Hot tickets for autumn
30th September 2026
Holkham © The Photo Unit
From exhibitions, foodie pop-ups and markets to literary festivals, family fun and more, we fill in your early autumn diary, so you don’t have to…
First Tuesday of every month: Walking Women
Established more than 10 years ago, these gentle monthly walks explore the many landscapes of Holkham. Take in Holkham Park on 4 August (meet outside Visitor Reception) and Holkham Beach on 1 September (meet at The Lookout). From 10am, duration 90 minutes.
Every Monday: Blickling Bounders
This weekly, organised dog walk takes place on the Blickling Estate. Meet at the Old School at the top of the main car park on Mondays at 10am.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling
Mondays: Nelson’s Shantymen
Join in and sing-along with this renowned local shanty group – which raises money for charitable causes – as they rehearse at The Jolly Sailors in Brancaster Staithe, most Mondays from 7pm to 9pm. Alongside traditional sea shanties, their repertoire includes a number of songs celebrating the achievements of Lord Nelson.
www.jollysailorsbrancaster.co.uk
Wednesdays until 28 October: Tour the attics of Holkham Hall
Accompanied by an expert guide, this 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour exploring the attics, hidden passages and the servants’ stairs of Holkham Hall will take you right up to the highest tower rooms and attics. Find out how the servants managed to flit between the grand State Rooms without being seen and how they serviced the State Bedchambers, where royalty once slept. See where the fantastic collection of manuscripts were once found, when Coke of Norfolk inherited the Hall. You will even see what lies behind the beautiful ceiling of the Marble Hall and hear how it was made. Note, these tours are not for everybody. You will need to climb 70 stairs to the top of the house (and 70 stairs down again!) so do wear sensible shoes.
Wednesdays until 28 October: Explore the working heart of Holkham Hall
Discover what lies beneath the state rooms – the cellars and courtyards which were once the beating heart of the hall, the world of the downstairs staff. See the laundry room and vast kitchen complex that prepared meals to be delivered to the Family Wing over a quarter of a mile away, and where staff dined, shared stories and sipped on ‘small beer’ after long days of hard work. Note, these 90-minute tours are not for everybody. You will need to climb down lots of steep stairs so do wear sensible shoes.
Every Friday: Social Walks at Blickling Estate
A new weekly event offering a great opportunity to meet new people. Head to the Estate Barn visitor centre in the main car park for 9.50am where you’ll find a walk leader waiting to take you on a three-walk around the parkland. Enjoy views of the lake and pass landmarks such as the Mausoleum, before heading to the Muddy Boots Café where you can purchase refreshments.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling
Until 18 October: Bayfield Sculpture Trail
This annual outdoor exhibition returns to the grounds of Bayfield Hall near Holt for a fifth year, with 40 artists exploring the theme of ‘Ritual’. Expect new works created specifically for the trail, alongside pieces on tour from the Raveningham Sculpture Trail, its sister event in South Norfolk. Artworks span sculpture, installation, performance and interdisciplinary practices in a variety of materials and approaches. New for 2026 is the Sculpture Trails Film Festival featuring animations responding to the theme ‘Ritual’ from artists worldwide. Open Wednesday to Sunday, dogs on leads welcome.
Until 4 October: Norwich Cocktail Week
This event is a great opportunity to discover Norwich’s cocktail scene, with participating venues across the city serving exclusive £7.50 signature cocktails and £6 mocktails. There will also be a programme of cocktail-themed events showcasing the creativity of Norwich’s talented bartenders and hospitality teams, from hands-on masterclasses to tasting experiences. The free Norwich Food & Drink Weeks app makes it easy to follow curated cocktail trails.
