Hot tickets for early autumn
22nd August 2026
Heritage Open Days © Luke Witcomb
From exhibitions, foodie pop-ups and markets to festivals and more, we fill in your early autumn diary, so you don’t have to…
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.
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.
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 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.
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 Images/ Antonia Gray
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 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.
© Manuel Harlan
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.uk; www.wellsmaltings.org.uk
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.
11 to 13 September: Brancaster Staithe Sea Shanty Festival
It’s back, me hearties! Enjoy traditional sea shanties, folk music and maritime entertainment performed by more than 20 talented shanty groups both local and from further afield, across five venues around Brancaster Staithe: The Jolly Sailors, Brancaster Staithe Village Hall, The White Horse, Deepdale Camping & Rooms and St Mary’s Church, Burnham Deepdale. Find the full schedule on the website, below.
www.brancasterstaithe-shantyfest.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 or join the garden team for a tour of the West Gardens, including the stunning walled garden; 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.
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.
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.
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.
16 September: Church Crawling
Building conservator and self-confessed ‘church rescuer’ Rachel Morley joins Merlin Waterson to talk about her new book, Church Crawling: The Secret Lives and Hidden Stories of England’s Churches, at St Andrew’s Church in Holt from 7pm. Inspired by John Betjeman’s wonderful phrase ‘church crawling’, Rachel takes us inside England’s rural parish churches to uncover the extraordinary stories hidden within them, from mysterious graffiti and medieval wall paintings to miraculous cures, ghostly legends and remarkable historical characters. She also reminds us why these extraordinary buildings remain among England’s greatest cultural treasures. Tickets from Holt Bookshop or from their website.
16 September to 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.
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.
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.
19 September, 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
19 and 20 September: Steam back to the forties
Swing back in time for a weekend of all-day live music, classic vehicles, vintage trade stands, historical displays, and wartime fashions at all three of the North Norfolk Railway stations, accompanied by a frequent steam service. There’ll also be live demonstrations and talks.
Discover Home Front displays including wartime policing and firefighting, ‘Make Do & Mend’, cooking on rations, the Land Army and more, alongside different military camps and classic vehicles. You can even hop off at Weybourne and take a vintage dance class!
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.
24 September: SearchNorwichXL
Taking place at Norwich’s Maddermarket Theatre, this conference features a line-up of world-class speakers from the SEO industry, with eight talks including on the future of search and AI optimisation, and one panel event.
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.
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.
26 September: Autumn garden and outdoor living fair
Head to Holkham’s walled garden to browse a wide range of stalls, selling plants from bulbs to begonias, hostas to hydrangeas, plus decorative accessories, crafts and other gardening goodies. There will be food trucks at the event, too. Adult tickets online pre-booking £6 or £7 on the day. Children (5-16 years) £1.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Please check websites for full details, prices, up-to-date information and guidance
