What to do on a rainy day in Blakeney

 What to do on a rainy day in North Norfolk

Visit Holt

The pretty Georgian market town of Holt is about 10-minute drive from Gardeners Cottage and Blakeney and is a great place to visit if you are looking for somewhere to go on a dull or rainy day during the school holidays.

Holt has lots of interesting shops

There are lots of interesting shops and antique centres as well as coffee shops, quirky tearooms and great pubs. Starlings is a popular place for the younger members of the family as it has an extensive magazine selection, as well as a whole floor of toys and games. You could visit it first and then stock up with magazines or use it as a reward at the end of the trip.

Antique shops in Holt

This picture shows our youngest child several years ago sat outside one of the many antique centres in Holt, happily reading the Beano. The antique centre in question had very wisely left a bench outside. useful for tying dogs to, and leaving small boys to read in peace. As you can see here he was very happily engrossed and it certainly beat dragging him round an antique centre and saying don't touch a million times. We learnt this lesson the hard way as he broke a lovely blue and white cheese dish in another antique centre in Holt, which we promptly bought and repaired, and he will be getting it as a wedding present one day. It still makes me smile every time I see it.

This photo was not actually taken in the summer. Our youngest was then a firm believer in ''if it is the school holidays, you wear your shorts and your crocs-whatever the time of year'' 

If you would like to book a short break or holiday on the North Norfolk coast we have some late availibility and last minute offers at Gardeners Cottage in Blakeney here

Ten more ideas for what to do on a rainy day in North Norfolk with children

1. Go for a ride on the Poppy line which runs from Sheringham To Kelling. Lovely old steam trains lovingly cared for a and run by the North Norfolk Railway. A trip back in time to a bygone era and a real treat for all the family. The steam train line passes through the most beautiful countryside and their are great views of the coast.

2. A shopping trip into Norwich a beautiful and friendly medieval city with lots of great shops. Norwich is about a 50 minute drive from Blakeney.

3. Norwich castle museum also worth a visit.

4. Park car at Sheringham and get a train into Norwich. Pack a small picnic and drinks to have on the train with little children.

5. With younger children wrap up in waterproofs and wellies and take them for a walk and a splash in the puddles on Blakeney quay

6. A trip to the Sealife centre in Hunstanton

7. A trip to Doodle pots In Holt or Sticky earth cafe in Cromer. Kids can paint pottery while mum and dad drink coffee

8. A trip to the Cinema at Cromer or Fakenham

9. Playland indoor play centre at Wells next the sea about a 15 minute drive from Blakeney

10. Visit Blickling Hall or Felbrigg Hall and go around the house. Both are national trust properties so entrance is free to members. The national trust does very good family membership offers and is very family friendly. In school holidays they often have organised trails or activities for children. The tearooms are very good at both of them and a nice place to have lunch or cake and coffee /tea. Both are about a 30 minute drive from Gardeners Cottage in Blakeney