Market Towns in Norfolk

Rural England is rightly famous for its market towns asIt's real claim to fame however is that it was the
they are often the life blood of the local community.birthplace of the Kett's rebellion, as the famous oak
Norfolk has some of the UK's most interesting andtree where the plot was hatched stands just outside
historical small towns and they offer holidaymakers athe town.
great way to get to know the local area.Downham Market, a short drive from the historic port
Norfolk has good range of large and small marketof King's Lynn, dates back to Saxon times. The town
towns, each with their own individual identity. In thehas a wealth of interesting historic buildings, including
south of the county is the town of Diss, which bordersthe unique gothic designed black and white clock
the county of Suffolk. The major attraction in thetower which is made from wrought iron. Downham is
market place, at the heart of the town, is the Parishalso famous for the events that are held in the town.
Church of St Mary the Virgin. Sitting slightly aboveThese include its annual music festival, St Winnold's
surrounding buildings, the Church can be seen for milesFayre, and a water festival with Dragon Boat Racing
around and has stood on its current site since 1290 -and sailing displays on the local rivers.
making it one of the oldest in the county. Over theFakenham, once voted the best place to live in the UK,
years the church has undergone a number structuralis in the heart of rural Norfolk. The town, like so many
changes, but visitors can still see fine examples ofothers in the area, has a rich history and includes a
gothic architecture. During the summer months themarket square which dates back to 1200. But the
church holds lunchtime music concerts. The town alsotown is probably most famous for its racecourse
has a museum of local life, with stories and history ofwhich hold events throughout the year and attracts
Diss and the people who have lived there.the some of the worlds best jockeys.
The market town of Alysham also has a very longThe town of Swaffham has recently been made
and chequered history. The town predates Normanfamous by the new Stephen Fry drama 'Kingdom'.
times, and its layout is of national importance becauseThe popular ITV drama has shown the town in all its
of its unusual narrow alleys, or 'lokes' as they areglory and has included views of the large market place
locally known, and over 200 listed buildings. If youand the recently restored Assembly Rooms. The town
venture just outside the town, Blickling Hall, a Nationalis also famous for its two large wind turbines at the
Trust property, is well worth a visit. This very attractiveEcotech Centre - which is a great place to visit.
Jacobean house, with extensive gardens, has beenHolt is possibly the jewel in the crown of Norfolk
used as a location for a range of films and also playstowns, and as a result has become one of the most
host to open air concerts throughout the year.fashionable places to visit in the UK. The town has a
Wymondham, which used to be on the main Londongreat array of local shops, top quality delicatessens,
to Norwich route during the middle ages, is one of thebutcher and fishmongers. It is also home to the Norfolk
county's prettiest towns. The town boasts a fantasticinstitution Bakers and Larners - a very upmarket
Abbey, traditional Market Cross and medieval streets.department store.