From St Lubbock’s Day to a North Norfolk Bank Holiday: Five things to do this bank holiday

A brief history of the bank holiday

There is something wonderfully British about the August Bank Holiday: one last long weekend before summer begins its slow slide towards autumn, when everyone simultaneously decides they should be at the seaside, having a barbecue, visiting a country show and making the most of the sunshine.

But the August Bank Holiday itself is actually a Victorian invention. It dates back to the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, introduced by Liberal politician Sir John Lubbock. The Act created several new bank holidays, including the first Monday in August. Lubbock apparently became so associated with the new holidays that they were nicknamed “St Lubbock’s Days”.

A moveable feast

Originally, the August holiday fell at the beginning of the month. It moved experimentally to the end of August from 1965, partly because the holiday industry wanted to extend the summer season. After several years of changing dates, the last Monday in August was finally established in law under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971.

This year, the August Bank Holiday falls on Monday 31 August – and if you are lucky enough to be around Rookery Farm Barns, West Beckham, you are spoilt for choice.

1. Go wild at Sheringham Park

Just a short drive away, Sheringham Park is a classic North Norfolk day out, with woodland, parkland, coastal views and miles of walking. This summer there is also a Summer Fun programme running through to 2 September, making it particularly good for families.

2. Take the steam train to the seaside

Hop aboard the North Norfolk Railway at Sheringham and make the journey part of the adventure. The heritage railway runs between Sheringham and Holt, giving you the chance to combine a train ride with a wander, lunch or trip to the coast.

3. Have a proper North Norfolk beach day

Forget complicated plans. Pack a picnic, find a patch of sand and head for Sheringham Beach – or go slightly quieter at Weybourne. Both are close enough to West Beckham to make a spontaneous dip, rock-pooling or sunset walk very easy.

4. Old-fashioned bank holiday fun at Felbrigg

At Felbrigg Hall, the summer programme runs throughout the Bank Holiday, with obstacle courses, giant games, nature activities and den building alongside the historic estate and gardens. It is an especially good choice if you have children to entertain.

5. Walk the woods around Holt

For something a little quieter, head to Holt Country Park. With woodland trails and plenty of space to escape the Bank Holiday crowds, it is an ideal place for a walk before finding somewhere in Holt for coffee, cake or a well-earned pint.

And perhaps that is the best thing about a North Norfolk Bank Holiday: you do not have to go far. Within ten miles of West Beckham, you can have a steam railway adventure, a sandy beach, a country estate, ancient woodland and some of the finest coastal scenery in England – all before Monday is over.