Fakenham High Street (c) Norfolk Tourism

Fakenham

In between the historic city of Norwich and the port of King's Lynn lies the market town of Fakenham. A thriving town with a popular market, racecourse and a great selection of pubs and restaurants, Fakenham is perfect for a day out in Norfolk. Stay a little longer in one of the hotels and discover what other delights are on offer. ;

  

Jump to: Things to Do // Where to Stay // Eating Out // Shopping // What's On

 
Have a flutter at the Fakenham Racecourse (c) Fakenham Racecourse

Things to Do in and around Fakenham

With a range of places to visit in and around the town, Fakenham appeals to a wide audience. Get a feel for the town's history as you wander through the market place where the market has been held since the early 1200s, past pretty brick and flint buildings and to the 14th Century Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul with its tower standing at 115 ft tall. For a history lesson with a difference visit the Fakenham Museum of Gas & Local History - the only surviving gas works in England and Wales. Now a museum of gas and local history, the Gasworks was in action for over 100 years from 1846 before closing in 1965.

Or why not a little flutter whilst you're here? Experience the thrill of the horseracing at Fakenham Racecourse with its modern Prince of Wales Stand and two restaurants.

Enjoy nature's pace of life at Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve (c) Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve

Just outside Fakenham, get closer to nature with a visit to Pensthorpe Nature Reserve and Gardens, home of BBC Springwatch for three years. Nature trails, a play area for children and a lovely Courtyard Café make Pensthorpe a great day out for all the family. Or visit Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve - a peaceful and wildlife-filled haven that is nationally and internationally recognised or its wildlife, and which has plenty of boardwalks to get around the site for those with access needs.

There are three lovely, gentle walks to be enjoyed in and around Fakenham. From the market place, a short walk (around 30 minutes) takes in Goggs' Mill dating back to the late 1800s. For a slightly longer walk, follow the signs to Hempton Common or take the riverside trail along the tranquil River Wensum. The walks are suitable for all ages and abilities, with easy to follow signs from Fakenham town centre.

Slightly further afield, why not visit Bircham Windmill - a fully restored, working windmill in lush Norfolk countryside with bakery, café, bike hire and gallery; see glass making demonstrations and browse the shop for gorgeous gifts to buy at Langham Glass, or enjoy the Thursford Collection - a magical museum packed with traditional fairground rides and organs, steam collection and shopping. Visit the splendid stately home Houghton Hall with walled garden, soldier museum and gorgeous parkland; or how about a trip on the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway - a narrow gauge steam railway running through the glorious Norfolk countryside between the village of Walsingham and the traditional seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea.

 

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(c)Enjoy the weekly market and monthly farmer's market at Fakenham

Shopping in Fakenham

Visit Fakenham on a Thursday for the hustle and bustle of the weekly market. Local traders set up their stalls around the town over two locations so you will find plenty to explore and lots of bargains too. Also every Thursday, the Cornhall in Fakenham is also home to a weekly auction where you can experience the excitement of bidding for antiques, furniture and collectables. Fakenham Farmer's Market takes place once a month on the fourth Saturday with around 25-35 stalls selling fresh, organic goodies, including many products that can't be found in any supermarket. For the house proud visit Aldiss of Fakenham for a wide range of furnishings from sofas to curtains, bed linen to dishes, to suit every home and room. With a coffee shop inside you can rest and take time to ponder on what you might like to buy!


 
(c)Take a break from your shopping in one of Fakenham's many coffee shops

Where to eat in Fakenham

Fakenham can cater for all tastes and appetites with nine pubs and restaurants to choose from serving traditional English cuisine plus a number of coffees shops, a Chinese, Thai and Indian. For a lovely riverside setting enjoy a meal at Wensum Lodge, a converted grain store, overlooking the River Wensum. In the centre of town, The Crown Bar & Restaurant is a very popular with locals and visitors, and dates back over 200 years, while The Star is perfect on a summer's day with an outdoor area, great for children.

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Medieval Fayre at Pensthorpe (c) Pensthorpe Nature Reserve & Gardens

What's on in and around Fakenham

Both Pensthorpe Nature Reserve & Gardens and Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve have regular events for those wanting to get closer to wildlife, as well as a Medieval Fayre at Pensthorpe in August. Or why not take your faithful hound to Norfolk Dog Day in August, at Sennowe Park, Guist, near Fakenham. And there don't forget there are National Hunt Race Meetings at Fakenham Racecourse throughout the year.

Find out what's on in and around Fakenham

 
Stay in a hotel or Bed and Breakfast

Where to Stay in and around Fakenham

Fakenham is an ideal destination for a short break or longer family holiday, with plenty to see and do in the area. Whether you stay at a B&B in Fakenham, choose a caravanning park or charming holiday cottage in Fakenham or the surrounding countryside, you'll be sure to enjoy your stay in this charming market town.

 

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Find out more about Fakenham

You can also find more information on Fakenham on the official tourism website for:

Visit North Norfolk

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Related pages on Visit Norfolk:

 
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Fakenham Tourist Information Centre, Image Britainonview / Rod Edwards

Fakenham TIC

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