Until 22 October: Secret Artist Auction & Exhibition
The Norfolk Churches Trust is hosting a Secret Artist Auction & Exhibition to raise funds to protect and conserve Norfolk’s historic churches. How does it work? Well, the charity has invited artists to donate an A5 piece of original artwork (they’re expecting work from around 80 Norfolk artists plus a celebrity artist or two) which will be exhibited anonymously at The Red Dot Gallery in Holt from 12 to 19 September. Online bidding will open on 12 September, with the auction closing at 9pm on 22 October during a special event at Norwich Cathedral, hosted by painter, designer and writer Matthew Rice.
www.norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk
2 October: Aria and Sarah Gillespie + Chris Montague Double Bill
Old Greshamian rising jazz artist Aria will perform music from her new debut album at The Auden Theatre in Holt, with a full band and three backing vocalists. Her debut singles ‘Rectify Your Soul’ and ‘It’s All Your Fault’ were both Jazz FM’s ‘Track of the Week’. Norfolk-based singer-songwriter Sarah Gillespie and Chris Montague will perform a mix of brand-new duo material they’ve cowritten, alongside selected songs performed with the full band, drawn from their forthcoming duo album recorded on Loch Fyne, Scotland, ahead of its official launch in November.
2 to 4 October: KING’S LYNN BOOK FESTIVAL
The successor to the King’s Lynn Literature Festivals promises a stellar line-up for its debut at King’s Lynn’s Town Hall, kicking off with Lady Hale, former President of the Supreme Court, as well as Mary Chamberlain, Rachel Hore and Kevin Crossley-Holland. There’ll also be discussions around ‘Espionage: In Fiction and in Fact’ and Scandi noir.
2 to 4 October: NORTH NORFOLK FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE & LANDSCAPE
2026’s festival, at Wells Maltings and beyond, celebrates two centenaries – those of David Attenborough and Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Over the weekend, producer Alastair Fothergill, who worked alongside Sir David on many occasions, shares anecdotes; Villanelle author Luke Jennings talks to David Profumo about fly-fishing; and Nick Acheson presents an event at NWT Cley Marshes, leading into a guided walk around the site. Nicholas Crane, geographer, explorer, broadcaster and author, pictured, will talk to Patrick Barkham about discovering his love of bicycles and exploration in Norfolk where he grew up, and also about his latest book The Path More Travelled – the secret history of Britain’s footpaths.
www.literatureandlandscape.org
3 OCTOBER, 7 NOVEMBER, 5 DECEMBER: CREAKE ABBEY FARMERS’ MARKET
Taking place on the first Saturday of every month (except January), this award-winning farmers market is packed with local producers, from bakes and cakes, vegetables and chutneys, to meats, prepared meals, cheeses, juices and more. 9.30am to 1pm.
3 to 11 October: by way of the sea
Four established North Norfolk artists – Mary Blue, Jane Hodgson, Chris Kirby and Tricia Moss – whose work is inspired by our coastline, maritime heritage and coastal communities will come together this autumn for this major exhibition at St Nicholas Church in Salthouse. Although each artist approaches the subject in a distinctive way, their work is united by a deep connection to the coast and the people, landscapes and traditions that have shaped it. Open daily 10am to 4.30pm (Sundays from 11am). Free parking and admission.
Find them on Instagram @bywayof_thesea
4 OCTOBER, 1 NOVEMBER, 15 NOVEMBER, 6 DECEMBER: HOLT SUNDAY MARKET
On the first Sunday of each month, from April to December, the centre of Holt is lined with stalls for the popular Sunday Market. It’s a jolly affair, with around 80 local independent craftspeople and food producers showcasing the best of Norfolk.
6 and 7 October: Another Goodbye
This acclaimed solo show comes to The Workshop, King’s Lynn (6 October) and The Garage, Norwich (7 October) inviting audiences to experience a powerful evening of theatre. Created and performed by Adie Mueller, Another Goodbye was inspired by her experience of losing her mother during the pandemic. Blending storytelling, movement and striking visuals, the show explores the moments, memories and relationships that shape our lives, celebrating the connections we share and the conversations that matter most. The Norfolk performances are presented in partnership with Tapping House Hospice and Priscilla Bacon Hospice, helping to open up conversations around grief, care and remembrance.
www.theworkshop.org.uk; www.thegarage.org.uk
9 October: The Neruda Quartet
Enjoy a coffee concert at King’s Lynn Town Hall from 10.30am with The Neruda Quartet – who were chosen to represent the Royal Academy of Music in the first International Chamber Music Symposium in China – performing Puccini’s Crisantemi and Beethoven’s String Quartet in A minor No.15 Op.132. The concert is part of King’s Lynn Festival’s Autumn Series.
