Covering the coast, Burnham Market, Aylsham, Holt & surrounding villages

Hot tickets for high summer and early autumn

6th August 2026

From exhibitions, foodie pop-ups and markets to festivals and more, we fill in your summer diary, so you don’t have to…

Until 4 October: ‘Lynn Chadwick at Houghton Hall’

The largest exhibition of work by British sculptor Lynn Chadwick CBE (1914-2003) in the UK in more than two decades, has just opened at Houghton Hall. Over 30 sculptures are on show across the house and grounds, spanning the 1950s to the 1990s, showcasing previously unseen and rarely exhibited pieces, alongside his best-known works including a selection of paired figures (‘couples’), all juxtaposed with the Neo-Palladian hall and its rolling parkland. Open select days. 

www.houghtonhall.com

The Bigger Picture 2026, Cromer

Full-size reproductions of works from Towner Eastbourne’s celebrated art collection have been installed at key sites around the streets of Cromer, the latest outdoor exhibition in the town by Cromer Artspace. The free trail, which is running through spring and summer, comprises 24 pictures; from Christopher Wood’s ‘Fair at Neuilly’ on the pier to ‘People’ by Barnett Freedman on The Gangway. Maps are available at Artspace on the Prom and on the free digital app Bloomberg Connects.

www.cromer-artspace.uk

Until 29 October: ‘A Potted History: 75 years of Holkham studio pottery’

In 1951, Lady Elizabeth, the 5th Countess of Leicester, turned Holkham Hall’s old laundry and bowling alley into a pottery studio, where visitors could watch the potters at work and buy hand-made souvenirs. It was a resounding hit, employing around 90 people at its peak and they began to craft tableware and commemorative ceramics, which were sold around the country and, indeed, the world. Learn more about this success story at this fascinating exhibition in the hall’s Kitchen Wing.

www.holkham.co.uk

Until the end of the year: A Regency Romance 

The ton is abuzz! The portraits of a honeymooning couple have been restored and reunited at Oxburgh Estate, home of the Bedingfeld family for 500 years. After their marriage, Thomas Molyneux-Seel and Agnes Bedingfeld spent more than a year honeymooning in Europe in 1823-24, commissioning several artworks, including a pair of portraits of themselves by neo-classical artist Ferdinando Cavalleri. Bequeathed to the National Trust in 1970s, Thomas’ portrait has hung in Oxburgh’s library but Agnes’, unframed and in poor condition, was hidden from view in the attic. Now both are restored, with Agnes’ boasting a brand-new frame made using centuries-old techniques now listed on the Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts. This exhibition explores the language of love during the era and the couple’s relationship through extracts from letters, diaries and a collection of objects. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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.

www.holkham.co.uk

Holkham © Lloyd Birch

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

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

Wednesdays and Saturdays until 29 September: Guided tours of St Benet’s Abbey

Deep within The Broads, close to where the rivers Bure and Ant meet, lie the ancient ruins of The Abbey of St Benet’s, the only monastery in England not to have been closed down by Henry VIII. Join one of the Norfolk Archaeological Trust’s one-hour guided tours and learn more about this ancient site. 

www.norfarchtrust.org.uk

Until 1 November: ‘Journeys – Global Textiles from the Karun Thakar Collection’, Blickling

The National Trust is partnering with renowned collector, author and curator Karun Thakar in exhibitions at three historic properties. ‘Journeys – Global Textiles from the Karun Thakar Collection’ will run at Osterley Park and House, Blickling Estate and Dyrham Park from 22 May to 1 November, exploring themes such as craftmanship, migration and global history, and also reflect Karun’s own story. At Blickling, pieces loaned by the avid collector will include Italian embroideries, Kente cloths from Ghana and Japanese kimonos, spotlighting the estate’s commercial history and how textiles and their journeys are interwoven with stories of identity, trade and transformation. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Until 2 September: Summer of Play at Blickling Estate

Enjoy a fun-filled Summer of Play at Blickling, packed with activities to entertain, inspire and get everyone outdoors. Set off on a mini-beast safari, discover a wide mix of self-led games, like tennis, badminton and croquet, or join in with a busy programme of facilitated sessions throughout the week. Highlights include archery on Tuesdays, balance bikes for little legs on Thursdays, creative Watercolour Wednesdays, and craft workshops on Fridays. There’s a Silent Disco on 31 July and 1 August, and ‘Buzz’ on Sunday 9 August, presented by Smoking Apples Theatre with BSL interpretation. The Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail continues – pick up a sticker book on arrival and let the adventure begin. 

