North Norfolk’s Best Pick for Home-Grown Food
Whatever the weather, there’s plenty to see and do at Drove Orchards in Thornham. Explore a range of colours, smells and tastes in North Norfolk all year round.
Drove Orchards is a working farm that grows a huge variety of nuts and fruit, from hazelnuts to cherries. It’s a bustling destination for visitors to discover shops, eateries and plenty more. Susan Hall, Estate Manager, thinks the orchards are the perfect setting for a family day out.
“The orchards are magical and have a lovely, calm feeling. They are especially beautiful in the spring when all the early blossoms show the first signs of fruit. The first apples start to ripen from early September.”
Shopping Guide
Drove Orchards has grown into one of North Norfolk’s most popular shopping destinations, offering far more than a traditional farm shop. The site brings together a collection of independent businesses, artisan producers and specialist retailers, making it an excellent place to browse, shop and discover locally made products.
Independent shops and local retailers
Visitors will find a variety of independent shops selling everything from clothing and home accessories to handcrafted gifts and unique lifestyle products. Supporting local businesses is at the heart of Drove Orchards, giving shoppers the opportunity to discover items that reflect the character of North Norfolk.
Farm shop favourites
The farm shop is a highlight for many visitors, stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables, locally reared meats, dairy products and a wide range of Norfolk specialities. Seasonal produce is always a popular choice, offering visitors the chance to take home a true taste of the region.
Artisan gifts and homeware
Several retailers specialise in handmade gifts, ceramics, artwork, jewellery and home décor. Whether you’re searching for a souvenir or a thoughtful present, Drove Orchards offers plenty of inspiration.
Seasonal produce and speciality products
Throughout the year, the shops showcase seasonal fruit, vegetables and locally produced food, alongside preserves, baked goods and speciality items that celebrate Norfolk’s farming heritage.
History
Drove Orchards was founded 65 years ago by Major David Jamieson, who started off selling the fruit to supermarkets. The orchards were first planted in the 1950s and are still there for visitors to explore today.
After David retired, his son Andrew (pictured) became the owner of the business. At this time, supermarkets had just started demanding year-round produce, meaning apples had to be picked unripe and stored in carbon dioxide.
“Andrew doesn’t like the supermarkets’ ethos of selling stored fruit, so we only sell fruit that’s in season. We make our own additive-free apple, pear and quince juice, which is hand selected and picked. When the fruit is in season, you can pick your own or buy from our farm shop.”
The wide selection of fresh food on offer meant Drove Orchards was a runner-up in Budgens of Holt’s 2015 Local Supplier of the Year Awards.
Pick Your Own Fruit
Explore the Heritage Orchards, where over 165 varieties of apples and pears are grown. See the fresh fruit in beautifully arranged orchards that are perfect for strolling through on a warm summer’s day.
“The Heritage Orchards cover over 65 acres and include an East Anglian heritage orchard with very rare apple varieties, as well as a French and old English cider orchard.”
Visitors can pick their own fruits from the orchard and soft fruit beds. Take in gorgeous scents and colours as you wander through the grounds to find the perfect picks.
“We grow walnuts, hazelnuts, apples, pears, plums, quince and some soft fruit, including jostaberries, blackberries, gooseberries and strawberries. Our hedgerows are filled with wild plums, cherries, blackberries and some wild honeysuckle.”
Seasonal Events and Experiences
Every season brings something different to enjoy at Drove Orchards Thornham, making it a destination worth revisiting throughout the year.
Spring blossom season
Spring sees the orchards burst into blossom, creating a beautiful backdrop for a leisurely visit. It’s a wonderful time to explore the site, browse the shops and enjoy the fresh colours of the surrounding countryside.
Summer pick-your-own opportunities
During the summer months, visitors can enjoy the popular pick-your-own experience, harvesting a variety of soft fruits while spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Autumn harvest celebrations
Autumn is one of the most rewarding times to visit, with an abundance of seasonal produce available and harvest displays showcasing the best of Norfolk’s fruit and vegetables.
Annual events and craft fairs
Throughout the year, Drove Orchards hosts a variety of markets, craft fairs and seasonal events that bring together local makers, food producers and independent businesses, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
See the Natural Beauty
Drove Orchards has a long history of conservation work. It all started with Andrew’s grandparents, who originally bought the land in the 1920s to stop it from being developed.