10 October: The Neruda Quartet at St Mary’s Church, Snettisham
This programme brings together a lively early quartet of Beethoven (String Quartet in B flat Op.18, No.6) with a late Mozart masterpiece (String Quartet in F K.590 ‘Prussian’) with some lively Danish folk music thrown into the mix. A friendly concert for a Saturday afternoon – perfect for the family and connoisseur alike. The concert is part of King’s Lynn Festival’s Autumn Series.
10 October: Come & Sing
Sheringham and Cromer Choral Society’s annual ‘Come & Sing’ is back, an all-day workshop at Lighthouse Community Church in Sheringham featuring Sir John Rutter’s Feel the Spirit. All are welcome but booking is essential. The day concludes with a concert performance at 4pm.
www.sheringhamandcromerchoral.org.uk
10 OCTOBER, 14 NOVEMBER, 12 DECEMBER: FAKENHAM FOOD MARKET
Fakenham’s new monthly food market continues to go from strength to strength having recently welcomed Royal Blue Meat company, Rusty Crab Rum, Flamboyant Cocktails, Beesley Bakes plus wonderful pasta and focaccia sandwiches from Mario’s Kitchen. These are welcome additions to the market’s selection of fish, free range chicken, mutton, artisan bread and pies. Markets take place every second Saturday in the month, 9.30am to 1.30pm.
Select dates: Autumn at Westacre Theatre
There’s a busy season ahead at Westacre Theatre including an afternoon with award-winning local novelist Emma Healey (Elizabeth is Missing, Sweat), who’ll be in conversation with author and journalist Fiona Neill on 11 October. Sister Queens, meanwhile, on 15 October, written and performed by Miriam Cooper, dramatises the story of Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots – cousins, queens and deadly rivals.
Select dates: Autumn at Sheringham Little Theatre
Say Hi-de-Hi to Sheringham Little Theatre, and head back to the 1950s and Maplins holiday camp from 13 to 17 October, with Cromer and Sheringham Operatic and Dramatic Society’s adaptation from the popular TV sitcom, featuring all your favourite characters! There’ll be a youth musical production of cult comedy The Addams Family from 28 to 31 October and the Little Theatre Community Players are back from 11 to 14 November with George Bernard Shaw’s classic drama, Pygmalion.
www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com
16 October: Winter Warmer Supper Talk
From classic films to National Theatre Live screenings, Thornham Village Hall has a packed season ahead. Its five Winter Warmer Supper Talks are a particular highlight, with a two-course meal and a guest speaker. 16 October will see Lucy Hart talk about her work as a paediatrician with Médecins Sans Frontières, including missions providing care for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and, more recently, working in Helmand Province in Afghanistan. Former British Ambassador Jon Wilks will be the speaker on 11 December and local author and journalist Sharon Ring on 15 January.
17 October: EAST RUSTON OLD VICARAGE open garden
It’s 32 acres of gardens are opening for the National Garden Scheme, with room upon room to explore! There are traditional borders, modern landscapes, rose and exotic gardens, topiary and parterres, vegetable and cutting gardens, parkland and a heritage orchard. Take a break in the café, enjoy the water features, Mediterranean garden and meadows. Wheelchair access. NR12 9HN
17 October, 21 November, 20 December: North Wootton Village Market
Taking place on the third Saturday of every month, this market at North Wootton Village Hall brings together 20 to 30 local traders, selling everything from fresh bread, cakes and cheeses to plants, handmade gifts and more. Free entry.
www.northwoottonvillagehall.org.uk
18 October: The Wilderness Wedding Fair
mailto:events@happyvalleynorfolk.co.ukThis wedding venue at Happy Valley, Grimston, will be fully dressed and packed with handpicked suppliers. Wander through the barns, woodland spaces and outdoor settings and meet talented florists, stylists, decor specialists, photographers, cake makers, musicians and more. Free entry, free parking. Guide dogs only. For tour availability please email events@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk
www.happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk/whatsoninnorfolk
18 October to 5 November: Cromer Open
This annual event is back at the town’s Artspace on the Prom, featuring artists selected anonymously from a call out, from Cromer, East Anglia and beyond. The aim? To give more artists a chance to exhibit and to discover new creators. Work will include drawings, paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics and more. Daily from 18 October to 5 November.