Blickling Estate © National Trust, Arnhel de Serra

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Until 6 September: Summer of Play at Oxburgh Estate

Discover action-packed fun and games for all the family at Oxburgh Estate this summer. There will be a host of family-friendly games and activities to enjoy across the estate, from traditional lawn games, badminton, football, and basketball alongside opportunities to get creative, dress up and play, or build a den in the shady woodland.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Until 6 September: Summer of Play at Felbrigg Hall, Gardens & Estate

Join the fun at Felbrigg this summer where there will be a range of wonderful activities, from balance beams and tree trunks to climb, a twist and jump racecourse to bowling and giant noughts and crosses. Nature lovers can help fill the nature loom and for those seeking a spot of calm, there will be an area filled with nature books and traditional rugs to sit on, a nature pledge area and a space to get creative with chalks, too. on the wider estate, enjoy the shade of the tree-lined Victory V Avenue, discover the den building area and explore the curious Icehouse ruin. 

National Trust Summer of Play
© National Trust Images/ Antonia Gray

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Weekends until the end of August: Feast in the Park

Back for its seventh year, Feast in the Park brings all your favourite street food concessions to the parkland at Holkham Hall, complete with live music. From burgers to burritos, ice cream to loaded fries, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Check the website for which food trucks are attending when. 

www.holkham.co.uk

Until 28 August: FAKENHAM ARTS FESTIVAL

More than 50 venues in Fakenham are involved in this year’s Arts Festival. There’ll be paintings and sculptures by local artists to browse or buy around the town, as well as workshops, arthouse films at the cinema, and a free FAF26 family-friendly art trail with 11 pictures displayed around the town, each with its own QR code for audio describing the works. Children can collect a free trail pack, including pencils, colouring pictures, a leaflet and a map from Fakenham Library, Stephenson Smart and Central Cinema, while stocks last. 

www.activefakenham.org.uk/events 

Until 5 September (select dates): Summer Rep at Sheringham Little Theatre

Sheringham Little Theatre’s summer season brings six weeks of comedy, mystery and music. There’s Lend Me a Tenor, a fast-paced comedy set in a hotel suite ahead of a major opera performance (select dates 12 to 29 August); the cult comedy horror rock musical Little Shop of Horrors (select dates 5 to 25 August); Night Must Fall, a psychological thriller (19 to 27 August); and the premiere of the gentle comedy On the Edge, winner of SLT’s inaugural playwrighting competition (2 to 5 September).

www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com

Until 29 August (select dates): Outdoor theatre at Westacre

Westacre Theatre is hosting its most ambitious summer season yet. There’s an adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel Sense and Sensibility, the story of sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, select dates from 6 to 29 August, and of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors – complete with toe-tapping swing numbers – from 18 to 29 August, also select dates. 

www.westacretheatre.com

Until 6 September: Matilda The Musical, Norwich Theatre Royal

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved tale about a child with a sharp mind and vivid imagination, this Royal Shakespeare Company production, with original music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and book by Dennis Kelly, has won multiple international awards since its debut in 2010. 

Matilda The Musical UK Tour, September 2025
© Manuel Harlan

www.norwichtheatre.org

13 to 20 August: Beef & Burgundy

SmithsOnion Norfolk’s summer pop-up at The Copse at Raynham will celebrate the estate’s beef, local produce and wines. Expect big-pan cooking and burgers during the day (noon to 4.30pm) and in the evening, the venue will be transformed into a bistro, with beef served alongside Burgundy and locally brewed beers (5.30pm to 9.30pm, booking advisable via info@smithsonionnorfolk.co.uk)

www.raynham.co.uk

15 to 31 August: Samuel Thomas exhibition

Our high summer issue’s front cover artist Samuel Thomas will be holding his summer show at The Garden House Gallery at 31 Garden Street in Cromer, where he’ll show around nine new original works and his full range of limited-edition prints.

