Activities and Entertainment
Holt Country Park
Countryside Walks and Wildlife can be found in the Country Park. Holt Country Park, just 10 minutes walk from the historic Norfolk Georgian town of the same name, is a tranquil setting of mature woodland adjoining the heathland of Holt Lowes an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and the nearby River Glaven.
The earliest recorded mention of the land now the Country Park was in the 1700’s. At that time the area between the Norwich Road and Hempstead Road was a racecourse. The race meetings were an important local event with members of the aristocracy competing for the “Town Plate”.
The wood extends to almost 100 acres and contains more than 30 species of tree composed mainly of Scots Pine, Oak and Silver Birch, together with other species. Woodland management of the site is directed to increasing the proportion of native broadleaved trees with stands of varying ages to enhance habitat diversity.
The Country Park is a sustainable working woodland where people, the local economy and nature co-exist. It is a valuable natural resource for all to enjoy. Access has been thoughtfully planned with a system of broad rides, woodland glades and way marked walks.
One of the routes is designed for ease of use by the less mobile or for families with pushchairs.
Throughout the Country Park there are interesting features such as a totem pole, carved stile, play area and viewing tower.
Afterwards why not visit Hetty’s House Tearoom for coffee and cake.
The Holt Owl Trail
The Holt Owl Trail is designed to take you on a tour of Holt’s historic Georgian town centre. To assist you on your way, just find any of the 24 numbered pavement plaques and follow the orientation of the Owl featuring on each plaque.
For more information visit www.holtowltrail.co.uk
North Norfolk Railway
The North Norfolk Railway offers a 10.5 mile round trip by steam train (vintage diesel trains on some journeys) through a delightful area of North Norfolk designated as being of outstanding natural beauty. To the south are wooded hills and the Norfolk beauty spots of Kelling Heath and Sheringham Park. Holt is the last stop. To the north, the sea. All within easy walking distance from the various stations.
The flowers are a sight to see throughout the year. In spring and early summer there are primroses, bluebells and the yellow gorse. Later in the year the poppies abound and are set off by the mauve heathers.
Enjoy a ride on an historic steam train – you can break your journey to look around the stations and marvel at the steam laden atmosphere from a bygone age. The Railway runs special events on its trains throughout the year from Murder Mystery weekends to Thomas the Tank and Friends. The third weekend in September is the 1940’s weekend and in 2020 it is September 19th – 20th. Over the years this event has attracted more and more visitors and more and more exhibitors. It is widely felt to be one of the best events of its type in the country. People are invited to attend the event in 1940s civilian dress! Some photos from the 2012 event can be found at www.nnrailway.co.uk.
Sports facilities and Playing Field, and Open Space Areas
Holt has a Playing Field on Kelling Road. Football and bowls are played here. There are football teams and a Bowls Club. There is a Playing Field on Peacock Lane. The site was refurbished in 2013 and has play equipment for young children and children up to 12 years old. There is also a five a side football goal posts. There are play areas at the Holt Country Park on Norwich Road.
There is a garden in the centre of Holt, known as the Methodist Memorial Garden. It is open Monday – Saturday 8.30am – 4pm and is a quiet area to relax. To the west of the town centre, off Letheringsett Hill there is Spouts Common. This is a 16 acre area of common land for everyone to enjoy.
Holt Open Spaces Leaflet
Shopping in Holt
Holt has an abundance of shops. From the traditional fruit and vegetable shop to bakers, butchers and fishmongers to an array of independent shops selling everything from jewellery to home furnishings.
Pride of Place in the Market Place is the family store of Bakers & Larners. Larners have a sumptuous selection of delicatessen goods and wines and spirits.
There are a wonderful choice of places to eat in the town from the traditional coffee shop to evening meals. Holt is steeped with character and has lots of nooks, crannies and shopping yards – so a place to explore and enjoy.
Theatre
The Auden Theatre is the hub for the North Norfolk arts circuit. Located in the heart of Gresham’s Senior School grounds, the theatre offers a unique, intimate and versatile space for both school shows and professional performances in a modern and purpose-built facility. A fully-equipped and professionally-run venue, the theatre hosts a diverse and expansive programme of productions throughout the year and serves as an important local outlet for visiting artists.
The theatre hosts a broad collection of performers from local musical groups to international theatre companies. There are also student-led productions which prove extremely popular, with sizeable and ambitious performances consistently drawing large audiences from the local community. Telephone 01263 713144.
