Swaffham

Featured in the hit TV series, Kingdom, and childhood home of the Egyptologist, Howard Carter, Swaffham is no ordinary Norfolk town. It has a wonderful buzz, particularly on Saturdays when the weekly market is in full swing. With its beautiful Georgian buildings and magnificent church, plus the stunning countryside of The Brecks just on the doorstep, Swaffham is a great place to visit.

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

The Ecotech Centre, Swaffham (c) Ecotech Centre

Things to Do in Swaffham

Dominating the Swaffham skyline is the Church of SS Peter and Paul, with its stunning exterior of stone and flint - venture inside to see a fine hammer beam roof inlaid with intricately carved angels. The town's 18th Century Assembly Rooms have just been carefully restored and are definitely worth a visit. To continue a historic theme, take a trip to Swaffham Museum and discover the past of the town and its people, including Egyptologist, Howard Carter, discoverer of the tomb of Tutankhamun.Then blast yourself into the present day with a visit to the Ecotech Centre, and climb the 300 steps to the top of this awesome wind turbine. The Centre is set in beautiful gardens, while there is also a café for refreshments and a cinema. For art enthusiasts visit Hayes Gallery or if in need of some relaxation, take some time out at Cape Amethyst, a luxurious spa situated in the heart of Swaffham.

Swaffham is situated just on the edge of one of Britain's greatest natural landscapes, the Brecks. During your visit to Norfolk, be sure to spend some time exploring the stunning countryside of the Brecks. There are numerous cycle routes and walking trails to follow such as the Brecks Cycling Discovery Route, which takes in all of Swaffham's main attractions including the town, Ecotech Centre and Oxburgh Hall. For walkers take the nature trail around Cockley Cley Lake through meadows and along the River Gadder, while there are also bridle routes for horse riders. For a really unforgettable experience, take a ride in a Breckland Balloon and see the beauty of Swaffham and the Brecks from the peaceful skies.

Oxburgh Hall, near Swaffham, Norfolk (c) Oxburgh Hall, National Trust

There are plenty of places to visit a short distance from Swaffham, including the historic Castle Acre Priory - a stunning English Heritage castle and priory in the beautiful Norfolk countryside - and Oxburgh Hall, Garden & Estate - a 15th Century Hall, gardens and woodland. Or take time to relax and enjoy the beautiful gardens of Gooderstone Water Gardens & Nature Trail and the nature reserves and meadows of Cockley Cley Lakes.

For entertainment for all, try action-packed family fun go-kart riding at Anglia Karting, or for the thrill seekers amongst you, swing through the woodland canopy at Extreeme Adventure. For the adults, why not head along to the Iceni Brewery and discover the secrets of making real ale.

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(c)Enjoy eating out in Swaffham, Norfolk

Where to eat in Swaffham

After enjoying the hustle and bustle of Swaffham's market, sit down to a relaxing coffee and slice of cake at one of the lovely cafes in the market place and just watch the world go by. Mother Hubbard's is perfect for that great British favourite, fish and chips, while there are a number of excellent pubs and restaurants where you can savour a delicious meal including Romford House Restaurant and the East Garden Chinese Restaurant.

(c)Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Swaffham's market

Shopping in Swaffham

The first stop for any visitor to Swaffham has to be the market. Every Saturday the town is transformed with over 70 trade stalls selling anything and everything! Meet the locals, chat to the friendly market traders and see if you can grab a bargain. A number of lovely shops surround the market including a wonderful bookshop filled with new and second hand classics plus a café. For food lovers, Swaffham also has an excellent butchers selling fresh, locally reared produce.

Oxburgh Hall hosts medieval fayres and theatre shows throughout the year (c) Oxburgh Hall, National Trust

What's on in and around Swaffham

Nearby Oxburgh Hall often hosts outdoor theatre productions and medieval fayres, whilst the Westacre Theatre has a year round programme of events.

Find out what's on in and around Swaffham

(c)Stay in a hotel or Bed and Breakfast in Swaffham

Where to Stay in Swaffham

With so much on offer in and around Swaffham, make the most of your Norfolk holiday by staying in this historic and charming market town. A Swaffham B&B or holiday cottage is the ideal base for exploring the Brecks