www.samuelthomasart.co.uk; www.gardenhousegallery.co.uk

‘Silky Wet Sands’ by Samuel Thomas

19 and 26 August, 2 September: The Great British Seaside Summer Show

This summer variety extravaganza is back at Princess Theatre in Hunstanton, bringing a packed afternoon of magic, comedy and circus entertainment for all the family. Featuring illusionists Raymond & Cannon, multi-instrumentalist Andy Eastwood, the crazy circus world of Domino, plus the Rollason Dancers. From 3pm, under-fives go free. 

www.princesshunstanton.co.uk

20 August: Viking Warrior School Workshop, Lynn Museum

Children can learn all about Viking raids, weapons, and battle strategy in these brand-new Viking Warrior School workshops, aimed at ages 6 to 12 years. This 90-minute session will run twice, at 10.30am and 1pm. Pre-booking recommended. Plus, there’s a Pesky Pests Trail running from 18 August to 2 September, too.

www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/events

20 to 29 August: Karen Adams exhibition

Karen Adams is having her annual exhibition at home this year, at Pomfrets in Burnham Overy Town. She paints en plein air in oils around the Norfolk coast but this year’s show will also feature paintings from her recent travels, including California, Florida, Bequia, South Africa, Argentina, southern Spain, Yorkshire and the Hebrides. In addition to original oil paintings of all sizes, Karen will be selling her giclée prints. Outside of the exhibition dates, call 07785 932340 to make an appointment to visit her studio.

www.karenadamsart.co.uk

21 August: Hounds of Love – The Kate Bush Celebration

This tribute show blends live music and theatricality, faithfully recreating the artistry, passion, and magic of one of music’s most iconic and enigmatic performers. This stunning production – with a live band – brings to life Kate Bush’s groundbreaking Tour of Life, the visionary 1979 tour that revolutionised live music with its fusion of theatre, dance, and multimedia storytelling. Expect to hear classics including Wuthering Heights, The Man with the Child in His Eyes, Babooshka, Running Up That Hill, and of course, Hounds of Love.

www.princesshunstanton.co.uk

21 August: Twelfth Night

The Pantaloons are back at Dalegate Market’s orchard in Burnham Deepdale on 21 August, with their take on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, complete with fools, duels and more than one case of mistaken identity. Laughter, live music and audience participation are guaranteed!

www.dalegatemarket.co.uk

21 AND 23 AUGUST: AYLSHAM HISTORY WALK

Learn more about the history of the town’s Norwich Road and Red Lion Street with one of the knowledgeable guides from the Aylsham Heritage Centre. The walk is under two miles and includes archive photographs along the way. Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, there’s a seated version on 21 August at 4.30pm at the Heritage Centre, where the same information and photos will be shared. Dogs are welcome on the walks, taking place on 21 August, 6.30pm and 23 August, 10.30am. Booking essential.

www.aylshamheritage.com

22 August: As You Like It

Escape to the Forest of Arden with The Whole Pack Theatre Company’s production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It at The Plantation Garden in Norwich from 5.30pm. There’s an all-female cast and production team, with the play will be directed by Jessamy James.

www.thewholepacktheatre.co.uk

The Whole Pack Theatre Company © Natalie Rodgers /Speckled Hound Photo

22 August: Murmurations

Norwich folk collective Murmurations combine Irish bouzouki, mandolin, cello and harmonium to create what has been referred to as ‘music for the moors’. This special gig by this all-female group at NWT Cley Marshes will run from 7pm to 9pm.

www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

22 and 23 August: Binham Art Group

Binham Art Group’s annual exhibition will take place at the village’s Memorial Hall on 22 and 23 August from 10am to 4pm daily (www.binhamvillagehall.co.uk). Expect to see work by around 25 artists, covering a wide variety of mediums, styles and subjects, from watercolours, acrylics and oils to pastels and linocuts. All work will be for sale.

