Putting aside a day to go shopping is great. But putting aside a day to uncover a bunch of secret treasures is even better. Little shops selling one-off gems, vintage stores hiding timeless garments, boutique delis full of handmade pieces and, of course, our very own Barefoot Living full of gorgeous knick-knacks. The mere mention of small town browsing gets our nerves-jangingling, and that’s why we love this slice of seaside life -- the North Norfolk Coast is home to a gorgeous array of tidbit shops, each one packed with treasures upon treasures. From vintage emporiums to whimsical five-and-dimes, some full of antiques, others homeware and clothes, and yet all of them are a shopper’s heaven.
It doesn’t matter where you are staying in North Norfolk -- Burnham to Blakeney, Hunstanton to Holt -- there are a hundred little-known stores where you can score unbelievable items: the good, the great, the rare and unique.
And in that spirit, here are our favourite places to head when a little bit of retail therapy is well overdue. Spoiler alert: your Christmas gifts just went from zero to awesome.
1. Barefoot Living in Burnham Market
This is the place to head for all things home. Barefoot Living does cosy home like nowhere else, the kind that make you want to curl up in front of the fire, slurp on a mug of hot cocoa and watch the leaves slowly fall from the trees outside. Matches in a bottle, gilded photo frames, soy candles and reed diffusers, animal jugs and creature mugs and everything in between. But it’s their gifts section that will help you get all your Christmas shopping done in one go this festive season.
Where to stay: Alice House is an award-winning Grade II Listed home in BM that sleeps 6
2. The Old Stables at Bayfield Hall
Hear the words “antique emporium” and you’d be forgiven for imagining a dusty, windowless warehouse packed to the beams with cow portraits and brass candelabras, but this is anything but. No, this is a treasure trove of antiques set in the unforgettable heart of Norfolk Norfolk. Found in the old stables of Bayfield Hall, this magical place is home to dealers of every taste. Hardwood furniture curated by Matthew Higham, 19th Century mirrors unearthed by Jane Cave and everything in between: vintage curtains, gilt frames, painted masterpieces and chandeliers from around the world. Trust us, no one has ever visited The Old Stables just once.
Where to stay: River Cottage in Letheringsett was made for relaxing post-splurge and sleeps 6.
3. The Hare & The Hen in Burnham Deepdale
There are places that try to please everyone and there are places that please the wild and whimsical, those who want to decorate their homes with bits and pieces that standout; tidbits that look and feel different. The Hare & The Hen is that place, and it is all thanks to Philippa Lee who’s pottery has turned this unassuming space into one of the most popular shopping spots on the coast, especially with those who have a soft-spot for high quality, handmade pots. From fun-loving animals pieces to life-loving coastal scenes, this is as North Norfolk as it gets. And that’s just the start. There’s also a range of glass gifts, wood wonders, jewellery, prints, handmade baskets and loads more, all created by talented local artists.
Where to stay: Redshanks is that place with the best views of the coast and sleeps 12.
4. Past Caring in Holt
Don’t come here for anything contemporary... or older than the 1960s. Instead, come here for handpicked finds that date everywhere from the 1800s to the Swinging Sixties. Stepping into Past Caring is like stepping into a time machine with a broken dial, every inch of the place crammed full of bits and bobs you’ll wither want to take home or add to your Instagram. There are Victorian capes and Edwardian skirts, camisoles & petticoats that date back centuries, velvet jackets from the Roaring Twenties and lace dresses from every decade. 1950s cocktail dresses, 1940s crepe dresses, suits, jackets, hats and handbags… and shoes. Lots of shoes and even more vintage jewellery. This is the Aladdins Cave you can’t get enough of.
Where to stay: 1 Carpenters Cottage is a luxury Grade II listed property in the heart of holt that sleeps 4.
5. Little Blood in Walsingham
This is a shop everyone needs to pop into, even if it’s just to hear yourself say “wow”. Little Blood is as one-off as they come; a teeny-tiny bolt hole of a place, hidden in the wilds of the North Norfolk countryside, and full of the weird and the wonderful, the quirky and unique, the vintage and the varied. Ever evolving, this old brick and flint building is home to an almost anarchic blend of styles & periods: wacky furniture for eccentrics, lighting that creates a presence, dramatic pieces bursting with personality and historical moments that know how to have fun. There are no rules in this Walsingham store, but who needs rules?
Where to stay: Orbis House is a beautifully eclectic cottage in Little Walsingham that sleeps 4.
6. Made In Cley in Cley-Next-The-Sea
Just knowing the names of the four founders should be enough to entice some intrigue: Wolfgang, Gunhild, Barbara and Quay, all of whom met at University and then set-up shop in the small coastal village of Cley-next-the-Sea; a shop fit for these potters and goldsmiths with its beautiful Regency styling and original fittings. The odds of this being a hit were slim, and the chances of them still being here 35 years later even slimmer, but that just proves how immensely talented and highly regarded this team is. From outstanding stoneware to decorative jewellery, everything that is made here is truly made here, and you won’t believe it until you see it.
Where to stay: Swanton Cottage is set in five-acres of woodlands near Blakeney & sleeps 12.
7. Driftwood Glass near Brancaster Staithe
Some things have to be seen, touched and gawped at before they can be believed, and what this dynamic duo can do with glass is one of those things. Taking all their inspiration from the wild and stunning North Norfolk coastline (okay, and the countryside too), Rose and Keiran make everything from ducks to boats, crabs to chickens, framed artwork and textured bowls, coasters, mirrors and so much more -- and they do it all using the most vibrant, delightful, forget-me-not colours of glass. The only problem is, you won’t want to give these gifts away, so you might want to make some space on your mantlepieces and coffee tables because you’ll want these amazing creations on every spare surface.
Where to stay: Skylark is one of North Norfolk’s most unique homes and sleeps 8.
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