For a foodie staycation with seal-spotting, independent shops and galleries, look no further than this picturesque Georgian town, says Tessa Allingham in Waitrose Weekend.
Places of note Letheringsett is the last working watermill in Norfolk – don’t leave without a bag of stoneground flour. Explore the National Trust’s Felbrigg Hall, near Cromer, which has a Jacobean façade, a magnificent library and beautiful parkland. Enjoy a woodland walk in Holt Country Park, head to the Norfolk Coast Path for sea views or go seal-spotting from Blakeney or Morston. The Holt Owl Trail is a self-guided tour that takes you past elegant buildings, Bakers & Larners department store, independent boutiques, antiques shops and contemporary galleries.
Famous faces James Dyson went to school in Holt and four-time Olympic rowing champion Matthew Pinsent was born here.
To eat Where to start? Meadowsweet’s tasting menus have put Holt firmly on the foodie map since its opening in May. Byfords is great for all-day dining and the Snug lives up to its name, serving Mediterranean dishes on its tiny terrace. Pick up sausage rolls and cakes at Owl Tea Rooms, or take a seat in its secret garden, and visit H&J for churros and ice cream. The Two Magpies Bakery does fresh loaves downstairs and wood-fired pizzas upstairs.
1 To stay
Meadowsweet has three elegant rooms that make the perfect base for exploring the town. The room rate includes dinner and a brilliant breakfast. Doubles from £330 a night.
2 To rent
There’s a hotel feel to the interiors of this luxurious two-bedroom flat on Holt’s high street. It’s available through the chic self-catering specialist Kip; membership costs £14 a year. From £185 a night.
3 To Airbnb
Grade II listed Duck Cottage is in the Glaven Valley, just outside Holt. It sleeps five and has two bathrooms, a cosy living room, countryside views and a dining room that opens onto a private garden. From £476 for three nights.
4 To buy
A short walk from Holt, five-bedroom Rose Cottage has far-reaching countryside views. There are several outbuildings in its five acres of paddocks and gardens, including a one-bedroom barn conversion. £1.525m.