Thas A Fact?

Although we’ve visited Creake Abbey Studios in North Creake, between Fakenham and Burnham Market, several times, an invite to their Open Day yesterday (with promised drink and nibbles) was a great excuse to reacquaint ourselves with this fantastic hub of lovely things to buy, eat and enjoy…

A pleasant May day at Creake Abbey Studios.

Begun in 2003, in a valley adjacent to the stunning ruins of Creake Abbey, the Studios offers a delightful environment for local artists, craftspeople and like-minded businesses to showcase their talents. It is also a pretty appealing place if you like a spot of retail therapy.

The ruins of Creake Abbey.

It’s fresh but sunny, there are a few folk milling about. Let’s take a stroll around…

First we arrive at Good Taste. Owned by Gae Stubbings, this is an emporium of gorgeous goods imported directly from the South of France. You’ll find all sorts of Provencal delights here, from soaps to food items. Trés bon.

French delights at Good Taste.

Next is Potter & Dibble. A ‘little shop selling pretty & practical things for the garden’. Owner Angela Le Strange Meakin makes about 30% of the items in her shop. A further 30% is produced by local craftspeople. The rest is selected because it is divine.

Potter & Dibble at Creake Abbey Studios.

Inside the shop lives a dog called ‘Goose’. Apparently he doubles as the Sales & Marketing Director for Creake Abbey Studios. Not hard to see why he’d be good at getting people in…

Goose The Dog at Potter & Dibble.

Bells And Whistles is a specialist children’s boutique that offers beautiful clothing, gifts and toys, often with a traditional twist. Some truly lovely items for the Little People in your life.

Bells & Whistles at Creake Abbey Studios.

If all this shopping has left you feeling a bit bushed, pop into Tidal Therapies – Creake Abbey Studios own ‘Complementary Therapy and Wellness Centre’ that specialises in delivering ‘the spirit of wellbeing and relaxation’. Lovely. That’ll do for us.

Tidal Therapies at Creake Abbey Studios.

Offering refreshment in the form of seasonal light lunches and homemade cakes is The Abbey Cafe. Run by Kevin and Deborah Steward, whose team also operates the Sandringham Visitors centre, this is a homely, friendly stop off, and a cosy bolthole during the winter months.

Mouthwatering cupcakes at The Abbey Cafe.

Tel Turnbull, an artist who works with clay and wood, arrived in February of this year. Tel has been involved with numerous TV & films and offers lessons on all aspects of pottery making.

Tel Turnbull's Pottery Studio.

Circus Designs has been at Creake Abbey Studios since the beginning and stocks hand made jewellery, art and gorgeous interiors items.

Circus Designs at Creake Abbey Studios.

For other desirable items of furniture and objets d’art, look no further than Annie Lambert’s Home Decor. An inspiring feast for anyone looking to beautify their living space.

Annie Lambert Home Decor at Creake Abbey Studios.

Along with the studios themselves, Creake Abbey Studios is home to a rather good Farmer’s Market on the first Saturday of each month, and plays host to numerous other events throughout the year.

In summary, whether your interest is general browsing or shopping, seeking that unique piece of art for your home or simply enjoying a lovely day out in Norfolk, a visit to Creake Abbey Studios should tick all your boxes. Abbey days…

Some of the friendly Creake Abbey Studios folk.

Creake Abbey Studios, North Creake, Norfolk, NR21 9LF. Tel: 07801 418907.

Open Tues-Sun 11am-4.30pm (5pm in summer) & Bank Holiday Mondays.