www.visitwestnorfolk.com www.visitwestnorfolk.com
1390-77-2
telephone 01553 763044 01553 telephone
businesses, visit: www.downham-market-online.com visit: businesses, version of this leaflet, please please leaflet, this of version
you are in for a pleasurable shopping experience. For a directory of many local local many of directory a For experience. shopping pleasurable a for in are you If you would like a large print print large a like would you If
these local businesses with well-known retailers and department stores and and stores department and retailers well-known with businesses local these
permission of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. West and Lynn King’s of Council Borough the of permission
including craft shops, delightful independent stores and boutiques. Combine Combine boutiques. and stores independent delightful shops, craft including
may have occurred. All images and maps are protected by copyright law and should not be reproduced or used in any format without the the without format any in used or reproduced be not should and law copyright by protected are maps and images All occurred. have may
Explore the historic town on foot and you can find plenty of shops to browse, browse, to shops of plenty find can you and foot on town historic the Explore , misstatement or alteration which which alteration or misstatement , error any of respect in responsibility accept cannot Council Borough the accurate, is publication this within
Produced by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk 2015. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the information contained contained information the ensure to taken been has care every Whilst 2015. Norfolk West & Lynn King’s of Council Borough the by Produced
Shopping in the Town the in Shopping Officially half day closing is Wednesday, but most shops do stay open. stay do shops most but Wednesday, is closing day half Officially
Early Closing Day Closing Early
local produce sold direct from the farms. the from direct sold produce local
est across the fens from Stowbridge where you will come across across come will you where Stowbridge from fens the across est w drive a Take
Web: Tel: www.nationalrail.co.uk 484950 08457
ones being at Hilgay, Stowbridge and on the A1122 south of Downham Market. Market. Downham of south A1122 the on and Stowbridge Hilgay, at being ones
Alternatively contact National Rail Enquiries for timetable information. timetable for Enquiries Rail National contact Alternatively
particularly on market day. There are also a number of farm shops, the larger larger the shops, farm of number a also are There day. market on particularly
Web: Web: Tel: www.thameslinkrailway.com www.thameslinkrailway.com 0264700 0345
You will find many local butchers, bakeries and food producers in the area, area, the in producers food and bakeries butchers, local many find will You times). For further information contact Govia Thameslink Railway Railway Thameslink Govia contact information further For times).
Local Produce Local King’s Cross to Downham Market and King’s Lynn, hourly (half hourly at peak peak at hourly (half hourly Lynn, King’s and Market Downham to Cross King’s
Explore by train: by Explore Govia Thameslink Railway operates services from London London from services operates Railway Thameslink Govia
(contact details on back cover). back on details (contact www.travelineeastanglia.org.uk
and www.visitwestnorfolk.com or call into the Tourist Information Centre. Centre. Information Tourist the into call or www.visitwestnorfolk.com and visit: or 2002233 0871 Traveline: phone information bus national and local For
A diary of events can be found on www.downhammarkettowncouncil.org.uk www.downhammarkettowncouncil.org.uk on found be can events of diary A Explore by bus by Explore
centre. town the in stop bus main the for inside map the See :
. . year the throughout events fun of number a to host is Market Downham Public Transport Information Transport Public
Events
www.visitwestnorfolk.com
Web: www.klaa.co.uk www.klaa.co.uk West Norfolk area. Call into the TIC to request an accommodation guide or visit visit or guide accommodation an request to TIC the into Call area. Norfolk West
shops or visit the King’s Lynn Angling Association’s comprehensive website website comprehensive Association’s Angling Lynn King’s the visit or shops
There are a number of accommodation providers in the Downham Market and and Market Downham the in providers accommodation of number a are There
A free guide to fishing the waters in the region is available from most tackle tackle most from available is region the in waters the fishing to guide free A Places to Stay to Places
Angling Information Angling
leaflets, souvenirs, national guides and maps of the area. the of maps and guides national souvenirs, leaflets,
Web: www.middlelevel.gov.uk TIC; information on places of interest, attractions and local events, heritage trail trail heritage events, local and attractions interest, of places on information TIC;
Tel: 01354 653232 01354 0AH. PE15 Cambs March, Road, Whittlesey TIC Services Available: Services TIC Accommodation booking service for visitors to the the to visitors for service booking Accommodation
Contact Details: Contact 85 Offices, Level Middle Commissioners, Level Middle (all year). Closed Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Bank and Sundays Saturdays, Closed year). (all
Nene Ouse Navigation Link at Salters Lode. Salters at Link Navigation Ouse Nene TIC opening times: opening TIC Monday to Thursday 9am – 5.00pm, Fridays 9am - 4.45pm 4.45pm - 9am Fridays 5.00pm, – 9am Thursday to Monday
North of Denver Sluice, the tidal River Great Ouse provides access onto the the onto access provides Ouse Great River tidal the Sluice, Denver of North
E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
Tel: 01553 763044 (King’s Lynn TIC) TIC) Lynn (King’s 763044 01553 attractions. Web: Web: www.gov.uk/environmental-management/boating
offers a wide variety of visitor information including nearby accommodation and and accommodation nearby including information visitor of variety wide a offers Telephone: Telephone: 03708 506506 (Monday-Friday 8am-6pm) (Monday-Friday 506506 03708
oad, the Tourist Information Centre Centre Information Tourist the oad, R Priory off Centre, Priory the in Situated Contact details: details: Contact PO Box 544, Rotherham S60 1BY S60 Rotherham 544, Box PO
