How to spend a day out in North Norfolk – be inspired by what the Vic team do on their days off.

April 21, 2026 | Things to do | 5 minute read

You’ve read the guides, reviews and recommendations and know what you should be doing on a day out in north Norfolk, but maybe you’d like to know what the locals get up to. We’ve interrogated many of the Victoria’s team who have shared their favourite things to do on their day off. From bidding at auctions to feeding deer, eating cheese or exploring on foot here are some great ways to spend your day off.

Lauren, Receptionist

I love going for a walk, and one of my favourites is the quaint village of Binham just inland from the coast. It is famous for its priory, which is free to explore, and don’t miss going inside the church which is built into the ruins. Binham is also becoming almost as famous for The Parlour, the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. It’s in a converted barn on a working dairy farm and I highly recommend the cheese!

Holly, Receptionist

On my day off you will often find me in Holt. It’s a pretty Georgian market town, full of great shops, galleries and cafes. I’m always tempted by Byfords where my favourite lunch is a steak sandwich with fries. Afterwards, a gentle stroll through Spout Hill will be a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

Kevin, Maintenance

A day off for me will usually start with a lovely lie in! I then take myself off to Fakenham where, on a Thursday, it is not only market day but also auction day. Browsing the lots is where you’ll find me, I have made some brilliant buys including a set of rattan furniture for my garden and a pillar drill for £30. Bargain!

Anka, Head housekeeper

I live in Holkham village, and over the last few years I’ve befriended a wild muntjac deer who frequently visits my garden. On my day off I rest in the garden and she inevitably comes along to say hello and to get something nice to eat from me. She has become more tame over time and even comes into the house to my kitchen!

Lee, F&B assistant

The dog and I love a walk and our favourite is the Holkham-Wells loop. From The Victoria, we walk to Holkham Beach where we then head east into the pine woods where my dog loves exploring all the different paths. We then continue along the beach to Wells where we can stop at the Beach Café for a quick rest before heading to Wells Quay for the main purpose of the trip – sausage and chips with curry sauce from French’s! We head back through Holkham Park and arrive back at Holkham Village full of fresh air (and chips).

Yeray, Restaurant manager

Days off are best spent with my son. The day starts with a special breakfast of pancakes, then we like to go for a run in Holkham Park. Great exercise, great views and great company combined!

Carolina, F&B assistant

North Norfolk is full of creative people – artists, potters, writers, sculptors and so many more. My days off are a day for the arts and I enjoy doing some pottery, painting or weaving. Often I’ll go to a writers’ club in Glandford, followed by a visit to Wiveton Café (whose owner Desmond I’ve made a sculpture of!).

Melvin, Junior sous chef

I have two small children and we love to spend our day off playing in Holkham Park. The combine harvester in the Woodland Play Area is one of their favourite things. Grandma sometimes comes too and we walk up to the monument (the kids run wildly to the momument) and take time to explore the landscape and wildlife.

Michael, Head chef

My days off are usually midweek, so I tend to have time to myself. Well almost, as I have five dogs and they love to come for a walk with me. We explore the paths and lanes around the village of Docking, having a good trudge. Sometimes I like to go out for food. Since I was a kid my favourite has always been pork belly and the best I’ve found in Norfolk (apart from at The Victoria of course!) is at the Gunton Arms.

Bella and Izzy, office team

When they are not snuggled up under the desk in The Victoria’s office, Bella and Izzy love the beach. Bella loves to sit in the sea. No need to swim, a sit with the waves lapping around her is just perfect! Izzy’s time is best spent running along the sands in search of something smelly to roll in. The smellier the better, and then she is guaranteed a lovely hose down when she gets home.