Holt

The historic town of Holt owes its 21st Century charm to 18th Century disaster. In May 1708, a devastating fire started at Shirehall Plain and spread with such ferocity that it took only three hours to engulf the medieval town.

But from the ashes a new town rose, giving us the superbly preserved Georgian architectural legacy we enjoy today.

With this generous collection of fine buildings at its heart, and being surrounded by woodland and parkland areas, Holt is a haven for artists, photographers, walkers and riders. Bookshops, galleries, antique and bric-a-brac shops, restaurants and eating-places, nestle shoulder-to-shoulder in the many alleyways and courtyards that punctuate its 300-year-old townscape.

On the edge of town lies Holt Country Park, an area of more than 100 acres of woodland. With car parking, picnic areas, nature trails, an adventure playground for the children and a year-round programme of activities for all ages, it’s an ideal spot for families.

Holt is a town for all seasons, from the annual Christmas Festival early in December to the Summer Fair in July. This creative and committed community has earned a string of Anglia in Bloom Small Country Town category and Best Kept Village awards.

The Poppy Line heritage railway travels a picturesque route across heathland and along the coast to Sheringham, where passengers can pick up the Bittern Line for stations through to Norwich.