Fakenham

Just ten miles from the coast, Fakenham is a traditional working market town and is one of the largest towns in north Norfolk. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and sitting along the River Wensum, Fakenham is an ideal destination for enjoying the coast and countryside.

Fakenham is well known for its market, dating back to 1250. During the 19th century the market sold agricultural products and cattle, and today, a market runs on a Thursday where local traders gather to sell their produce. The Corn Hall and flea market have also been important local trading centres for 140 years.

In the 19th and 20th century, printing was Fakenham's major industry and you can see printing blocks marking this heritage set into the surface of the market place and is represented on the town’s sign. Many other buildings highlight the town’s history.

The tower of 14th century Fakenham church dominates the skyline of the town and the Fakenham Museum of Gas and Local History is the only surviving town gasworks in England and Wales, complete with all equipment used for the manufacture of gas from coal: retorts, condenser, purifiers, meter, gasholder.

Fakenham is ideally situated for enjoying the outdoors. Sitting on the National Cycle Network, and just a few miles away from the coast, Fakenham’s gentle countryside makes it an attractive location for cycling and walking with some interesting routes. There is award-winning Pensthorpe Natural Park, where you will find one of Europe's finest collection of endangered and exotic water birds as well as Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, nationally and internationally recognised as important for its wildlife.

The town is also well known for Fakenham Racecourse, one of the finest rural national hunt horse racecourses in the country which holds several race meeetings during the year.

There is also Thursford, which is famous for its Christmas Spectacular, Santa’s Magical Journey as well as the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs. With accommodation of all types to be found in and around Fakenham, the town is a great base for exploring and enjoying north Norfolk all year round.