Christmas shopping in Norfolk – get ahead with our best boutiques guide

Ho, ho, ho, the festive season is just ahead and, with under 100 sleeps until Santa stuffs his sack and hits the skies with his sleigh, it’s time to organise your Christmas gifts! If you love Norfolk, why not take advantage of our incredible Autumn Saver Break offer and enjoy a one-night dinner, bed and breakfast stay at Heacham Manor for just £74.50 per person until 30 November, and hit the coast’s best boutiques to find something special for your nearest and dearest – with the Christmas shopping all wrapped up, that leaves more time to enjoy the holidays!

On North West Norfolk's doorstep…

If you are looking for a quintessentially Norfolk gift, start with one of the coast's local landmarks. Norfolk Lavender is within walking distance of Heacham Manor and, while you may have passed its magnificent fields in summer, the gift shop is packed with exquisitely perfumed presents made from the purple plant. From bubble bath and body lotion for the beauty fiend, to a fragrant room spray and polish for domestic gods and goddesses, the lavender scented goodies make great stocking stuffers.

While you’re on site, pop into the farm shop where you will find a cornucopia of Norfolk deliciousness. Think Candi’s Chutneys to pair with cold cuts and cheese on Boxing Day, sweet treats from Norfolk chocolate maker Gnaw and celebratory tipples from King’s Lynn distillery WhataHoot which has just launched a golden rum to accompany its range of gins and vodka – cheers!

If food is their thing, pop along to The Norfolk Deli in Hunstanton too, where the shelves are filled with tasty treats. Or order one of the deli’s Christmas hampers which feature curated collections of Norfolk goodies – prices start at under £30, or go all out with the Decadent Norfolk Christmas Hamper at £290.

Grand gifting from Norfolk's stately homes

Norfolk’s stately homes are amazing to visit, but also a great place to find grand gifts for those who love the finer things in life. Just a short drive from Heacham Manor, the Sandringham Shop is a hidden gem with gifts galore and bags of country style – we love the Sandringham tweed cap and tie – we’re not sure if they’re in King Charles’ wardrobe, but they make a smart choice for a stylish gentleman. Sandringham’s Christmas Craft, Food & Gift Fair runs from 17-19 November with tickets available on the gate, so why not book a stay to coincide with the event.

Holkham at Christmas is simply magical, and our special Heacham Manor break is a brilliant way to enjoy a Norfolk getaway with a self-guided tour of the decorated Hall and state rooms in all their festive splendour. Be sure to pop into the Courtyard Gift Shop, where you will find gorgeous and practical presents for gardeners, inspired by the estate’s restored Walled Garden. Look out too for Holkham’s new branded tote bags and tea towel, which are handmade ethically and sustainably by Indian farmers and women supported by B Corp certified company, re-wrap. Its trendy totes became a ‘must-have’ accessory after A-listers were snapped by the paparazzi with independent book seller Daunt Books’ version of the bag on their arms and are now a style icon. Gift a trendsetter Norfolk’s newest must-have fashion accessory! Holkham also holds its annual Christmas Food, Drink and Gift Market on 13-15 December, if you’re staying with us closer to the festive season.

Norfolk’s one-stop-shopping spots

Head along the coast road to Drove Orchards at Thornham where you will find a dinky retail park of chic independent boutiques, teeming with stylish gifts for all your favourite people. For the fashionista, stop in at Nelle-DK where the latest Scandi collections are so tempting you might choose a cosy sweater or chic party dress for yourself too. Next door is Joyful Living whose beautiful collection of homewares, candles, jewellery and beauty includes Norfolk brands Tyneham and Norfolk Natural Living, and its neighbour, Nippers of Norfolk, is a treasure trove of sweet gifts for little ones. Don’t forget HortiCo towards the back of the site, a gardening emporium with presents for green-fingered growers, and for the green environmentalist in your life shop sustainably at Flint’s Finds where the designer vintage clothing is too good for landfill and highly sought after by the young and young at heart alike.

Slightly smaller, yet well worth a visit, particularly if your stay at Heacham Manor spans the first Saturday of the month (excluding January) when a large Farmers’ Market of 50 artisan growers and makers takes place, Creake Abbey on the B135, just past Burnham Market, has a smart collection of boutiques to browse. Chief among these is Kelling Home & Friends which is a riot of colourful homewares, clothing, jewellery and beauty brands, including Norfolk’s own Abahna spa products and Hollyblocks women’s and children’s clothing, and don’t miss a bite in the adjoining Barn Café. Plus, Creake Abbey’s Christmas Gift Fair takes place on 23 November, so if you are staying with us that weekend, head over and take home a little slice of Norfolk for your festive celebrations.