Inspiration

Fields and farms: six must-visit farm shops and markets in Norfolk

Guest Expert

5 min read

To find out what makes a place tick and to really get under its skin, you need to go where the locals go. In Norfolk, that’s to a host of buzzy markets and bountiful farm shops. Much of the land across the county is dedicated to farming where many farms are worked organically, and the tastiest, freshest produce finds its way to local emporiums for you to eat on the go or take back to your cottage. Markets and locally run shops are also a super place to pick up homemade artisan crafts, plants, clothes, jewellery, ceramics, and much more. So, what are you waiting for?

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Norfolk

Swaffham Market

There has been a market in Swaffham for over 800 years. On Fridays, the Assembly Rooms host an indoor market selling homemade cakes, jams and pickles, jewellery and other crafts. On Saturdays there is an auction at 11am outside The Greyhound Inn and a lively outdoor market with around 25 regular stalls. Wares include local cheeses, fish and meats, fresh fruit and veg, clothes and homewares, garden tools, bric-a-brac, plants and crafts. Every week, people gather to buy bargains and meet friends, and the marketplace rings with the sounds of merriment.

Stay nearby at The Barn, Tudor Lodgings >

Norwich Market

Open 8.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Saturday in the heart of Norwich, this is one of the country’s oldest and largest covered outdoor markets boasting over 180 stalls. Selling tasty treats, unique gifts and lots of useful items, from clothes to children’s toys, and jewellery to flowers, there’s something here for everyone. You can even get keys cut or shoes mended. There are snacks galore, lunches and delicious fresh produce to take back to your self-catering cottage. This colourful, lively, award-winning market is an experience not to be missed.

Stay in Norwich at Gothic House >

Holt Sunday Market

From April to December, on the first Sunday of each month, the quiet centre of Holt transforms into a buzzing and lively market, and, best of all, it’s car-free for the day too. Conceived in 2020, this award winning, destination street market showcases over 50 of the best local, independent craftspeople, designers, makers, food producers and street food traders. From small creative pop ups to live music and communal dining experiences, this is a market that brings people together in a vibrant and friendly atmosphere. You’ll leave laden with ceramics, paintings, plants and more.

Stay nearby at Hill Cottage >

Algy’s Farm shop

Algy’s Farm Shop is part of a farm in north Norfolk that the same family have farmed since the 1930s. On offer is a range of seasonal, fresh homegrown produce including asparagus, pumpkins, cauliflower, cabbages, broccoli and kale. Daily deliveries of bread, meat, fish and milk ensures they’re well-stocked for all your shopping needs. You’ll also find cold meats, pies, tarts, rolls, fruit, preserves, pickles, and soft drinks for picnics which you can enjoy in their small, secluded outdoor space surrounded by meadow flowers, trees and chirping birds. Their speciality is popcorn, made with homegrown corn and cooked in homemade oil, it comes in a variety of moreish flavours.

Stay nearby at The Brisley Bell >

Back to the Garden

Back to the Garden is a multi-award-winning farm shop stocked by the nearby Astley Estate. Specialising in organic meat, vegetables and fruit, and provisions, they have a delicatessen, wine, beer and spirits department, and sell a selection of handmade homewares. They have farmed organically for over 20 years, using zero chemical fertilisers and employing regenerative farming practices to support healthy soil, crops and livestock. Beef comes direct from the farm or a neighbouring farm and hangs for at least 21 days for succulence and depth of flavour. Fill up at the deli and groceries section on soup, sausage rolls and scotch eggs, homemade cakes and puds, and a huge selection of organic veg grown in fields just minutes away, or pitch up at the café for refreshments.

Stay nearby at Cartshed Cottages at Sharrington Hall >

White House Farm

On the edge of Norwich, this family-run fruit farm has been in existence for over 150 years. Today, the café is located in the old pig sty, the butcher is in the old blacksmith’s shed and the cart in the shop once pulled bundles of barley from the fields to the farmyard. A pick your own (PYO) since 1970, the newest farm custodians, Ollie and Charlotte, have expanded the PYO scheme to include pumpkins, raspberries and strawberries, opened the café and farm shop, and installed an award-winning butcher, all in the last 12 years.

Stay nearby at The Moat House >

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Carmen McCormack

Guest Expert

Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.

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