18 October: HINDRINGHAM HALL open garden
History and horticulture combine here. In addition to the fascinating listed Medieval moat and fishponds surrounding the Grade II listed Tudor hall, discover the working walled vegetable garden and Victorian nut walk before wandering along the formal beds, bog and stream gardens. And, after all that exploring, be sure to stop by the tearoom for a bowl of homemade soup and a slice of cake.Opening for the National Garden Scheme. Wheelchair access via gravel paths. NR21 0QA
20 October: Nicholas Crane at King’s Lynn Town Hall
A fascinating coast-to-coast look at Britain’s most historic footpaths and walkways from the acclaimed geographer and author Nicholas Crane. Discover the prehistoric routeways walked by European migrants 12,000 years ago, how Saxons, Normans and the Industrial Revolution changed our landscape and how our beloved national parks emerged from the ashes of two World Wars. Nicholas Crane will take you on a journey to discover some of his most memorable walks, and calls on all of us to rediscover the lifeblood of our landscapes. Nicholas’ recent book The Path More Travelled: The Secret History of Britain’s Footpaths will be available for sale and signing by the author following the talk.
20 and 21 October: Keeping Abreast’s More Than Just Fashion Show
Norfolk-based charity Keeping Abreast’s 10th ‘More Than Just Fashion’ Show is coming up on 20 and 21 October, at Epic Studios in Norwich. More than 30 models will be taking to the runway, all real people who have been through breast reconstruction surgery following a breast cancer diagnosis or the discovery of a hereditary breast cancer gene. Expect the latest fashions from Jarrolds, Scarlet, Marks & Spencer, Elora and Snoop Boutique, plus music, dancing and more.
22 October: The Picture of Dorian Gray: A New Musical
A brand-new musical adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray is coming to Princess Theatre in Hunstanton, as part of a UK and Ireland tour. The Picture of Dorian Gray: A New Musical is a faithful re-telling of this classic tale as a dark, sung-through theatrical experience, inspired by the grand, operatic musicals of the 1970s and 1980s. The 13-strong cast includes Kevin Kennedy (We Will Rock You, Coronation Street) as Mr Isaacs.
24 to 30 October: Norwich Book Festival
Norwich Book Festival Back with a host of bookish events. Novelists including Kate Mosse, Louise Doughty, Jill Dawson and Joanna Harris will be heading to the fine city and there’s a strong non-fiction programme too, with talks from Mary Portas, Iain Dale, Jon Elledge and more. Jacqueline Wilson and Rob Biddulph are part of the lineup for young readers and there will be four days of free family fun at The Imaginarium in The Forum’s Atrium, too.
27 to 31 October: The Halloween Garden
Holkham’s walled garden takes a turn for the spooky, with trails, tales and plenty of pumpkin-filled fun. Families can creep through the garden, try seasonal crafts, enjoy face painting, and pick and carve their own wonderfully wonky jack-o’-lantern. Wrap up warm, pull on sensible shoes and prepare for a playful rather than petrifying Halloween adventure, set within one of North Norfolk’s loveliest historic gardens.