22 AUGUST, 19 SEPTEMBER: THE BURNHAMS MARKET

The monthly Burnhams Market at St Mary’s Westgate Church in Burnham Market is a perfect reason to shop local, with artisan makers and indie producers offering a range of curated products. Their last market of 2026 is on 19 September. 9.30am to 2.30pm.

www.theburnhamsmarket.co.uk

22 to 31 August: Festival on Rails

Join the North Norfolk Railway for a special week celebrating steam and diesel power. Visit the restored stations at Sheringham, Weybourne and Holt and enjoy the stunning scenery along the 5.5-mile route of this heritage railway. There will be a free trail for children, too. 

© S Allen

www.nnrailway.co.uk

23 August: History Mystery Walk

Discover more about the history of Aylsham on this new family walk from Aylsham Heritage Centre which will include archive photographs. Use the information you hear to eliminate suspects and locations to find out who is the mystery Aylsham thief. Ages 5 to 12 years. Lasts about an hour. Booking required.

www.aylshamheritage.com

23, 30, 31 August: Brunch on board

Enjoy a full English breakfast on board a restored steam train as you travel from Sheringham to Holt (and back) with the North Norfolk Railway, in a stylish 1950s/ 1960s dining car. Breakfasts are dairy- and gluten-free and a vegetarian option is available. Booking is required, not suitable for under 12s.

www.nnrailway.co.uk

24 August to 6 September: James McCallum Exhibition

The Norfolk Wildlife Trust is celebrating its centenary this year and its Cley Marshes reserve’s visitor centre will be the venue for an exhibition by local wildlife artist James McCallum. Cley birds and other wildlife’ will feature plein air paintings of birds and nature completed around Cley.

www.jamesmccallum.co.uk

26 August, 2 September: The Great British Seaside Summer Show

This summer variety extravaganza is back at Princess Theatre in Hunstanton, bringing a packed afternoon of magic, comedy and circus entertainment for all the family. Featuring illusionists Raymond & Cannon, multi-instrumentalist Andy Eastwood, the crazy circus world of Domino, plus the Rollason Dancers. From 3pm, under-fives go free. 

www.princesshunstanton.co.uk

27 and 28 August: Mannington Minnows – Trees and Time

The Mannington Minnows holiday club is designed for young people aged seven to eleven as well as their grown-ups, and offers engaging, nature-inspired bookable sessions led by supportive guides. Choose either 27 or 28 August to discover some amazing trees and journey through time.

www.mannington.co.uk

28 August: The Jersey Beats – Oh What a Nite Tour

This show at Princess Theatre in Hunstanton celebrates the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, including ‘Sherry’ ‘Beggin’, ‘Grease’ and ‘My Eyes Adored you’, plus more music from the era, performed by vocalists Matt Andrews (Frankie), Johnny O’Connor (Nick), Toby Beal (Tommy) and Michael Cosgrove (Bob). You’ll also enjoy plenty of comedy, music and moves from hilarious host Leye D Johns Direct from Blackpool.

www.princesshunstanton.co.uk

Rehersals for Eastern Angles’ production of The Go-Between

28 and 29 August, 1 September: The Go-Between

Eastern Angles Theatre Company is bringing its production of L.P Hartley’s novel to Norwich Theatre’s Stage Two on 28 and 29 August and The Workshop at The Old Library in King’s Lynn on 1 September, as part of its East Anglian tour. Adapted by playwright Ben Musgrave, the story tells of young Leo Colston who spends the summer of 1900 staying with an aristocratic family in the Norfolk countryside. Leo finds himself drawn into the secret lives of adults. Acting as an innocent messenger between two forbidden lovers, Leo unknowingly becomes entangled in a story of passion, class division, and deception. As the summer unfolds, seemingly harmless errands lead towards an unforgettable tragedy that will shape his life forever.

www.easternangles.co.uk

28 August, 11 September and 25 September: Pop-up in the Paddock

Husband and wife Matthew and Caroline Owsley-Brown hold their supper clubs in a giant tipi in their garden at West Bilney, with guests seated at long wooden tables with deer-hide covered benches. Menus are usually based around places the couple have visited, say Scotland or the Amalfi coast, whilst still featuring Norfolk produce – often from their own garden. It’s BYO and you can expect a very chilled feel and terrific food, our food writer says. The couple worked with Rick Stein in the 1990s and previously owned and ran Fishes seafood restaurant in Burnham Market for eight years.

www.owsley-brown.com

29 August: Creake Abbey Summer Gift Fair

Expect over 90 stands at this event showcasing the wares of local makers, artisans and brands. From plants to pottery, textiles to jewellery and shell art to soap, plus a number of food producers and street food stands, too. 10am to 4pm. 

