Norfolk


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?  </h2>



<p>One of the most complete Georgian towns, where Norfolk flint buildings are seemingly ubiquitous, Holt is packed with cobbled alleyways, tempting independent shops, delis and galleries. A spate of hip openings in the past year or so have given the spot a new lease of life. Plus there&#8217;s the fab monthly <a aria-label="Holt Sunday Market (opens in a new tab)" href="https://loveholt.com/hsm-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holt Sunday Market</a>, with street food and local traders, as well as the brilliant <a aria-label="Holt Festival  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.holtfestival.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holt Festival</a> – an annual arts and culture bonanza. Come winter, the place is famed for its tasteful Christmas lights and the yearly <a aria-label="switch-on (opens in a new tab)" href="https://loveholt.com/holt-lights-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">switch-on</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1155" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/362649255_17985588206508762_3537885731159970469_n.jpg" alt="Star Plains Store exterior" class="wp-image-57394" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/362649255_17985588206508762_3537885731159970469_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/362649255_17985588206508762_3537885731159970469_n-693x800.jpg 693w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/362649255_17985588206508762_3537885731159970469_n-866x1000.jpg 866w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/362649255_17985588206508762_3537885731159970469_n-768x887.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Star Plains Store</figcaption></figure>



<p>Holt has its very own member of the Michelin glitterati, <a aria-label="Meadowsweet (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.meadowsweetholt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meadowsweet</a>, which has retained its star for another year. If you&#8217;re after something a little more casual, <a href="https://www.byfords.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Byfords</a> is a Holt institution – a café, deli, pub, restaurant, ice cream parlour and boutique hotel in one. The intimate <a href="https://www.chubbyseal.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chubby Seal</a> is a cosy spot for pre-dinner drinkies, especially craft beer. Fine dine at <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-feathers-holt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Feathers</a>, which has had an impressive makeover, or hit up the venerable <a href="https://www.owltearooms.co.uk/the-owl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Owl Tea Rooms</a> for delicious cakes and cuppas. </p>



<p>In the mood for getting absolutely battered? The Holt branch of <a aria-label="Eric's  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.ericsfishandchips.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric&#8217;s </a>is one of the best places to get fish and chips in the county. If you&#8217;re planning a picnic, <a aria-label="Star Plains Stores (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.starplainstores.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Star Plains Stores</a> is a cool spot to pick up top-notch provisions (take a moment to relax in its Cheese and Wine lounge), while <a href="https://www.instagram.com/crossstreetunion/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cross Street Union</a> is our tip for grabbing coffee and a small-batch pastry. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/02/Oola-Boola-Fabulous.jpg" alt="Oola Boola Fabulous vintage shop in Holt" class="wp-image-32125" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/02/Oola-Boola-Fabulous.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/02/Oola-Boola-Fabulous-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/02/Oola-Boola-Fabulous-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/02/Oola-Boola-Fabulous-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/02/Oola-Boola-Fabulous-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/02/Oola-Boola-Fabulous-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/02/Oola-Boola-Fabulous-200x200.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Oola Boola Fabulous</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re into indie stores, vintage and antiques, Holt really is the place to shop until you drop. Fashionistas will adore local label &#8211; and Muddy Awards 2024 Best Women&#8217;s Fashion winner – <a href="https://www.fairfaxandfavor.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fairfax &amp; Favor</a>, <a href="http://www.thetannery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tannery</a>&nbsp;for all things leather, and <a href="https://www.woofersandbarkers.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woofers &amp; Barkers</a> to pimp up your pooch. We also love <a aria-label="Oola Boola Fabulous (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/oolaboolafabulous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oola Boola Fabulous</a> for brilliantly curated vintage clobber, and divine-smelling home-fragrance store <a href="https://the-scented-barn.square.site" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Scented Barn</a>, winner of the Muddy Awards 2024 Best Lifestyle Shop. </p>



