Best Places for Shopping in North Norfolk

North Norfolk is a popular shopping destination thanks to its diverse range of both branded and independent stores.

Heading in towards the city centre of Norwich you will find larger department stores and well-known brands whereas in the villages you are more likely to find the streets decorated with independent shops. You’ll find a wide a varied selection of local, artisan products and familiar brands throughout the region, with something for everyone including tourist gifts to take back home if you are visiting the region.

If you are staying in one of our luxury North Norfolk holiday cottages, we would definitely recommend looking out for and visiting the local and neighbouring villages weekly markets. Throughout the year the smaller towns hold markets and fairs selling their local and often handmade produce, with large seasonal events for Spring and Christmas. Take advantage of your time in the region and spend a day exploring some of the best places to shop.

---

Local Markets

---

North Norfolk is made up of many small villages each with its own history and character. Weekly, the local tradespeople gather in the town centres to fill stalls with fresh local produce including fruits, vegetables, household items, gifts and clothing. This tradition has been at the heart of many of the towns for many years with it being quite the weekly event to attend. Some of the most popular markets in the area include Aylsham, which are held on Mondays and Fridays, Cromer, which take place on Fridays, and closer to home Holt, which has a weekly Sunday market.

---

---

If you are visiting during the winter months, we would highly recommend visiting the town Christmas Light events and Christmas markets. These are often complete with live music, gifts, fresh produce and rides.

However, it's not just the markets that are well worth a visit for those who love to shop. The pretty market towns are full with off the high street shops, with yards and lanes dedicated to independent locally owned and run shops. Here you can often find things to purchase that you might not have seen before, and shops full to the brim with gifts, and products.

Norwich City Centre

---

For those who love their brands and want to experience the hustle and bustle of the high street, Norwich city centre is the closest and most diverse for shops. On the main high street you can expect to find the usual brands with shops such as Primark, The White Company, and Marks and Spencers and two indoor shopping centres. Towards the centre of the city you will find one of the largest and oldest open-air shopping markets in the UK. With over 200 vendors open daily, apart from Sundays, there is a large mix of food, flowers, services, crafts and clothes, something to suit every need.

Though the city centre isn’t just limited to branded shops. Leading off the high-street there is a menagerie of independent boutiques, gift shops and cafes primarily situated along Lower Goat Lane. The Norwich Lanes are definitely worth a visit to find the hidden gems within the city.

---

---

The Royal Arcade is also one of the most iconic shopping areas in the city. Its Victorian and Art Nouveau inspired architecture houses a number of independent and unique retailers including interior design, fine art, handmade chocolates and bespoke jewellery.

Independent Shops

---

There are simply too many unique, independent shops that are worth a visit, but rest assured, no matter what you are looking to purchase or even if you are browsing the wares, there is definitely something for everyone in North Norfolk.Some places of note include Alby Crafts & Gardens which is a unique family run complex located in Erpingham, offering visitors craft workshops, gift shops run by local craftspeople, a tea room and over 4 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Similarly, Creake Abbey has a dedicated shopping courtyard in its ruins which includes antiques, vintage clothing and designer children’s wares and toys. The area is also home to talented tradespeople who offer demonstrations as well as the opportunity to buy their hand-crafted items. Langham Glass Ltd is located in Fakenham and holds live glassmaking demonstrations, classes and the option to purchase unique home decor and gifts.

No matter where you visit in North Norfolk, you are sure to come across a varied range of shops. With everything from well-known brands, designers and independent boutiques there is something for every budget, need and style. Our North Norfolk holiday cottages are perfectly positioned to give you a base to explore this beautiful part of the region and are located close to many of the places mentioned if you are shopping until you drop.

For more information about our North Norfolk holiday cottages, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.