Holt, Norfolk

Gloriously Higgledy-Piggledy Norfolk Charm

Where crooked timbers, private terraces, and world cuisine conspire to make Holt utterly irresistible.

Tucked into the heart of Holt's handsome market town, Byfords has been perfecting the art of the posh B&B for 25 years — and it shows. Housed in the town's oldest building, this wonderfully characterful retreat offers 16 individually decorated rooms, each one distinct enough to feel like a discovery. Wander the higgledy-piggledy corridors, sink into your private terrace with a glass of something cold, and remind yourself that this is, technically, a Wednesday night in Norfolk.

The pleasures here extend well beyond a very good night's sleep. The restaurant — rightly considered one of Holt's finest — serves all-day dining rooted in locally sourced ingredients, from lazy brunches to candlelit dinners that draw on influences from across the globe. New for 2025, a spa and the intimate Henry's Bar have joined the fold, making it increasingly difficult to find a reason to leave the building at all. That said, the North Norfolk coast, its National Trust walks, and some of England's most beguiling independent shops are all practically on the doorstep.

Byfords is ideally suited to couples seeking a slow, indulgent weekend, and to dedicated Holt shoppers who know that the only sensible response to a great day browsing is an excellent dinner and a room upstairs. Mid-range in price but thoroughly generous in spirit, it delivers that rarest of things: genuine warmth dressed up in real style.

Notable Features

What Sets It Apart

16 rooms
Individually decorated
Private terraces
Holt's oldest building

Gallery

Inside & Out

Guest Voices

What They Say

“Hadn't been to Byfords for years (perhaps 10 or more) until yesterday, 29 December 2025. Delighted to find that the food and service are as excellent as ever. No wonder it is so popular. Foolishly didn't book (should have known it would be busy between Christmas and New Year). Had a half hour wait for a table (but the front of house team were kind enough to warn us of this). Thankfully we were inside and the delay gave me time to apply for a 'Norfolk Passport' - which gave us a decent 10% (or perhaps more) discount on the food we ordered - which would have been good value for money even without that. Was impressed to see the team assiduously wiping down the tables after previous guests had left - not just a cursory swipe with a cloth but a thorough going over - nice attention to detail. The service was charming, fast and efficient. We'd made it just in time for the brunch menu, so I treated myself to the delicious Cley Smokehouse kippers, perfectly smoked and cooked. The pots of tea are also huge and generous - great value for money. Sadly, we had no room for the amazing looking cakes - the 'show stopper' Black Forest Gateaux looked heavenly. Will definitely be back to treat ourselves in 2026.”

Huw Sayer5/5

“In 2016, my family (whom I was visiting from Canada) took us to Holt for the first time. We stopped into Byford's food counter, and I had their chicken pasty. Since that fateful day, I became obsessed. I returned to the UK in 2018 and of course, my family took me back to Holt where I had my second chicken pasty. Covid prevented me from visiting for quite some time - and I made my first trip back to Holt this past Friday. Of course, I stepped into (the beautifully lit up) Byford's, excited to be reunited with my beloved chicken pasty. Unfortunately for me, it appeared that the food counter has been removed recently. The interior has been beautifully renovated, and the restaurant looked fantastic. I approached staff working behind the bar to request a chicken pasty to go - but I was declined as I was not sitting down to eat. I had a sleeping toddler in his stroller so it was not possible. Until next time... if there ever will be a next time! Still need to leave a 5-star review regardless - the place is gorgeous and I'll always think fondly of those pasties.”

Courtney Staff5/5

“Booked a weekend stay for my husbands Christmas present. We had visited many years ago and always promised ourselves we would stay. I cannot fault our stay. Every single member of staff we encountered was personable, attentive and genuinely cared about the service they were providing. The portions of food were abundant and the food was well prepared and presented. We stayed in room four on the first floor and it was beautifully presented and well equipped. We loved the jar for night cookies shaped like half moons. Can’t wait to return.”

tracey savva5/5

“Popped in for lunch during a day trip to Holt. Luckily we booked ahead online as Byfords gets busy. Lovely service despite lunch and afternoon tea rush. Food was largely OK - pizza left quite a bit to be desired, good chips and slaw, decent halloumi wrap (lots of lovely cheese but was a hit heavy, could do with more veg filling?) Nice and atmospheric decor in the restaurant too. Will try to come back for dinner service one day.”

Aleksandra Szczerba4/5

“We were enjoying our annual pre Christmas trip for shopping and a lunch at Byfords. But the store had changed and there was a lengthy queue. But we were determined to enjoy a lunch there. The queue hardly moved but then some went through because they had reserved a table. During all this time no one had welcomed us or apologised to us about the delay. We continued to wait. The person supposedly welcoming us was chatting with those who had booked. After half an hour or so I went to ask what were the chances of a table within the next five minutes, a vague look left and right said enough, but not one word of welcome and not one word of an apology. We departed hugely disappointed with the attitude of the staff supposed to be greeting customers to the store. So we departed to the coast where we were welcomed, taken to our seats and enjoyed a pleasant lunch.”

John Grinham1/5