North Norfolk's most heavily populated settlement can sometimes
find itself ignored by visitors to the area. But they are missing
a bustling town with plenty to offer, says Edward Foss.
Please note that the postcard from series
ended in 2004 and that descriptions of shops and services were correct at
time of going to press
Where
is it:
On the A149, halfway between Cromer and Stalham, or north of Coltishall
on the B1150. The cross country route from Aylsham is an "interesting"
drive, albeit for the wrong reasons. Also served by rail - just
a little more than 20 minutes out of Norwich on the Bittern Line.
Any good shopping opportunities?
Decent shops, lively Thursday market. Outstanding kitchen shop
called Head Cook and Bottlewasher. Worth the trip alone.
Things to be proud of:
The soon-to-be-completed Victory Pool, a six-lane swimming pool
that has been given the final go-ahead after more than 20 years
of campaigning and fundraising. Cassie Jackman, previously world
squash number one, and Commonwealth Games medal winner. Horatio
Nelson and his brother were educated in the town for a couple of
years.
Reasons not to go:
Parking rage in the market place. The number of cars in general.
Lorries driving into one of the two railway bridges around town.
Market Cross
St Nicholas Church
Landmarks:
St Nicholas Church, slap bang in the middle of town. Market Cross,
towards the bottom of the market place. Potted history in 20 words:
Settled in Anglo Saxon times, survived Viking and Norman invasions,
weaving, significant role in Peasants' Revolt, fire-ravaged in 1600.
Best place for a drink:
The Kings Arms, next to the Market Cross. Always lively, with a
happy hour.
And a bite to eat:
Butterfingers, a cracking tea shop in Mitre Yard. Great sandwiches.
For a North Norfolk curry, it's hard to beat The Prince of Bengal,
be it take away or eat in.
Twinned with:
Friesenried in Bavaria, Southern Germany. Visits take place biannually,
with return visits in between.
Worth a visit:
The Cat Pottery and Railway Junkyard; the Norfolk Motorcycle Museum.
Nearby:
All sorts, including the Broads, North Norfolk coast, National
Trust properties at Blickling and Felbrigg. But if you haven't found
them before, the best places to go are some of the beaches to the
west, including Mundesley and Walcott.
A plea from the heart:
Stop dropping chewing gum in the market place. Please.