“We work very closely with the Norfolk Ornithologists Association (NOA), who observe our marshes from the North and record the coming and goings of birds and wildlife throughout the year. We are also in the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme to help protect wildlife and plants within the area.”
The orchards and marshland, which make up Drove Orchards, are part of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Drink, Eat and Shop
The grounds are within walking distance of the sea and are set in over 350 acres of orchards, farmland and wild meadows. As well as natural beauty, Drove Orchards celebrates everything North Norfolk has to offer, from local food to one-of-a-kind shops.
“There are eleven other businesses on-site, including clothes shops and two restaurants, as well as a fishmonger, farm shop deli, plant nursery and an antique centre. We also host music festivals, NOA events and craft fairs.”
The farm shop, fishmonger and award-winning restaurants offer only the best local produce. Indulge in a great variety of fresh meats, cheeses, bread and more.
Drove Orchards makes a great family day out, offering something for all ages. Children can have fun in the on-site play area, while adults can enjoy ambling through the orchards.
There’s a range of events throughout the year. In 2017, there was an open day with the NOA on 5th August, Plant Lovers’ Day on 6th August and Apple Day on 1st October.
Food and Drink Options
A visit to Drove Orchards isn’t complete without sampling some of the excellent food and drink available on-site. Whether you’re stopping for lunch, enjoying coffee and cake or picking up local delicacies to take home, there’s something to suit every taste.
Restaurants and cafés
Several cafés and eateries offer freshly prepared meals, light lunches and homemade cakes, providing the perfect place to relax during your visit.
Local produce and delicacies
Menus often showcase locally sourced ingredients, allowing visitors to sample Norfolk cheeses, meats, baked goods and other regional favourites.
Farm shop and deli highlights
Alongside fresh produce, the farm shop and deli stock an excellent selection of artisan breads, preserves, chutneys, cheeses and sweet treats, making it easy to take a little taste of Norfolk home with you.
Family-friendly dining
With welcoming cafés, spacious seating areas and options suitable for all ages, Drove Orchards is an ideal place for families to enjoy a relaxed meal or snack together during their day out.
Additional Information
Entry to the site is free of charge, although some events may carry an entrance fee. Dogs on leads are welcome on-site, but mess must be cleared up after them.
Drove Orchards is between Holme-next-the-Sea and Thornham on the A149 coast road. Drove Orchards is around a 45-minute drive away from The Blakeney Cottage Company HQ.
Local Visitor Information
Planning your visit in advance can help you make the most of everything Drove Orchards has to offer, whether you’re stopping by for a quick browse or spending several hours exploring the site.
Best time to visit
Drove Orchards is enjoyable throughout the year, with each season offering different produce, events and shopping opportunities. Summer and autumn are particularly popular thanks to the pick-your-own experience and harvest displays.
Parking and accessibility
Free parking is available on-site, making it easy for visitors to access the shops, cafés and attractions. The site is designed to be welcoming and accessible, with level pathways connecting many of the businesses.
Nearby attractions
After visiting Drove Orchards, consider exploring nearby Thornham, Holme-next-the-Sea or the beautiful beaches and nature reserves along the North Norfolk coast. These attractions are all within easy reach and can easily be combined into a full day out.
Planning a day out in Thornham
Thornham is known for its coastal walks, birdwatching opportunities, independent shops and excellent places to eat. Combining Drove Orchards with the surrounding attractions allows visitors to experience some of the very best that North Norfolk has to offer.
Enjoy Thornham’s Local Food, Shopping, and Countryside Charm
Drove Orchards offers the perfect combination of shopping, local food and countryside charm, making it one of North Norfolk’s most enjoyable destinations for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re browsing independent retailers, picking your own fruit or sampling delicious local produce, it’s a place that’s well worth adding to your itinerary.
Complete your North Norfolk getaway with a stay at The Blakeney Cottage Company. Our collection of carefully selected self-catering holiday cottages provides the ideal base for exploring Drove Orchards, the stunning coastline and the many attractions that make this part of Norfolk such a special place to visit. Browse our cottages today and start planning your perfect escape.