subject: Holt In North Norfolk - Small But Beautiful [print this page] Holt In North Norfolk - Small But Beautiful
Stroll down a High Street anywhere in the country and you're likely to find the same thing - nationwide chains, a glut of coffee-shops selling pre-packed sandwiches, and more and more mobile phone stores. Fortunately, however, there are still some places that go against the grain - if you are looking for something different, spend a weekend break Norfolk and you'll find a refreshing change.
Wander down the backstreets of Wells-next-the-Sea, for example, or the many hidden courtyards in Holt, and you'll find that independent stores are still thriving, selling everything from home-made cakes and pastries to holiday souvenirs. Indeed, Norfolk Luxury Hotels are well placed for souvenir shopping, with antiques, jewellery, pottery, paintings and all sorts of other hand-made goods widely available here.
Burnham Market is well worth a visit, with an eclectic mix of shops located around the village green, while Big Blue Sky, just outside Wells, is a must-see for many visitors as it only stocks goods that are made in the county. Whether you're after some chocolates, fudge, biscuits or other sweet things, or some beautifully-wrapped gift soaps, this is the place to come to.
Between the two towns there's the village of Stiffkey - so small that you could easily just drive through it - where there's a lamp shop that many people pull over for, while further along the coast to the east is Cley, a tiny place set back from the salt marsh that is home to a wonderful windmill. Despite its own small population, Cley is heaving in the summer, swelled by visitors (lots of them walkers) who pop in to look at the wonderful pottery and jewellery shop here as well as the gallery, smoked fish shop and the delightful deli. This lovely place sells everything from freshly-baked lavender bread to Norfolk apple juice - again, something different to remind you of your trip to one of the Norfolk Hotels.
Of course, there are some fun goods to be had here, too, particularly in the seaside towns such as Cromer. Little ones will find all sorts on offer in this popular seaside town, particularly near the pier, so if you're after a stick of rock, a bucket and spade or a wind-up crab, Cromer's the place to come to.
