Cromer Artspace is in an art deco building on Cromer Promenade
Well known for its 45 miles of unspoilt beaches, big skies and stunning countryside, North Norfolk is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places that you can visit in the UK. And that striking aesthetic, open space, and accompanying relaxed pace, has inspired myriad artists to make the area their home.
But a relaxed pace should not be confused with a lack of vibrancy; North Norfolk is home to cutting-edge galleries, unexpected exhibition spaces, and thriving communities of makers.
Houghton Hall & Gardens
Houghton is a true gem – summed up neatly on their website as ‘Palladian Splendour, Award-winning Gardens & Contemporary Art’. If you love a stately home, here’s one for you. If want to amble through spectacular gardens and across manicured lawns, then look no further. But what makes Houghton truly unique is its annual site-specific presentation of work by a leading artist (previous exhibitors have included Anthony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Magdalene Odundo and Damien Hirst) and its astonishing permanent collection of sculptures. Jeppe Hein’s Waterflame sees fire leaping from a pond in the Walled Garden; Richard Long’s Full Moon Circle blends seamlessly into an expanse of green lawn; Turner Prize-winner Rachel Whiteread’s concrete Houghton Hut is nestled in the woods. Plus, work by James Turrell, Richard Long, Anya Gallaccio, Stephen Cox, Sean Scully and more.
Find out more at houghtonhall.com
Richard Long’s ‘White Deer Circle’ at Houghton Hall
Cromer ArtSpace
Uniquely situated on the promenade, in a characterful art deco building, Cromer Artspace’s varied programme of exhibitions and talks by local, national and international artists should not be missed. Their project ‘The Bigger Picture’ sees them working in collaboration with major metropolitan galleries to reproduce work from their collections and post it around the town, seamlessly blending the aesthetic of old masters with the ethos of street art. And in summer 2025, they launched their first site-specific outdoor sculpture exhibition, in the grounds of the Grove Hotel.
Find out more at cromer-artspace.uk
Work being exhibited at Cromer Artspace
The Handa Gallery at Wells Maltings
Wells Maltings is a multi-arts space with a packed programme of theatre, film, open mic nights, music and exhibitions. In the Hansa Gallery, exhibitions range from textiles to photography – punctuated by craft fairs allowing you to buy direct from local makers. Moments from the harbour, this is the perfect venue to enjoy a cultural experience and then treat yourself to fish and chips overlooking the water.
Find out more at wellsmaltings.org.uk/exhibitions
Wells Maltings
The Gunton Arms
Yes, this one’s a pub. But it’s not just any pub. Aside from the fact that the food is outstanding, the whole place is a treasure trove of modern and contemporary art. Tracey Emin neon signs are juxtaposed with the aged flagstones of the restaurant floor; work by Paula Rego, Damien Hirst, Frank Auerbach and Lucien Freud is dotted throughout. In the Men’s loo is a David Bailey portrait of the Kray Twins. Above the fire on which much of the food is cooked is (not modern art but still a striking sight) a giant elk skull. Set in a 1,000 acre deer park, a great joy of this pub is that despite its artistic credentials and acclaimed menu, there is no standing on ceremony; there is a relaxed vibe throughout, and the unglamourous front bar is pure traditional pub.
Find out more at www.theguntonarms.co.uk
Tracy Emin ‘I said don’t practise on me’ at The Gunton Arms
North Norfolk Open Studios (usually runs late May – early June)
If you are visiting in the Spring, look up this thriving Open Studios, which covers most of the county north of Norwich. Over 130 artists take part, with painters, ceramicists, jewellers, metalworkers, sculptors, printmakers and more opening up the spaces in which they make work.
Many of the artists will have work available to buy, and the trails provided on the North Norfolk Open Studios website help you to explore the areas taking part – opening up many of the area’s most picturesque villages and towns.
Some participating artists are also happy to receive visitors by appointment throughout the year – see details on the individual artist listing.
Find out more at northnorfolkstudios.co.uk
The interior of Make Holt
Makers’ spaces
If you’re keen to take home a memento of your visit, there are plenty of places that you can buy work by local creatives. In Holt, Make Holt stocks work by over 60 local makers; pick up some hand-painted driftwood, prints and illustrations of local landmarks, Norfolk-made textiles or artisan soaps. Alby Crafts & Gardens not only has work by several local makers, but you can also explore tranquil gardens and stop for refreshment at the Artisan Bistro. Visit Langham Glass in Fakenham to shop for exquisite tableware, paperweights and baubles – plus watch demonstrations of glass being blown, and even have a go yourself with their glassblowing experiences.
For more inspiration on where to visit in North Norfolk, and to find great places to eat, drink and stay visit www.visitnorthnorfolk.com
