christmas. Have a wander through the Jacobean house, soak up a bit of history and, if the weather behaves, finish with a walk around the lake before heading back.

Start with a wander across the salt marshes at Salthouse and see what winter wildlife you can spot along the way. Once you’ve had enough fresh air, head into the Dun Cow, warm up and settle in for a proper pub lunch. No need to rush this one.