St Mary's Church by Evelyn Simak Copyright - (c) Evelyn Simak - http://www.geograph.org.uk/profile/14840 This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic License

Attleborough

Tucked away between Wymondham and Thetford, the market town of Attleborough is well worth a detour off the A11. Attleborough was a staging town for weary travellers between London and Norwich, and is full of history, from its town sign to the Norman St. Mary's Church. The Griffin Hotel (built in the mid 17th century) in the town was also used to house prisoners on their way to trial in Thetford at the Assizes. You can even still see the rings in the cellar walls to which they were tied! Attleborough is also a great base for exploring The Brecks or Thetford Forest.

 

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Attleborough Town Sign

Things to Do in Attleborough

The town itself dates back to Saxon times, and although the foundations of St. Mary's Church are Saxon, the church itself has a Norman tower. The church is reknown for its decorative rood screen, which stretches across the width of the church - making it East Anglia's longest. It is believed to date from about 1480. Behind the rood are a series of wall paintings, which add to the overall effect of the rood screen.

The town sign shows cider making in action, as well as two black turkeys - both denoting key industries associated with Attleborough over the years. It is reputed that turkeys' feet used to be dipped in tar here, before their long long journey down to London to be sold at market. Cider makers Gaymers were based in Attleborough from 1896 until 1995, and were a key employer for the town.

Get close to wildlife at Banham Zoo (c) Banham Zoo

Attleborough is a great base for visiting the area, and is well placed for getting out and about into the Brecks and Thetford Forest. Nearby you can visit the world famous Peter Beales' Classic Roses, all set in a stunning 2.5 acres of rose gardens; or soak up the tranquility in the Gooderstone Water Gardens - 6 acres of garden including four ponds, waterways, trout stream, kingfisher hide and more.

If you're looking for something more active, and for a spot of family fun, try Go Ape in Thetford Forest - a tree-top world of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and zip slides to keep you active! If you're a real speed demon, then get down to the Snetterton Race Circuit for some burning rubber down the famous Revett Straight.

Or visit the big cats at Banham Zoo. Within 35 acres of beautiful gardens you'll discover birds of prey, snow leopards, penguins, seals and more! You can even hop on the Safari Roadtrain to get the best out of your day - complete with informative commentary.

Find more places to visit in and around Attleborough

 
Enjoy perusing the Thursday market at Attleborough

Shopping in Attleborough


Like any market town, Attleborough has a good selection of local shops and facilities. Make sure you try the market on a Thursday, which has been active since 1285! There are a number of specialist and family-owned independent shops, and you can always grab a bargain in one of the charity shops here.

 

What's on in and around Attleborough


Banham Zoo often put on family friendly events throughout the year, whether its a wildlife special or seasonal family fun for Halloween or Christmas.

Find out what's on in and around Attleborough

 
Stay in a hotel or Bed and Breakfast

Where to Stay in and around Attleborough


With so much on offer around Attleborough, make the most of your Norfolk holiday by staying in this historic and charming market town, in a B&B in Attleborough or holiday cottage in the surrounding area.

 

Find places to stay in and around Attleborough

 

Find out more about Attleborough

You can also find more information on Attleborough on the official website for the Breckland area:

www.visitbreckland.com/

Other useful links:

Related pages on Visit Norfolk:

 
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Attleborough Tourist Information Centre, Image Britainonview / Rod Edwards

Attleborough TIC

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