Holiday rentals in Holt

Holt is a traditional market town near the north Norfolk coast that’s within easy reach of Norwich’s medieval architecture, Cromer’s famous crabs, and King’s Lynn’s maritime history. The town is ideally located for exploring the Georgian towns and natural beauty of Norfolk and the rest of East Anglia.

After the Great Fire of 1708 that destroyed most of the town, Holt was almost completely rebuilt and is now prized for its Georgian architecture and Norfolk flint stone houses. Down the alleys and passageways leading off the main streets, you’ll discover the town’s hidden yards. Originally belonging to grand Victorian houses, these spaces are now home to boutiques and small cafes with window boxes. The Holt Owl Trail guides visitors around the town’s historical sights with brass plaques set into the pavements.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, the nearby Norfolk Broads are a scenic network of lakes and rivers with windmills dotted along the banks. People come to the Broads for sailing, canoeing, and walking, while wildlife enthusiasts are drawn to nearby Blakeney Point, home to England’s largest grey seal colony. The Norfolk Coast Path covers 84 miles from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea, with dramatic views across salt marshes, tiny seaside villages, and vast coastal skies.

North Norfolk’s natural beauty and historical architecture make holiday cottages in Holt popular all year round. A springtime visit will allow you to enjoy mild sunny days and admire the carpets of woodland bluebells and marsh marigolds. Summer draws people to the nearby coast for sweet Cromer crab and North Sea surfing. The Holt Festival takes place each July, with venues across the town hosting an array of entertainment, including aerial acrobatics, standup comedy, and literary talks.

Animal lovers could time their holidays in Holt to coincide with the arrival of newborn seal pups to Norfolk in early November. In early December, the Christmas Festival begins, with market stalls, craft fairs, and festive lights adding more magic to the pretty streets, which can receive the odd dusting of snow in the colder months.

North Norfolk Railway Station

Just outside the town centre, the volunteer-run North Norfolk Railway operates heritage diesel and steam trains along the Poppy Line between Holt and Sheringham. Journeys take approximately 20 minutes and are a relaxed way to arrive at the nearby Victorian seaside town for a walk along the seafront, with its golden sand and colourful beach huts.

Holt Owl Trail

The 24 bronze plaques along the Holt Owl Trail are dotted around the town, with a corresponding map that tells the stories of the numbered locations. The trail allows you to discover the town at your own pace, tracing a route around Holt’s historical monuments and points of interest, from the town’s famous yards to the story of its grand stone lion statue.

Holt Country Park

Part of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Holt Country Park spreads across 100 acres of tranquil woodland and heathland. The park is designed to be enjoyed by all, with several dog-friendly trails, easy-access routes, picnic areas, a sensory garden, and a tea room. Many species of butterfly make their homes here, along with greater spotted woodpeckers and wild ponies.