© Beth Moseley Photography

www.creakeabbey.co.uk

29 AUGUST, 26 SEPTEMBER: DISCOVER KING’S LYNN’S MERCHANTS MARKETS

Held on the last Saturday of every month from April through to September. Browse a variety of handmade goods from local makers, producers and crafters at the Tuesday Market Place from 9am to 3pm. 

www.discoverkingslynn.com

29 AUGUST, 26 SEPTEMBER, 31 OCTOBER, 21 NOVEMBER: HUNSTANTON CRAFT FAIRS

This monthly event sees Hunstanton Town Hall packed with stalls from makers, all passionate about handmade crafts; from candles, wax melts, decoupage, soaps, stone jewellery and textiles, to stained glass, crochet, pottery and photography. Teas, coffees and backed goods will be available too. 10am to 4pm free entry. Dogs welcome. Find them on Facebook.

29 August: Cley Harbour Day

Taking place on the quay near Cley Windmill, this lovely annual event will include live music from Hot Squash and Sheringham Shantymen, canoe racing, best-dressed pirate under 12, plus a children’s entertainer, barbecue and more. Park in Cley Village Hall car park. 5pm to 10pm, free entry.

www.cleyharbour.co.uk

30 and 31 August: Brunch on board

Enjoy a full English breakfast on board a restored steam train as you travel from Sheringham to Holt (and back) with the North Norfolk Railway, in a stylish 1950s/ 1960s dining car. Breakfasts are dairy- and gluten-free and a vegetarian option is available. Booking is required, not suitable for under 12s.

www.nnrailway.co.uk

1 to 8 September: Lockwood Studio open week

Rachel Lockwood’s new gallery space in Cley is open throughout the summer by appointment (info@lockwoodstudio.co.uk), and daily from 10am to 5pm from 1 to 8 September. You’ll see a mix of contemporary forest paintings and Rachel’s beloved ‘Creatures’, featuring her favourites – barn owls, deer and hares. And, of course, the feral cat series continues.

www.rachellockwoodartist.co.uk

‘Both Cats’ by Rachel Lockwood

2 September: The Great British Seaside Summer Show

This summer variety extravaganza is back at Princess Theatre in Hunstanton, bringing a packed afternoon of magic, comedy and circus entertainment for all the family. Featuring illusionists Raymond & Cannon, multi-instrumentalist Andy Eastwood, the crazy circus world of Domino, plus the Rollason Dancers. From 3pm, under-fives go free. 

www.princesshunstanton.co.uk

3 September: Waymarkers of the changing season – Autumn

Head to NWT Cley Marshes where David North will talk about migrating birds, seasonal change and read from his book Life Changing: Cley and Salthouse Marshes. You’ll learn what to look for over the coming weeks on the marshes at this time of change, and enjoy lunch, too. 1pm to 2.30pm.

David North © Frederic Landes

www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

3 to 6 September: Judi Tussaud exhibition

Judi Tussaud‘s solo exhibition is at Brancaster Staithe Village Hall (10am to 5pm daily), a fitting location for this local artist who specialises in North Norfolk coastal scenes from Thornham and Brancaster to Holkham and Wells, painting beaches, including children at play, and our dramatic skies through the seasons in oils, in both realistic and impressionistic styles. There will be a small collection of still lifes, too. Keep up to date via Judi’s Instagram, @juditussaud

4 September: Open air film night, King’s Lynn

Enjoy classic blockbuster Hook and street food in the town’s Tuesday Market Place, organised by Discover King’s Lynn. This is the last of this summer’s series . Food and drink are available from 5pm, with the films starting at 7pm. No ticket required, just turn up and grab a seat, or bring your own.  

www.discoverkingslynn.com

5 SEPTEMBER, 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.

www.creakeabbey.co.uk

5 and 6 September: North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival

