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Kings Lynn

King’s Lynn, in west Norfolk, is a medieval port steeped in maritime history, which stands on the River Ouse, 44 miles west of Norwich. In medieval times it was considered a very important port, only being exceeded by London and Southampton. Its trade brought great wealth to the area and many fine buildings were built. The town was protected by walls and gatehouses and the South Gate is still present today.

In the heart of the town stands the church of St Margaret. Its foundations date back to the 12th Century, although the present building is not as early and has a very interesting tide clock. Also situated in the town centre is the Saturday market place which has been in use for 900 years.

In 1349 AD the Black Death struck the town and nearly half of the town’s population perished. The town also suffered great loss of life when floods and gales caused shipping disasters.

The town’s Trinity Guildhall is the home of ‘Tales of the Old Gaol House’. Visitors can see the original cells of the town’s jail and listen to the corresponding audio information. During the summer months there are guided walks from the Gaol House for those who want to learn more about the town’s history.

Adjacent is the Town House Museum, which recreates the domestic life of the Lynn residents from medieval times. The Lynn Museum hosts displays of archaeology and history dating back to prehistoric times.

In 1683 the magnificent Custom House was built, which is now home to the town’s Tourist Information Centre. It also houses a special display of the town’s maritime history.

King’s Lynn has an abundance of history and is also a thriving centre with markets, theatres, live music venues, leisure centres, cinema, galleries and an excellent variety of shops. There is a wide range of places to eat suiting every conceivable budget and taste.

Interesting facts about King's Lynn

  • In 1537 the king takes control of the town from the bishop and from here on it is known as King's Lynn rather than Bishop’s Lynn
  • Plague hits King’s Lynn in 1665
  • The railway reaches King's Lynn in 1847
  • During World War I, King's Lynn was one of the first towns in Britain to suffer aerial bombing, killing two and injuring several others
  • King's Lynn Festival provides high quality performances of classical music, choral, jazz, recitals plus talks, exhibitions and films and features internationally renowned performers and uses beautiful historic venues around the town
  • Seahenge, the Bronze Age timber circle is put on permanent display at Lynn Museum in 2008

Things to do in King's Lynn

The west Norfolk town of King’s Lynn is situated 44 miles from Norwich, 12 miles from the beautiful Norfolk coastline and 8 miles from the Queen’s Sandringham Estate. The town is an interesting mix of old and new and was once one of England’s major trading ports. With a rich maritime heritage, King’s Lynn has a lot to offer day visitors or those wanting a short break or a longer holiday. Discover some of King’s Lynn’s most historic buildings, visitor attractions, restaurants and places of interest in and around this Norfolk town.

Restaurants to visit in King's Lynn

The market town of King’s Lynn is 44 miles west of Norwich and is steeped in history and is the perfect place to stay and explore the Queen’s Sandringham Estate, which is located 8 miles from the town. Discover many historic buildings and cobbled lanes and learn about King’s Lynn maritime past, visit the town’s 2 magnificent market places and the impressive St Margaret’s Church.

Lynn Museum

Lynn Museum is in a former Union Baptist Chapel which was built in 1859 and a schoolroom was later added in 1867 and can be found adjacent to the town’s bus station. The Union Chapel opened to the public in 1904, but Lynn has had a public museum since 1844, founded by members of the Lynn Conversazione and Society of Arts.

Houghton Hall

This magnificent building was built in the 1720s for Great Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. Located half a mile off the A148 King’s Lynn to Fakenham road, roughly 13 miles east of King’s Lynn and 10 miles west of Fakenham, Houghton Hall is a fine example of Palladian architecture, with plush interiors by William Kent.

Discover Norfolk's Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

Watatunga Wildlife Reserve can be found in west Norfolk, 6 miles south of King’s Lynn, in 170 acres of woodland, grassland and lakes. Its aim is to protect endangered deer, antelope and rare birds and provides a unique environment for many species of ungulate (hoofed mammals) who live alongside birds including rare pheasants, ducks and the majestic great bustard. Visitors can learn about these creatures and how they are struggling to survive and find out how each and every one of us can play our part in ensuring these species continue to exist.

The British Drift Championship at the Adrian Flux Arena

The British Drift Championship is heading to Norfolk for a two-day event from Friday 16th October to Saturday 17th October 2020. This one-of-a-kind event, hosted by the NADT brings the worlds of BDC and Battle Royale head to head, with a twist. The Adrian Flux Arena is hosting a 2-day drift event, with all day practice sessions, night demos and a Top 32. Drivers who put on the best show can win some excellent prizes and a champion will be crowned.

Map of King's Lynn