North Walsham

North Walsham is steeped in history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. It is the largest town in north Norfolk and is close to the Broads National Park and coast. Surrounded by scenic countryside, North Walsham is an ideal holiday base to explore north Norfolk.

The market town, North Walsham, became a centre for weaving in the Anglo-Saxon era, along with the nearby village of Worstead (from where the cloth gets its name). The wealth generated, enabled the local people to build St. Nicholas Church which dates back to 1330.In 1381, the town was the site of the last confrontation of the Peasants Revolt, with a battle between local rebels and government forces under the Bishop of Norwich. Its tall, partly collapsed, tower is the second tallest in Norfolk after Norwich Cathedral. In 1381, the town was the site of the last confrontation of the Peasants Revolt, with a battle between local rebels and government forces under the Bishop of Norwich. 

The market place houses a 16th century cross with clock, the focal point of the town, which was built to collect rent from the market traders. Today, a market runs on Thursdays and the rest of the town has plenty of shops, eateries, places to stay and historical buildings including Paston College where Horatio Nelson, spent his school days between 1768 and 1771.

For Nelson enthusiasts, you can also visit Nelson’s birthplace, Burnham Thorpe, about an hour away from North Walsham. A stroll around the village reveals the site of the Parsonage where Nelson was born (which was knocked down in 1803) and raised before going to sea at the tender age of 12. You will also find All Saint’s Church where Nelson's father Edmund was rector and Nelson’s local pub, The Lord Nelson, known at the time as the Plough Inn. Find out more about Nelson here.

Nearby Bacton Woods has 280 acres of ancient woodland, dating back to Saxon times. The marked trails through the beautiful woodland offers great walking routes and terrain for mountain biking. Find out more. On the way to Bacton Woods, the under-restoration North Walsham and Dilham Canal is a lovely place to spend time to enjoy walking, paddleboarding and swimming.

Also worth a visit is Bacton beach, a few miles from North Walsham. Its historic buildings and proximity to the Broads National Park and coast, makes North Walsham well worth visiting. Stop by the North Walsham Heritage Museum & Information Centre on Vicarage Street for more information on the town.