King’s Lynn is an absolute treat for history lovers. Situated on the Great Ouse, it has a rich seafaring past befitting its location.
And its prosperity and status as an internationally important port is reflected in its wealth of handsome buildings, which have appeared on the big screen in The Personal History of David Copperfield and Revolution.
Parts of the medieval Hanseatic port survive, including the Hanse House, the Custom House (where you’ll also find a statue of one of the town’s most famous sons, explorer Captain George Vancouver, who the Canadian city is named after) and grand merchants’ houses. Other impressive architecture includes the Minster, the Town Hall with its distinctive chequerboard façade and the Guildhall of St George, believed to be the last surviving theatre where Shakespeare performed.
Located in the village of Pott Row, not far from King's Lynn, The Old Cow Shed is a fabulous, romantic bolthole for two. Just 20 minutes by car from the coast, this hideaway is nestled in a charming and quiet corner of the county slightly off the beaten track. The single storey, open-plan accommodation is of a very high specification with granite worktops in the kitchen and oak flooring throughout. The main living space is open-plan with bi fold doors leading to a private courtyard garden and great care has been made to create a comfy, relaxing home from home, including a king-size bed. If you love cycling there are some beautiful routes to the coast - and the property has a bike shed.
Contact Norfolk Hideaways on 01328 887 658.
WHAT TO DO
This is a town where you can take a real trip back in time.
True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum, tells the fascinating story of the town’s old fishing community, the North End. And don’t miss Lynn Museum. Here you can marvel at the bronze age timbers of Seahenge, which were revealed by the tides at Holme in 1998. On until September 15, the exhibition The Moon: Meet Our Nearest Neighbour tells the story of lunar discovery and explanation, with some fascinating items on show, including a piece of real moon rock and a three-metre inflatable moon model suspended in the ceiling space.
King’s Lynn is a festival town. Each Valentine’s Day, Lynn Mart opens in Tuesday Market Place, the funfair marking the official start of the showmen’s year. In June, the Hanse Festival celebrates the town's role as a member of the Hanseatic League, a network of towns across Europe which traded with each other. Its arts festival in July welcomes performers from across the globe, alongside Festival Too, which is one of the largest free music festivals in Europe. This year's performers included Sigala, Sandi Thom, Ocean Colour Scene and Livin' Joy.
Described by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner as one of the finest houses in King’s Lynn, The Bank House, in King’s Staithe Square, is now a restaurant and hotel, particularly known for its Sunday lunches with all the trimmings and decadent afternoon teas. The Grade II listed building was originally a merchant's house, where wine imported from the continent was stored and then in the 1780s Joseph Gurney set up a bank in the building - Gurney's Bank later went on the become Barclays.
In Saturday Market Place, hearty, flavoursome fare is on the menu at The Wenns Chop and Ale House, plus, there are self-contained apartments and a deluxe double suite (complete with a roll-top bath-tub) so you can make a stay of it.
In South Quay, The Rathskeller serves up small tapas-style plates alongside classics such as haddock and chips and an epic sounding burger. Also on the quay, Marriott's Warehouse has a menu to take you through from breakfast to dinner - plus an outdoor seating area with lovely views of the river.
RECOMMENDED READING
- 9 quirky things you didn't know about King’s Lynn
- Tragic story behind Norfolk song which captivated classical composer
- How King Charles is making his mark in Sandringham's gardens
IN THE AREA
King George V called Sandringham 'the place I love better than anywhere in the world.'
The place where the royal family traditionally spends Christmas – and hundreds of well-wishers gather to catch a glimpse of them as they attend church – has been a much-loved country retreat for generations of monarchs and their families.
Sandringham House, Gardens and St Mary Magdalene Church are open until October 11, along with the summer exhibition Vin + Omi: Royal Garden Waste To Fashion's Future, a collection of 26 innovative garments and accessories made using plant waste taken from royal gardens including Highgrove and Sandringham.
The royal parkland is open daily all year round for walking, running and cycling.
Another of the area's splendid buildings, Houghton Hall, which was built by Great Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, has work by acclaimed ceramicist Dame Magdalene Odundo on show until September 29 and Antony Gormley's thought provoking large scale installation Time Horizon until October 31.
Not far from King's Lynn, Norman Castle Rising Castle is one of the largest and best-preserved keeps in the country, surrounded by 20 acres of earthworks and at Castle Acre explore the ruins of a Norman Priory.
