‘I visited the UK’s ‘prettiest’ town and I’d go back for one thing alone’ | UK | News

Rows of chocolate-box cottages, family-run bakeries and a cosy country pub – the checklist for the perfect staycation.

And not even the torrential rain greeting us as we arrived in Holt, North Norfolk could dull the town’s charm.

Regularly named one of the prettiest in the UK, market town sits close to the very edge of East Anglia and really does feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of London.

On the weekend we spent there, it was almost strange to wake up to complete silence on the streets outside, with not even the clatter of bin men or shop deliveries disturbing the sleepy streets.

With the nearest city, Norwich, being some 22 miles away you could be forgiven for thinking there would be little to keep you entertained or well stocked, but Holt really does have it all.

When you’ve meandered the twisting streets of 18th century Georgian homes, why not step into one of the many bakeries and cafes.

A firm favourite is Byfords, which itself is like stepping back 50 years. Friendly staff serve takeaway coffee, fresh cinnamon buns, pasties and even takeaway roast dinners from as early as 7am, with the cafe/restaurant next door serving customers until 11pm.

The sausage rolls alone were worth the three-hour trek and miles of traffic behind crawling tractors – we even picked up a few for the journey home.

Next we headed to the local shops, of which Holt has plenty. 

There’s Owl Town Antiques, Anthony Fell and more to peruse for some unique finds as well as posh charity shops rammed with rails stacked full of country gear and some designer finds for less than £20.

If you want to pick up some gifts, then Norfolk Natural Living and Fragrance by Candlelight are among those well stocked with candles and home furnishings unique to the area.

Of course, the main event is Bakers and Larners – which has everything from local wine, clothing and its own Aga showroom if you’re in the market for one (who isn’t?).

There’s even a spot here to sit and taste the wines on offer in front of the high street – perfect for people watching.

For dinner there’s the Feathers and the Kings Head – the first a pub stroke boutique hotel and the latter a classic local boozer with a brilliant restaurant. 

We ate at the Kings Head and it was everything I wanted and more. We had pub classics like burgers and ham, egg and chips as well as a daily specials board. I opted for the Venison sausages and mash – perfect to warm you up on a drizzly winter’s day.

Another option is Albert’s Fish and Chips, a local favourite and famous in the area. And I’m pleased to confirm it really was some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever had.

As if this wasn’t enough to fill our weekend, there’s so much surrounding Holt that’s an absolute must while you’re in the area.

A quick trip to Wells-next-the-Sea was in order, so we donned our waterproofs and headed out to the pretty seaside town about 20 minutes away.

The quirky town has a classic amusements arcade as well as chippies, with more independent shops selling everything from crabbing gear to jewellery.

While we didn’t get to head to the beach this time, from memory it’s a beautiful walk out to rows of beach huts on stilts before you’re met with sandy shores. 

We then raced over to Morston Quay. The skies were a very ominous shade of grey that threatened the £20-a-head seal trip we’d booked through Beans Boat Trips.

Thankfully, this blew over once we’d parked up and boarded the small boat that would then take us on a stunning hour-long trip out to Blakeney Point where we were greeted by the bobbing heads of friendly grey seals showing off in the waves.

This time of year they head here to mate, as well as doing a lot of snoozing on the shores.

Last on the list was Holkham. The beautiful sandy beach spans over two miles flanked by rolling sand dunes and marshes. We arrived on low tide but were grateful for our wellies as the puddles were still pretty deep. 

Even though the car park was absolutely rammed, the beach is so vast it often feels like you’re the only people there. We then headed over to Holkham Hall and while its just over the road it was much easier to drive as we’d been on our feet for hours. 

Wild deer were roaming the car park and grounds as we arrived to a burst of sunshine. 

You can pay £5 per car to roam the beautiful grounds, with an extra charge for the house itself. We just opted for the grounds which can take a couple of hours in itself, taking in the stunning view of the lake.

All of this made for thirsty work so it was straight back home for a glass of wine by the fire, before heading home the next day. The only problem we encountered was parking – you have to pay EVERYWHERE so just be prepared to shell out each day.

Overall, it was a much needed escape and I can’t wait to go back, still dreaming of the sausage rolls.