Fakenham - Visit Norfolk

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.

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Places to Visit in Fakenham

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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 – 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. If you love the outdoors, Fakenham has something to offer you too. Experience the thrill of the horseracing at Fakenham Racecourse with its modern Prince of Wales Stand opened in 2000 and two restaurants. Get closer to nature with a visit to Pensthorpe Nature Reserve and Gardens. Nature trails, a play area for children and a lovely Courtyard Café make Pensthorpe a great day out for all the family.

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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. A 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!

Eating Out 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 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.

Explore

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.

Places to Visit around Fakenham

Bircham Windmill – a fully restored, working windmill in lush Norfolk countryside with bakery, café, bike hire and gallery

Houghton Hall – splendid stately home with walled garden, soldier museum and gorgeous parkland

Langham Glass – see glass making demonstrations and browse the shop for gorgeous gifts to buy

Thursford Collection – a magical Museums packed with traditional fairground rides, steam collection and shopping

Wells and Walsingham Light Railway – narrow gauge steam railway running between the village of Walsingham and the traditional seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea

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(10 mile radius)

Accommodation in Fakenham

With so much on offer in and around Fakenham, make the most of your Norfolk holiday by staying in this historic and charming market town, in a Bed and Breakfast or holiday cottage.

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More Information

Use the links below to help you navigate around our dedicated Market Towns section.

Introduction

Aylsham

Diss

Downham Market

Holt

King's Lynn

North Walsham

Swaffham

Wymondham

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