The medieval village of Little Walsingham is well known due to its association with The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, a place of pilgrimage. It is also very pretty, with narrow lanes and a varied selection of buildings, including the ruins of both an Augustine and Franciscan Friary.

 

 

Lately, however, Walsingham has also become a destination worth seeking out due to its growing number of unique shops and quality places to eat. This is due, in part if not largely, to the new initiatives of the Walsingham Estate, one of which was to convert a selection of barns on Guild Street in the centre of Walsingham, which are now occupied by three quite different, but equally delicious businesses.

 

 

In May 2006, Walsingham Farms Shop was opened with the aim of it being an outlet for tenant farmers of the estate. Split into three sections, the butchers, the delicatessen and the general store, the Farms Shop is a worthy solution for the plight of today’s conscientious shopper, stocking a huge array of local produce (teeny carbon footprint) that is often organic, homemade and always of the freshest, highest quality. There are also some unique foodstuffs from slightly further a field, but which you may not find in your average local supermarket. A very 21st century take on the Farm Shop, WFS is true to traditional intent of the category, but in superior surroundings that offers a shopping experience that is altogether more pleasant than that offered by the multi-nationals.

 

 

Next door to Walsingham Farms Shop is Bert Frew’s Unisex Hair Salon. Inviting and stylish, decorated with local artworks, Bert Frew’s is a stress-free sanctuary for those looking for a traditional and unhurried hairdressing experience.

 

 

After you’ve bought your staple meat and veg at the Farms Shop and had your image smartened up at Bert’s, prepare yourself for the indulgence that is The Chocolate Deli Chocolate Boutique. Cloud Nine for those with a sweet tooth or chocoholic leanings, The Chocolate Deli is filled with handmade shaped chocolate novelties, bars of chocolate of various global origins and flavours and nostalgic sweets in traditional jars (the sweet tobacco is a favourite, I’ve been told). Their Mint truffles and White Chocolate and Cardamon truffles were Gold Award Winners at the Great Taste Awards 2007. At certain times you can even watch the magic happen as some of the chocolate is produced on the premises (less so than when the deli opened in September 2006 due to the increasing demand – production has been largely shifted to a bigger building nearby). Specialists in bespoke chocolate favours and cupcakes for weddings and special occasions, The Chocolate Deli is a must-visit location, if only to re-address the balance between naughty and nice after visiting the virtuous Farms Shop.

 

 

After working your way around the barns, there are other appealing shops along the high street, including Bkidz – fabulous for individual clothing, toys and goodies for the 8’s and under, and recently-opened B-Fair, which stocks all manner of natural, organic items and accessories for the home and wardrobe.

When you become weary of looking around or feel in need of some sustenance, The Norfolk Riddle Restaurant and Fish & Chip Shop provides an unpretentious yet smart place to eat. Also part of Walsingham Farms Shop, The Norfolk Riddle uses fresh, locally sourced produce wherever possible, including local, sustainable fish and seafood.

 

 

Before or after your meal (depending on whether you’ve stopped for lunch or for dinner), there are plenty of walks around Walsingham to either work off your food, or work up an appetite. There are also numerous other North Norfolk attractions in the very close proximity, including the town of Wells-next-the-Sea (linked by the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway) and the Holkham Estate, including Holkham Hall.

Becoming quite the hidden gem in North Norfolk, Little Walsingham is worth taking some time to discover (or rediscover) for yourself.

 

 

| EnjoyMent Privilege Cardholders are entitled to a 5% discount off purchases made in Walsingham Farms Shop and also 5% off their food bill at The Norfolk Riddle Restaurant (excludes chip shop).

Cardholders also qualify for a 10% discount off products in The Chocolate Deli Chocolate Boutique. |

For details on location, opening times etc. for the businesses mentioned here, please see Walsingham Farms Shop, Beft Frew, The Chocolate Deli, The Norfolk Riddle listings on this site.