Wymondham (say “Wind-am)
The long history of this market town is reflected in the unusual timber-framed market cross building, now the site of the Tourist Information Centre.
Another striking building with two large towers is the ancient
Wymondham Abbey which dates from Norman times. 2007 sees the 900th anniversary of the foundation of Wymondham Abbey by William d’Albini. To mark this special year, the Abbey is planning a series of events running from April to October. For more information
click here
Wymondham railway station is a Grade II listed building with a “Brief Encounter” theme restaurant and museum. It’s also the starting point for the Mid-Norfolk Railway, opened by volunteers in 1999, which sets out into the Norfolk countryside from here.
Loddon
Loddon, on the River Chet, is a lively boating centre for the Southern Broads. Boats can be seen mooring at the Staithe and also by the riverside picnic area at Pyes Mill.
The impressive 15th Century Holy Trinity Church stands high over the town, built with the support of the Hobart family of the nearby Hales Hall.
Other interesting buildings around the town are the wooden mill and the Victorian Town Hall, which houses the
Tourist Information Centre.
Diss
Nowhere else in England will you find a market town built around a lake! Diss Mere covers six acres and is surrounded by trees, lawns and walkways. This was Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman’s favourite Norfolk town – he wrote the lines “Dear Mary, yes, it will be bliss, to go with you by train to Diss”.
There are pleasant walks through the narrow streets, with their mix of Tudor and Victorian buildings, while the more adventurous can set out on the Boudica's Way walk, a footpath that continues to Norwich.
Harleston (say “Harls-ton”)
Harleston is a traditional South Norfolk town that grew from being an ancient market place and staging post for travellers between London and Norwich.
A market is still held here every Wednesday, and there is a range of both general and specialist shops.
The town’s history is reflected in its Georgian buildings and other landmarks, such as the Italianate clock tower.
In an alleyway off Broad Street there is also the mysterious Harleston Stone, an enigmatic block of granite that has inspired many local legends!
Hingham(say “Hing-am”)
Not quite a town, but well worth a visit is Hingham.
Hingham is notable for the number of Georgian houses clustered around the Market Place and the rich heritage of period buildings elsewhere, all overlooked by the 120 ft tower of St Andrew’s Church. Inside the church, a bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln commemorates the town’s historic links with America.
In the 1600s, villagers left Hingham to sail to the New World. Among them was Samuel Lincoln, ancestor of the 16th US President.