<p>Upmarket traditional department store <a href="https://www.bakersandlarners.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bakers &amp; Larners</a> stocks, well, everything, while the former post office is home to a seriously groovy record shop – <a aria-label="Holt Vinyl Vault (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/Holt-Vinyl-Vault-494214790647999/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holt Vinyl Vault</a>. Check out the work of talented crafters and artisans at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/makersgalleryholt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Makers Gallery Holt</a>, and for lovely gifts seek out <a aria-label="Aurina  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.aurina.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aurina</a>. The unique <a aria-label="Utopia  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.utopiatheunexpectedgallery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utopia</a> stocks a mixture of fine art and homewares, and unearth some vintage finds at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHouseAndGardenShop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The House and Garden Shop</a>. And just try popping into town and not picking up a treat from <a href="https://hunterschocolate.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hunters of Holt</a> chocolate shop – we dare you – owned by Norfolk&#8217;s resident Willy Wonka and chef extraordinaire, <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/interview-chef-gary-hunter-of-hunters-academy-if-food-and-hunters-chocolate-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gary Hunter</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Looking for a spruce up? There’s a number of decent salons in Holt, including <a href="https://www.jojordanhairdressing.com">Jo Jordan Hairdressing</a> and <a href="https://www.applehairdesign.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Hair Design</a> for hair and <a href="https://bellisimabeautysalon.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bellisima Beauty Salon</a> for beauty. There&#8217;s also a pharmacy, opticians and a number of complimentary therapies in town. If you want to get active, there’s no end of lovely walking and cycling routes with <a href="https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/the-reef-leisure-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Reef Leisure Centre</a> in Sheringham and <a href="https://www.kellingheath.co.uk/things-to-do/health-fitness-club/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kelling Heath Health &amp; Fitness Club</a> your closest full facility gyms. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://loveholt.com/community-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">community</a> vibe is strong in Holt with its monthly <a href="https://loveholt.com/hsm-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sunday Market</a>, the BIG <a href="https://loveholt.com/holt-lights-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas</a> light switch on and the <a href="https://holtfestival.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holt Festival</a>. <a href="https://loveholt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Love Holt</a> is run by the community and is a handy site to follow for local updates and upcoming events when you first move to the area but also to get involved with too because, as you&#8217;ll quickly discover, it&#8217;s impossible not to love Holt. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/media/5874/holt-country-park-leaflet.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holt Country Park</a> provides 100 acres of pretty woodland and healthland, just on the outskirts of town – perfect for dog walking (don&#8217;t miss <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HettysofHolt/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hetty&#8217;s House Tea Room</a> there). There are also plenty of beaches within a short drive, with chips, ice cream and penny arcades at the traditional seaside town of Sheringham. A trip to see the seals at Blakeney Point is a must. Jump on the<a href="https://www.nnrailway.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> North Norfolk Railway</a> steam train for the beautiful 10-mile round trip through the coastal countryside. <a href="https://www.shellmuseum.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Shell Museum</a> in nearby Glandford is a quirky visit, or for a grand day out the <a href="https://www.muckleburgh.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muckleburgh Collection</a> in Weybourne is packed with military paraphernalia. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="540" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2016/09/AudenTheatreWithGarden.jpg" alt="The Auden Theatre in Holt Norfolk" class="wp-image-4036" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2016/09/AudenTheatreWithGarden.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2016/09/AudenTheatreWithGarden-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2016/09/AudenTheatreWithGarden-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Auden Theatre</figcaption></figure>



<p>A summer highlight, the <a aria-label="Holt Festival  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.holtfestival.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holt Festival</a> is an eclectic mix of comedy, music, dance, theatre, politics, journalism, literature and poetry from around the globe. <a href="https://www.greshams.com/venue-hire-and-lettings/auden-theatre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Auden Theatre</a>, in the grounds of Gresham&#8217;s School, hosts a variety of productions from local musical groups to international musicians and theatre companies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>Expect to pay about £385,062. On average, terraced properties sold for an average of £290,8330, semi-detached properties £295,594 and detached £452,493. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/HOLT.jpeg" alt="A detached house in the market town of Holt for sale" class="wp-image-54844" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/HOLT.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/HOLT-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/HOLT-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A 5 bed contemporary home in the heart of Holt. <a href="https://www.sowerbys.com/properties/19519626/sales#/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £750,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>For Outstanding nurseries, take your pick: <a href="https://www.steppingstonesdaynursery.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stepping Stones Day Nursery</a> is just a 15 min walk from the High Street, and <a href="https://www.strawberrypatch.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Strawberry Patch Nursery</a>, in nearby Hempstead, is an attractive setting in a purpose-built cabin on a former farm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>With an impressive alumni as long at your arm (including Oscar-winning Olivia Colman and inventor James Dyson) – <a href="https://www.greshams.com">Gresham&#8217;s</a> in Holt is our Muddy recommended day and boarding private school, from <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/greshams-prep-school-holt-norfolk-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nursery and Pre-Prep</a> through to Senior. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Plenty of people who have lived in or near Holt for years have somehow never heard of <a aria-label="Spout Hills (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.holttowncouncil.org/about-holt/holt-the-wider-area/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spout Hills</a>. So shhhhhhh… you found out here first! Tucked at the edge of town, it&#8217;s an idyllic little picnic spot with a shallow stream, perfect for paddling, and a pond. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Your nearest city is Norwich, a 45 min drive away. Trains go to Norwich from Sheringham, a 15 min drive away, and there are also buses to the city. Central London is a chunky 3.5 hrs by car. </p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live">Top 300 Best Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Holt

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