Blakeney was once a busy medieval commercial port until the estuary began to silt up to form the tranquil nature reserve that we know today. Many people visit Blakeney just to sit on the quay and watch the boats. However there’s more to the village than meets the eye.
In a side street off the quay look our
for a 14th century Guildhall which has an early example of a brick built vaulted ceiling. The beautifully restored, village church is large and spacious with many interesting features.
Park up for free by The Village Hall
and you can take a circular walk around the village, along the Quay,
up the High Street and down the aptly named ‘Little Lane’ before ending up on the Pastures, a green open space – a perfect place to enjoy a picnic or
fly a kite!
Crab
This bright, vibrant and colourful shop, on Westgate Street, stocks a comprehensive range of leisurewear and accessories for men, women and children, including Crew Clothing, Mousqueton and Gone Crabbing. There’s also a fun selection of toys and gifts and, of course, all the equipment you could possibly need for some serious crabbing!
The Handcrafted Company
The Handcrafted Company is a real find. Located on the High Street, everything in this characterful shop is handmade and supports over 50 British artisans. Stocking only the best contemporary craft and design, the Handcrafted Company offers unique gifts and beautiful items for your home, such as ceramics, textiles, glass and jewellery.
THE Blakeney Cottage company
With hundreds of holiday cottages in stunning locations, from romantic retreats for two to luxury houses sleeping up to 14 people, Blakeney Holiday Cottages are available for weekend getaways, midweek breaks or full week holidays. The proprietors hand pick every property for the best selection of perfect hideaways. Pop into their offices next to the quay for a friendly chat or read more about them on page 165.
blakeneycottagecompany.co.uk
The Flint Gallery AND Quay Art
Blakeney is an established destination for Britain’s leading artists to exhibit their work. The two galleries in Blakeney, at either end of the quay, have an excellent reputation for exhibiting original paintings, printing techniques, sculpture, ceramics and glass.
Established in 2008, the Flint Gallery’s contemporary fine art includes oil paintings, watercolours, bronze sculptures, ceramics and glassware.
The spacious and welcoming gallery shows the work of up to 40 creators at any one time, with prices ranging from £100 to £5,000.
Quay Art is a print-makers’ gallery, specialising in lino-cuts, etchings and collagraphs. With a range of affordable ceramics, jewellery and original watercolour and acrylic paintings created by local artists, prices start at just £10 and go up to around £500.
theflintgallery.co.uk
Blakeney Bolt Holes
Established over fifteen years ago by husband and wife team Edward & Frenesi Ewing, Blakeney Bolt Holes has always focused on providing luxurious and romantic self-catering properties for couples.
They now live in Blakeney with their dog Pickle (‘Princess Pickle’ to her friends) so along with tips for guests on where to go and restaurants to try they also include dog friendly information!
To discuss your next Blakeney break contact Ed or Fren on 01263 800326
blakeneyboltholes.co.uk
Blakeney Delicatessen
Awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2015-16, Blakeney Delicatessen is a family owned fine food and wine shop on the High Street, offering local goods, deli foods from around the world and a selection of wines. Handmade foods are prepared there daily, alongside fresh local produce, including sausage rolls, tarts, breads, pates, soups and original dishes. Menus change regularly.
blakeneydeli.co.uk. Follow them on twitter @BlakeneyDeli
The Anchor Shop
A short walk up the High Street from the quay sits the Anchor Shop offering a tempting mix of accessories, gifts, greeting cards and beautiful things for the coastal home.
They also stock a practical and stylish range of high performance waterproof jackets and lovely soft cotton jumpers in bespoke colours chosen to reflect the North Norfolk landscape.
This year they’re expanding the clothing ranges with summer linens and their own fabulously luxurious cashmere. Open daily.
anchorblakeney.co.uk
01263 740360