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Things to do in King's Lynn

Published date: April 2019

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.

Wolferton Royal Station

Situated 5 miles from King’s Lynn on the north Norfolk Coast, Wolferton Station is a Victorian Railway Station that has been lovingly restored into a family home. Famous in the 1800s through its association with the Royal Family, who used the station because of its proximity to Sandringham House, it is today an interesting attraction steeped in history. The owners open the platform whenever possible so that visitors can enjoy this historical building.

The Royal Station, Wolferton, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 6HA

www.wolfertonroyalstation.co.uk

Castle Acre Priory

This popular Norfolk visitor attraction dates back to 1090 and is one of the largest and best-preserved monastic sites in England. Explore the beautiful west end church gable, prior’s lodging and all the remains of many of the buildings round the cloister. See what herbs the monks would have used for culinary, medicinal and decorative purposes in the recreated herb garden. Find out all about Castle Acre Priory with a range of displays, exhibitions and audio tour. Nearby Castle Acre Castle and Bailey Gate and Castle Rising Castle are also well worth a visit.

Castle Acre Priory, Castle Acre, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 2XD

www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/castle-acre-castle-acre-priory

Snettisham Park

This 329-acre working farm offers visitors the chance to see lambs being born, go on a 45-minute deer safari encountering their red deer herd, bottle feed lambs, collect fresh farm eggs from their chickens and ride their ponies. With three walking trails, Snettisham Park is a fun day out for the whole family.

Snettisham Park, Bircham Road, Snettisham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 7NG

www.snettishampark.co.uk

King’s Lynn Minster

The Minster is located in the heart of King’s Lynn, in the historic surroundings of the Saturday Market Place. Founded by Herbert de Losinga, the Bishop of Norwich, in 1101, the Minster has offered a welcome to pilgrims and visitors for more than 900 years. Open all day, every day, visitors are welcome to join any service or just walk around The Minster and take in the atmosphere of this historic and Holy Church.

Kings Lynn Minster, St Margaret’s Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5DL

www.stmargaretskingslynn.org.uk

True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum

True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum is virtually all that remains of King’s Lynn’s old fishing community, the North End. Years ago, hundreds of families lived within a stone’s throw of the beautiful mediaeval chapel of St. Nicholas and the North End had its own boat builders, sailmakers, bakehouses, chandlers, pubs and school. The fishing fleet still sails from King’s Lynn, but the old way of life has gone. Visit this heritage site and town museum and learn about the fishing community of the North End which made a significant contribution to Lynn’s economic and social life for 900 years. With engaging exhibitions, lunchtime talks, family history classes and tours of the North End, this museum in King’s Lynn makes an interesting place to visit.

True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum, North Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1QW

www.truesyard.co.uk

Lynn Museum

Housed in a former Union Baptist Chapel and schoolroom adjacent to the town’s bus station, the Lynn Museum tells the story of West Norfolk and is the home of the famous Seahenge. This Bronze Age timber circle is the museum’s stunning centrepiece and visitors can learn about the people who meticulously crafted these timbers. Browse the exhibits, fascinating objects, interactive displays and audio guides at Lynn Museum; there is plenty here for all ages.

Lynn Museum, Market Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1NL

www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/lynn-museum

The Walks

In the heart of King’s Lynn, The Walks is an historic urban park and the only surviving 18th century town walk in Norfolk. Receiving £4.3 million of Heritage Lottery Funding, this 42-acre park has been lovingly restored to its former glory, with the addition of modern amenities. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing walk and explore the history of this part of Norfolk. The 15th century chapel in the park, The Red Mount, is a Grade II-listed church and is free to enter and open during the summer months, at weekends and Wednesdays. The park also has play areas, toilets, bandstand and a kiosk.

The Walks, London Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1PE

www.thewalks.uk

The Custom House

Considered one of King’s Lynn’s most treasured historic buildings, The Custom House was built in the 17th century and overlooks the site of the town’s medieval harbour. Designed by architect Henry Bell and built by Sir John Turner in 1683, the Custom House opened in 1685 as a merchant’s exchange and as a place to regulate trade through the port of King’s Lynn. Today the Custom House is home to the town’s tourist information centre, with exhibits on the building and the rich maritime history of the area, amongst other things, on the upper floor.

The Custom House, Purfleet Quay, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1HP

Adrian Flux Arena

The Adrian Flux Arena in King’s Lynn is home to the King’s Lynn Stars Speedway team and Trackstar Racing. As well as hosting motorsport events, it is also home to live music events, exhibitions, film and television, conferences, seminars as well as other amateur clubs and associations. Facilities include seated grandstand, licensed bars and function room, 4 box office windows, disabled access and viewing area, covered standing grandstand, restaurant, food outlets, BBQ outlet and merchandise stands.

Adrian Flux Arena, Saddlebow Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE34 3AG

www.adrianfluxarena.co.uk

Tilney Sports

Tilney Sports is home to the newest crazes in the golf world, Foot Golf and Disc Golf. Foot golf is played on a golf course using a size 5 football, with the object of the game to get the ball into the hole using only your feet, in the fewest number of shots. Combining the best bits of football and golf, it is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Disc golf is played much like traditional golf, but instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc. The golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target - an elevated metal basket. Both games are great fun for all ages.