31 October and 1 November: The Bridge Quartet at Houghton
Enjoy classical music from the Bridge Quartet in Houghton’s Stone Hall on 31 October and 1 November. They’ll perform works by Schubert, Charles Wood and Brahms on the Saturday, joined by clarinettist Michael Collins, and Haydn, Patrick Hadley and Tchaikovsky on the Sunday. Tickets from www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
2 to 6 and 9 to 13 November: Norfolk Restaurant Week
Knives and forks at the ready! Norfolk Restaurant Week in association with Norfolk Hideaways is back from 2 to 6 and 9 to 13 November with around 60 restaurants taking part. Participating eateries offer a special fix price menu during the event of either two courses for £20 and three for £25, or two courses for £27 and three for £33, depending on the venue. There are some exciting new additions to the roster such as Chandlery in Wells, pictured, and Hyll House in Docking, alongside NRW old favourites including The Victoria at Holkham, Wells Crab House and The White Horse in Brancaster Staithe.
www.norfolkrestaurantweek.co.uk; www.norfolkhideaways.co.uk
5 to 10 November: John Frederick Bell: A Retrospective
The Handa Gallery at Wells Maltings is the venue for a retrospective exhibition from 5 to 10 November, celebrating the work of local artist John Frederick Bell (1934-2022). From 2003 until his death, John was a prolific artist in Wells, known for his expressive watercolours of the harbour, coastline and town. John exhibited regularly with the Society of East Anglian Watercolourists and Institute of East Anglian Artists. All work will be for sale.
7 November: Jenn Butterworth and Will Pound
Folk guitarist Jenn Butterworth and harmonica and melodeon player Will Pound’s sitting room session is for 40 people at Deepdale Camping & Rooms in Burnham Deepdale on 7 November. Expect an eclectic mix of high energy tunes and uplifting songs as the duo play a game of ‘musical cat and mouse’, improvising and responding to each other. Then it’s the Deepdale Christmas Party on 5 December with the return of Man The Lifeboats with their unique ‘full throttle alternative folk’.
7 November: The Pirates of Penzance
The Norwich Gilbert and Sullivan Society will present a concert version of The Pirates of Penzance in costume, at St Cuthbert’s Church in Sprowston on 7 November, with a strong supporting chorus. Enjoy an afternoon of well-loved Gilbert and Sullivan songs including ‘I am the very model of a modern Major-General’ and ‘With cat-like tread’.
11 to 14 November: Come From Away
King’s Lynn Players are bringing Olivier and Tony Award-winning Come From Away to King’s Lynn Corn Exchange. The musical tells the true story of 7000 passengers who were stranded after the 9/11 terror attacks 25 years ago, and the small town of Gander in Newfoundland that welcomed them. There will be an audio described performance on 14 November and a Saturday matinee.
www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
12 November: Talk by Sir Norman Lamb
Former Health Minister, NHS trust chair and dedicated mental-health campaigner Sir Norman Lamb will talk about his new book Be More Human where he asks why our mental-health services are failing, and, more importantly, what we can do to fix them. St Andrews Church, Holt, from 7pm. Organised by The Holt Bookshop.
www.holtbookshop.co.uk/news-events
13 November: Wells RNLI – from past to present
Wells RNLI coxswain Nicky King will speak at Binham Village Hall from 7.30pm, at this event organised by The Friends of Binham Priory. Tickets £12.50, available from 1 October from www.wellsmaltings.org.uk
14 November: Music for Remembrance
‘Music for Remembrance’ is the theme of Sheringham and Cromer Choral Society’s concert on 14 November at St Peter’s Church, Sheringham. The programme will feature Requiem by Maurice Duruflé, together with works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Laurence Caldicote, John Ireland and Walford Davies.
www.sheringhamandcromerchoral.org.uk
15 November: The Tailor of Gloucester
Celebrate the 160th anniversary of Beatrix Potter’s birth at King’s Lynn Library, with a fresh adaptation of her classic tale, The Tailor of Gloucester, featuring original music by Darren Clark. Four actor-musicians bring Beatrix Potter’s beautiful story to dazzling new life, retold through the eyes of the resourceful mice who live between the hems and stitches. With live music, inventive puppetry and a wardrobe of surprises, this heart-warming tale of kindness, creativity and courage is perfect for family audiences. This is Beatrix Potter as you’ve never experienced her before: mischievous, musical and tailor-made for anyone aged 3 and above.
Please check websites for full details, prices, up-to-date information and guidance
