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First-time visitors to Swaffham are usually surprised at the extent of the triangular-shaped market place, which gives the town an air of expansive tranquillity, transformed every Saturday by the famous open-air market and lively public auction that attracts thousands of people.
One of the outstanding features of the Market Place is the market cross, which was presented to the town by the earl of Oxford in 1783. At the top of the dome is the statue of Ceres, Roman goddess of the harvest. At the north end of the market place is the town sign, which depicts John Chapman, the legendary “Pedlar of Swaffham”.
Swaffham was a fashionable centre in the Georgian period and attracted many of Norfolk’s gentry to its great social and sporting functions. The town was a strategically-placed winter assembly point for those living in outlaying towns and villages. Around the market place are numerous fine Georgian buildings – of particular note the graceful Montpelier House, which in 18th century Swaffham, almost certainly accommodated Lady Nelson during her visits to the town. Apparently, Lord Nelson was also a frequent visitor – as was Lady Hamilton.
Just of the Market Place is the Church of St Peter and Paul, one of the finest of the many Medieval churches in East Anglia, with a magnificent double hammer-beam roof and carvings depicting the Pedlar of Swaffham.
Swaffham Museum is to be found in the Town Hall, and portrays the rich and varied history of this fascinating market town. Swaffham is an ideal touring centre for the many attractions of North Norfolk, situated midway between the historic towns of Kings Lynn and Norwich.
Castle Acre’s 11th Century Cluniac Priory is only four miles from Swaffham. The extensive and well-cared for remains are set in farmland bordering the River Nar. There is ample parking and the site includes a museum and herb garden. The attractive hilltop village is situated on the ancient Peddars Way. The remains of the Castle are open to the public and are an ideal picnic site.
The area has a selection of historic country houses including National Trust properties at Oxford Hall and, further afield, Blickling and Felbrigg. Sandringham, the Queen’s Norfolk home, is 30 minutes drive, and while there a visit to Wolferton Station Museum, used for many years by the Royal Family, is well worthwhile. Other historic houses nearby include the Halls at Houghton and Holkham, the latter with a beautiful deerpark and extensive grounds bordering the sea.
Much of the North Norfolk coastline is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there are numerous bird sanctuaries. To be recommended is the picturesque boating haven of Blakeney, for walks beside the marshes or boat trips to see the seals.
Inland the visitor will find an area of peaceful countryside with numerous interesting villages, while to the south of Swaffham is the beautiful Thetford Forest, with many miles of woodland trails and well placed sites for family picnics.
Children and adults alike will find much to see at the Norfolk Rural Life Museum in the village of Gressenhall, near Dareham. Finally, the area offers a full range of recreational activities including many gold courses, fishing and horse riding.
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