Aylsham

Aylsham is a traditional unspoilt market town beside the River Bure and is home to Norfolk's slow food movement, perfect for shopping for local produce. Historic buildings, a traditional market square with regular markets, and a Jacobean hall make an interesting visit.

Aylsham's market place, surrounded by 18th century houses, reflects the town’s prosperity from the cloth trade from that era. The town was famous for its linen and textiles in the 1300s before it went on to become a major wool and textile producing area. Today, the picturesque market place holds markets on Mondays and Fridays and there are plenty of shops, pubs and tea-rooms along quaint streets.

Nearby National Trust’s Blickling Hall is a magnificent Jacobean house, with stunning gardens, home to the Boleyn family from 1499 - 1505. It is believed that Anne Boleyn’s ghost still roams the hall! The landscape, with its hedges and narrow tree-lined lanes, has changed little over the centuries and is quintessentially Norfolk. In the grounds, stands the beautiful 14th century church of St. Michael and All Angels.

The Weavers Way trail, a great off-road route for walking, cycling and horse riding. Linking Cromer to the east Norfolk coast at Great Yarmouth, the 61 mile trail passes through a diverse landscape of woodland, farmland, historic country estates, riverside walks and the Norfolk Broads. Much of the Weavers’ Way footpath follows the old trackbed of the Aylsham to Great Yarmouth railway line.

Aylsham is the northern terminus of the Bure Valley Railway, a narrow-gauge steam railway which takes you through the countryside to Wroxham. The station also marks the start of the Bure Valley Walk, a walking and cycling route set alongside the railway line.

Over the August bank holiday, there is the annual Aylsham Country Show, which has run for over seventy years. At the heart of Norfolk’s agricultural and social calendar, the show attracts animal exhibitors and competitions, classic cars and displays. A great day out in the country.