Tilney Sports, 39 School Road, Tilney All Saints, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE34 4RS

www.tilneysports.com

West Acre Gardens

A specialist plant nursery and display gardens set within the grounds of an old Norfolk manor house. It’s a plant lovers’ paradise, full of interesting and unusual plants to view or purchase. Browse their array of perennials, shrubs, grasses, alpines, woodland and drought tolerant plants and ask their knowledgeable staff for advice if required. Garden tours are available to gardening clubs and horticultural societies during opening hours, prior booking is necessary.  Visit Apple Cafe in the gardens for breakfasts, light lunches, cakes and cream teas.

West Acre Gardens, Tumbleyhill Road, West Acre, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 1UJ

www.westacregardens.co.uk

Marriott’s Warehouse

Marriott’s Warehouse is believed to have been built around 1580 in its present form by local merchant Thomas Clayborne and used to store corn, salt and wine. The site was a riverside quay by 1300 and some of the oldest timbers in the building date back to this time. Restored in the late 1990s, Marriott’s Warehouse is a Grade II* listed building and is now a café and restaurant. Serving good quality fresh local food, it’s the perfect spot to stop for some locally sourced meat, fish and seasonal produce. Enjoy food and drink inside or if the weather is fine, outside on their quay-side tables. There are stunning views across the river from their first-floor bar area.

Marriott’s Warehouse, South Quay, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5DT

www.marriottswarehouse.co.uk

Café Roasta

A traditional restaurant serving home cooked dishes, all day breakfasts, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, and hot and cold drinks. Seating both inside and out, enjoy a great atmosphere and very reasonable prices.

1-3, Tower Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1EJ

Tel: 01553 692005

www.caferoasta.co.uk/menu.html

Soul Cafe and Restaurant

Enjoy a fusion of Caribbean and British food, expertly cooked, using the finest ingredients. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with events, live music and exhibitions – it’s more than just an excellent restaurant.

Soul Cafe and Restaurant - 15-19 Tower Street, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1EJ

Tel: 01553 775248

www.soulcafeandrestaurant.co.uk

Market Bistro

Great tasting food using fresh local produce is what’s important to Richard, Lucy and the team at Market Bistro. With an ever-evolving menu that adapts with the seasons, enjoy exciting and innovative dishes that are created with passion.

Market Bistro - 11 Saturday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5DQ

Tel: 01553 771483

www.marketbistro.co.uk

Pearl River

Authentic Chinese cuisine in a contemporary style restaurant. Chic yet relaxed, enjoy good quality food and attentive service in this popular establishment.

Pearl River, John Kennedy Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 2AA

Tel: 01553 773288

www.pearlriver.co.uk

Archers Kitchen and Cocktail Bar

Excellent food, great atmosphere, delicious cocktails and some of the best coffee and cake – what’s not to love?

Archers Kitchen and Cocktail Bar - Limes House, 25-26 Purfleet St, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1ER

Tel: 01553 764411

www.facebook.com/archerskingslynn

 

Places of interest close to King’s Lynn

 

The Sandringham Estate

The Sandringham Estate is the Norfolk retreat of HM The Queen and visitors can access parts of the house, the museum and gardens at Sandringham. It has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs, since 1862. Set in 24 hectares of stunning gardens, this is Norfolk’s most famous stately home and is nestled in the 8,000-hectare Sandringham Estate. 240 hectares of woodland and heath are open to the public free of charge all year round and there is a restaurant, shop, plant centre and free parking.

To find out about visiting the house, museum and gardens, opening times and entry costs, go to the Sandringham Estate website.

The Sandringham Estate, Sandringham, Norfolk, PE35 6EN

www.sandringhamestate.co.uk

Oxburgh Hall

Home of the Bedingfelds’ family for more than 500 years, Oxburgh Hall reveals the collecting habits of a single family, from Tudor times through to the present day. Explore the kitchen garden, the formal French inspired Parterre, majestic woodland and of course the manor house itself and its moat.

Oxborough Hall, Oxburgh, near Swaffham, Norfolk, PE33 9PS

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburgh-hall

Gooderstone Water Gardens & Nature Trails

This Norfolk attraction near King’s Lynn is the perfect place for garden lovers, photographers, naturalists and artists and those who simply want to be outside and de-stress. Stroll through an enchanting garden, explore the nature trail, look out for the elusive kingfisher and sample some delicious homemade cakes. Located in west Norfolk near to Swaffham, explore six acres of gardens, thirteen bridges, four ponds, waterways, mature trees and shrubs, a natural trout stream, colourful borders, nature trail, kingfisher hide, tearoom and plant sales.

For opening times, entry prices and further information, visit their website.

Gooderstone Water Gardens, The Street, Gooderstone, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE33 9BP

www.gooderstonewatergardens.co.uk

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