This annual foodie extravaganza returns to Holkham’s walled garden for the weekend, with local artisan producers selling everything from bread, beer and bakes to chutneys, meats and cheeses. There’ll be a cookery theatre with demos from local chefs, food and drink concessions, plus children’s activities. Free entry (note parking charges apply), open 10am to 4pm both days with dogs on leads welcome.

www.northnorfolkfoodfestival.co.uk

6 SEPTEMBER, 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. 

www.holtsundaymarket.com

6 September: Severals Grange Open Garden

This garden at Wood Norton near Guist is opening for St John Ambulance. The home of the well-known former nursery Hoecroft Plants, it’s a two-acre site, developed from bare fields over 30 years, with full sun to deep shade, wet pond to dry gravel. It boasts a real variety of plants including alpines, perennials, hostas and shrubs, plus unusual grasses and foliage which the nursery specialised in. The new borders are more formal. Plant sales, homemade refreshments, dogs on leads welcome. Open noon to 5pm, NR20 5BL. Adults £6, children free. 

10 and 11 September: Live performances by Argentinian Tango star Martin Alvarado 

The ‘voice of Buenos Aires’’ 60th international tour includes two dates in North Norfolk. Accompanied by Argentinian guitar quartet Gerardo Villar y Los Aguirre, they will be promoting their new album Llevo el Sur, performing at Thornham Village Hall (10 September, 7.30pm) and Wells Maltings (11 September, 7.30pm). Enjoy a selection of tango classics, Argentinian folk songs and original ballads.

www.thornhamvillagehall.co.ukwww.wellsmaltings.org.uk

Enjoy a Heritage Open Days event at Cromer Pier © Luke Witcomb

11 September: Macmillan coffee morning, Hunstanton

Join the team at Princess Theatre in Hunstanton for delicious treats (think homemade cakes and savouries, with gluten-free options courtesy of Spontaneous Cuppa), fundraising and more from 10am to 2pm. There’ll be a tomobola, raffle (tickets can be pre-purchased from the box office) and good company.

www.princesshunstanton.co.uk

11 to 20 September: Norfolk Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days – England’s largest festival of history and culture – offers free access to hundreds of heritage events and experiences. There will be much to enjoy in Norfolk, from discovering places not usually open to the public and guided walks to family activities, exhibitions and talks. Visit Hunstanton’s former lighthouse; go backstage at the Pavilion Theatre on Cromer Pier; take a guided tour of the cellars and attics at Felbrigg Hall; and discover hidden places at the Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich.

Booking opens for the majority of pre-book Norfolk events at 10am on Wednesday 26 August – check the website for the full list.

www.norfolkheritageopendays.co.uk

11 September and 25 September: Pop-up in the Paddock

Husband and wife Matthew and Caroline Owsley-Brown hold their supper clubs in a giant tipi in their garden at West Bilney, with guests seated at long wooden tables with deer-hide covered benches. Menus are usually based around places the couple have visited, say Scotland or the Amalfi coast, whilst still featuring Norfolk produce – often from their own garden. It’s BYO and you can expect a very chilled feel and terrific food, our food writer says. The couple worked with Rick Stein in the 1990s and previously owned and ran Fishes seafood restaurant in Burnham Market for eight years.

www.owsley-brown.com

12 September: Nightfall at Mannington

On this guided night-time exploration, families and explorers of all ages are invited to experience Mannington Estate coming to life as daylight fades. Hear bats flickering overhead and pause to witness a tawny owl’s hoot through the trees, just two of the many wonders of this experience that allows children to ask questions and reap the full rewards of discovering nature’s magic after bedtime.

www.mannington.co.uk

12 SEPTEMBER, 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.

www.visitfakenham.co.uk

16 September: The Pre-Loved Pop-Up Market

The Barn at Happy Valley, near Grimston, will be filled with brocante-style vintage, beautiful pre-loved treasures, fashion, homeware, antiques, rails of hidden gems and one-off finds Please bring cash where possible as many sellers are small local independents. £2 entry with £1 going to a local charity. 4pm to 8pm.

www.happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

17 September: Luke Wright’s Later Life Letter

Poet Luke Wright’s new show tells the story of his adoption – the life he leads and the one he might have done. Based on Luke’s memoir in poetry of the same name. Part of Luke’s UK tour, the show is coming to St Andrew’s Church in Holt and is organised by Holt Art Projects. From 8pm.

