As you wander round the charming market town of Holt, close to the north Norfolk coast, you’ll no doubt be impressed by its abundance of beautifully preserved Georgian buildings.

But had it not been for a huge fire, the town may have ended up looking very different indeed, and its history stretches back far before the Georgian era. Holt was mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book, in which it was described as a market town with five watermills and twelve plough teams, making it a bustling and prosperous settlement by medieval standards.

However, its luck changed on May 1 1708 when The Great Fire of Holt ripped through the town, its timber framed medieval buildings no match for the flames. Within three hours, a huge part of the town’s history was forever lost, and over £11,000 worth of damage reported – over £2.1 million in today’s money.

Donations poured in from across the country and the town was rebuilt, but this time, with a distinctive Georgian flair which it has retained to this day. One of the few surviving buildings in an older style is the Norman church of St Andrews. While its thatched roof was burnt, most of it survived and it remains one of the oldest buildings in town.

Many of the watermills were destroyed and never rebuilt, but in their place Letheringsett Watermill was constructed in 1802. It’s now the oldest watermill in Norfolk to still produce flour, and you can visit and learn all about the mill’s history or stop by the tearoom for a homemade cake with local ingredients.

The town has a pleasant high street where you’ll find Georgian buildings turned into charming independent shops. You can also stroll around and discover small cafés, historic pubs, and traditional tearooms. On the first Sunday of the month from April to December, Holt Sunday Market takes over the centre of town and includes a huge number of traders selling crafts and arty items, artisan local food and drink, and stalls selling street food from around the world. 

Holt is also close to some of north Norfolk’s most popular attractions. Baconsthorpe Castle is just a 10-minute drive away, and it’s free to enter and explore the ruins of this once grand 15th-century castle. A wealthy family once owned this castle, but as their fortunes dwindled, they began selling off the stonework piece by piece, although parts of the structure remain standing.

The Muckleburgh Military Collection is also just a short drive away. Anyone interested in military memorabilia will be fascinated by this family-run museum set in a former Royal Artillery Anti-Aircraft training camp. Its vast collection includes a number of tanks, weaponry, and uniforms, and it’s a must for history buffs. 

If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, then try Byfords in the heart of town. Set in a grade II listed building that’s one of the oldest in Holt, it has 16 comfortable bedrooms and there’s a popular restaurant downstairs serving seasonal cuisine. Or book a room at The Feathers, a Georgian inn with 24 rooms, some of which are dog-friendly, and a cosy pub downstairs featuring an open fireplace.

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