Whether you’re an art aficionado or a budding historian, entertainment can always be found here in the north of Norfolk. This month sees the return of the 1940s with Norfolk’s renowned railway vintage weekend, as well as extraordinary large-scale art installations and West End-worthy performances along Cromer Pier. Discover the best events near Blakeney this September.

Steam Back to the Forties

For 29 years, the nearby towns of Sheringham, Weybourne and Holt are annually transported back to the 1940s for a special weekend in September. The three-day railway festival is a jubilant celebration honouring the memory of the wartime effort with reenactments, classic vehicle parades and live bands, bringing to life the music, fashion, food and culture of the historic decade and the era of “swing”. Wear your best victory suit or vintage dress and discover 1940s shop windows, food menus, produce and fringe events.

Expect everything from street parties to pigeon racing as local venues, pubs and community hubs join forces to host a weekend of themed activities. A new addition for 2024, guests can even experience flying a British fighter aircraft with a Spitfire Simulator Experience in Sheringham town centre (available on the Saturday only and pre-booking required).

Located only nine miles away, Blakeney is a coastal village immersed in history. With World War II bringing much change to Blakeney Point, continue your journey back in time by staying at the home of one of Norfolk’s iconic landmarks. With unparalleled views of the salt marshes and sand hills, the Blakeney Hotel offers blissful seascapes from the restaurant, terrace and bedrooms – the perfect base to unwind after a day of doing the jive.

The town of Sheringham is just a 20-minute drive or bus journey from the Blakeney Hotel and the network of railway steam and diesel trains, also known as the “Poppy Line”, can chauffeur you to and from the array of attractions.

20-22 September; more info

Antony Gormley: Time Horizon at Houghton Hall 

For the first time in the UK, Antony Gormley brings one of his most spectacular exhibitions to the sprawling grounds of Norfolk’s Houghton Hall, just a 45-minute drive from the Blakeney Hotel. Organised by The Houghton Arts Foundation with support from Thaddaeus Ropac and White Cube galleries, Time Horizon is a large-scale installation featuring 100 lifesize human sculptures distributed across 300 acres of the park.

Originally built for Sir Robert Walpole, Britain’s first prime minister, the lavish 18^th-century Neo-Palladian manor is now populated by an army of cast-iron figures that appear to be gradually sinking into the ground. Antony Gormley is one of Britain’s most renowned sculptures, famous for his 1998 piece, Angel of the North. Time Horizon is a ghostly, breathtaking work that the artist says ‘puts the experience of the visitor on an equal footing with all material presences, organic and inorganic’.

21 April-31 October; book tickets

Cromer Pier Summer Show

An extravaganza of spellbinding circus acts, musical performances, dance routines and comedy, the award-winning Cromer Pier Show is back with all the glitz and glamour of the West End. With names such as Bradley Walsh and Britain’s Got Talent star Steve Hewlett having previously graced the stage, enjoy first-class talent, spectacular lighting and glittering sets in this live theatre experience, just a 30-minute drive from the Blakeney Hotel with a direct bus route from outside the Blakeney Village Hall.

Exclusive to the Blakeney Hotel, enjoy 20% off tickets using the code SEASIDE20.

30 July-28 September; book tickets