www.holtartprojects.com

19 SEPTEMBER: THE BURNHAMS MARKET

The monthly Burnhams Market at St Mary’s Westgate Church in Burnham Market is a perfect reason to shop local, with artisan makers and indie producers offering a range of curated products. This is their last market of 2026. 9.30am to 2.30pm.

www.theburnhamsmarket.co.uk

19 and 20 September: Steam back to the forties

Enjoy a weekend of vintage fashion, historic vehicles and displays, live music, trade stands, steam trains and more. Visit the restored stations at Sheringham, Weybourne and Holt and enjoy the stunning scenery along the 5.5-mile route of this heritage railway. 

www.nnrailway.co.uk

22 September: Foraging the Hedgerows, Mannington Estate

This workshop, led by Aleksandra Britten of Britten’s Botanicals, allows guests to slow down and gently learn about the abundance found in hedgerows, roots and seeds. Featuring the opportunity to sample fruit sauce and taste fermented root drinks and bitters, the session is rounded off with tea and cake, and time to enjoy the gardens and grounds at Mannington.

www.mannington.co.uk

24 to 27 September: DEEPDALE FESTIVAL

The 8th festival at Deepdale will suit every musical taste, though folk and acoustic remain at its heart. Taking place across three stages, the long weekend sees the likes of blue-blazered band Hope & Social, pictured, and Noble Jacks, an Americana group from Brighton, perform. Shop the stalls and street food trucks in between the live music. 

www.deepdalecamping.co.uk/festival

25 September: Pop-up in the Paddock

Husband and wife Matthew and Caroline Owsley-Brown hold their supper clubs in a giant tipi in their garden at West Bilney, with guests seated at long wooden tables with deer-hide covered benches. Menus are usually based around places the couple have visited, say Scotland or the Amalfi coast, whilst still featuring Norfolk produce – often from their own garden. It’s BYO and you can expect a very chilled feel and terrific food, our food writer says. The couple worked with Rick Stein in the 1990s and previously owned and ran Fishes seafood restaurant in Burnham Market for eight years.

www.owsley-brown.com

25 to 27 September: MANNINGTON BOOK BASH

Drum roll… This year’s Mannington Book Bash hosts Norfolk legend Delia Smith, who will be discussing her latest book with Henry Layte, curator of this boutique literary festival in the gardens of Mannington Hall. Celebrate the power of the written word with talks by other fiction and nonfiction writers, too; younger book lovers will enjoy a visit by author Rob Biddulph.

www.mannington.co.uk/book-bash

25 September to 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.

www.norwichcocktailweek.co.uk

26 SEPTEMBER: DISCOVER KING’S LYNN’S MERCHANTS MARKETS

Held on the last Saturday of every month from April through to September. Browse a variety of handmade goods from local makers, producers and crafters at the Tuesday Market Place from 9am to 3pm. 

www.discoverkingslynn.com

26 September: Ruby Ball

Join Tapping House at their Ruby Ball at King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, celebrating 40 years of compassionate care and raising funds for this Norfolk hospice. Arrive to live music from solo sax-clarinet David Young, enjoy a three-course meal then dance the night away to live music from Blue Satin Souls. There will be a raffle and auction, too, and tables will be arranged in groups of 10.

www.tappinghouse.org.uk

26 SEPTEMBER, 31 OCTOBER, 21 NOVEMBER: HUNSTANTON CRAFT FAIRS

This monthly event sees Hunstanton Town Hall packed with stalls from makers, all passionate about handmade crafts; from candles, wax melts, decoupage, soaps, stone jewellery and textiles, to stained glass, crochet, pottery and photography. Teas, coffees and backed goods will be available too. 10am to 4pm free entry. Dogs welcome. Find them on Facebook.

27 September: Autumn Brocante

Black Dog Events will bring their autumn brocante to Creake Abbey, with over 50 stands expected to attend selling decorative antiques, textiles, furniture, gardenalia, vintage homewares, collectibles and more, plus selected artisans and food-to-go. 9am to 3pm.

www.creakeabbey.co.uk

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. 

www.kingslynnbookfestival.com

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 

Please check websites for full details, prices, up-to-date information and guidance

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