The ‘prettiest’ UK small town that’s like something from a fairy tale

A small picturesque market town, named the prettiest in the UK, is so beautiful that it resembles an enchanted fairy tale.

Surrounded by two parks and abundant fine 18th-century buildings, it is no wonder that Holt in rural north Norfolk has been named the UK’s prettiest town.

Charming Holt has an array of beautiful winding lanes filled with independent shops, galleries, antique shops, cafes, pubs, tea rooms and wine bars.

Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Holt.

The town’s butchers are celebrated for their quality meats, while the North Norfolk Fish Company, tucked away in a small shopfront, offers an array of fresh seafood.

The yuletide atmosphere is further enhanced by the allure of Bakers and Larners, one of the UK’s oldest and most cherished independent department stores. It boasts a food hall stocked with everything from gourmet cheeses to delicious wines.

The charming marketplace has a cross memorialising the soldiers who lost their lives in the war. Just outside the market, a tree-lined avenue leads to the 13th-century church of St. Andrew.

A disastrous fire swept through the town on May 1 1708, destroying most of Holt, and the church was gutted. It was rebuilt in 1727 and restored by Butterfield in the 1860s.

Holt was completely rebuilt with its now famous Georgian architecture.

To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the key landmarks and to find out more about the town’s fascinating history, you can take the Holt Owl Trail by following the owl pavement plaques.

During the summer months, the town’s many cafés, restaurants, and pubs offer alfresco dining, providing locals with the perfect spot for a bite in the sun.

From around mid-November, Holt is transformed into a traditional Christmas card scene, with twinkling lights illuminating its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and hidden courtyards, creating a scene that feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

Around one mile south of the town lies Holt Country Park, which allows visitors to escape into a peaceful woodland world.

The Green Flag Award-winning country park is the perfect place to bring the whole family. It offers a relaxing tea room, a children’s play area, waymarked walks, a visitor centre, and several sculptures to admire.