Tourist Information Centre (TIC) Centre Information Tourist navigation guide covering the Downham Market area. area. Market Downham the covering guide navigation
by the Environment Agency. The agency produces a comprehensive comprehensive a produces agency The Agency. Environment the by
Web: Navigation authority licence fees are required for boats using waters controlled controlled waters using boats for required are fees licence authority Navigation www.downhammarkettowncouncil.org.uk
E-mail: Tel: [email protected] 387770 01366 Boating Rules Boating
Town Council opening times: opening Council Town Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm – 10am Friday to Monday
Council, 15 Paradise Road, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9HS. 9HS. PE38 Norfolk, Market, Downham Road, Paradise 15 Council, Web: www.downhamheritage.org.uk
For further information on the town’s markets contact Downham Market Town Town Market Downham contact markets town’s the on information further For E-mail: Tel: [email protected] 388887 01366
Held on Fridays and Saturdays on the Town Square. Town the on Saturdays and Fridays on Held Opening Times: Times: Opening 12noon. – 10am Saturdays and Friday
. . jewellery to pottery from crafts and items made hand produced locally of variety surrounding Fens. surrounding
The town is also host to a craft and collectables market where there is a great great a is there where market collectables and craft a to host also is town The the and Market Downham of story historic the telling exhibits and displays
Good Friday). Good District Heritage Society and is FREE admission. The centre has fascinating fascinating has centre The admission. FREE is and Society Heritage District
Saturday on the Market Place, next to the Town Hall 8.00am - 4pm. (*except (*except 4pm. - 8.00am Hall Town the to next Place, Market the on Saturday the heart of the town. The centre is manned by the Downham Market and and Market Downham the by manned is centre The town. the of heart the
Downham Market has a regular and popular outdoor market every Friday* and and Friday* every market outdoor popular and regular a has Market Downham Town Hall at at Hall Town historic the in located visit, a worth well is Centre Heritage The
Heritage Centre Heritage Market Days Market
MINI GUIDE MINI
Market Downham
Welcome to Downham Market
On the banks of the River Great Ouse stands the town of The special environment of West Norfolk provides fantastic Day and St. George’s Day celebrations, the Downham Downham Market, one of Norfolk’s oldest market towns, bird watching opportunities, see the spectacular display of Market Water Festival, and the Christmas lights switch dating back to Saxon times. With the River Great Ouse at swans at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Visitor Centre on ceremony. Smaller events include craft fairs, the heart of the region, Downham Market is a traditional at Welney. performances in the Town Hall, morris dancing and music and fascinating place to enjoy. Whether it be strolling on the town square. A chance to get active, there are countless walking around the busy market and unique independent shops, routes and footpaths to discover along with sailing clubs, There is a wealth of nearby attractions for great days visiting attractions or discovering the Fen Rivers Way, there golf clubs and angling sites. Horse riders can enjoy an out with something for everyone such as Church Farm is plenty to do. effortless trek through the idyllic countryside and tranquil Rare Breeds Centre, Oxburgh Hall, Gooderstone Water The area is brim full of historic buildings and amazing bridleways. Gardens and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Visitor architecture. Discover why Downham Market has its Centre at Welney. For foodies, there are plenty of places to satisfy all nickname ‘Gingerbread Town’ and saunter through the appetites in and around Downham Market, from tea shops The surrounding countryside has a variety of countryside to explore fascinating nearby villages. to hearty pub meals, fish and chips to gourmet restaurants. landscapes including heathland to the east, unspoilt Downham Market is the perfect base to experience the coastline in the north, and fertile fens to the west, where In Downham, enjoy lazy days watching local matches on great outdoors. Sailing and boating enthusiasts will wide vistas can be enjoyed. Historically, the Fens has the sports fields or just simply sit and enjoy the summer sun certainly feel at home here with plenty of waterways to primarily centred on a farming community, this originating on the Howdale. navigate. Cruise along the river to Denver, where there are from when the Fens were first drained in the 17th Century several moorings along your voyage to stop and enjoy the There are regular events and annual festivals hosted in to protect the area from flooding and to reclaim land for unique landscape. and around Downham Market. Look out for St Winnolds agriculture. 3 The Market Place Bustling Market Town...... Downham Market is a bustling market town, boasting two outdoor markets every week on Fridays (except for Good Friday) and Saturdays selling a variety of local produce. A craft and collectibles market is held on some Fridays and Saturdays. Watch out for the Italian and continental markets. (See overleaf for market information)
4 Heritage Centre Through changing exhibitions and displays the Heritage Centre tells the story of the area from farming and wildlife to people through the ages. (See overleaf for opening times)
5 Gingerbread Town Throughout Downham Market you will Fen Rivers Way notice many buildings built with distinctive local carrstone, hence the town’s nickname ‘Gingerbread Town’. Look out for fine examples of carrstone walls, gate pillars and archways giving access to the rear yards, a legacy of the layout of the medieval town.
6 Shopping Alongside popular high street names you will find many long established independent shops along the High Street LIBRARY and Bridge Street. Whether shopping for a unique gift to take home or local food produce, you will find the perfect souvenir.
7 The Willows Nature Reserve A great spot for all the family to take a walk, the secluded nature reserve is home to woodland, reed beds, ponds and a wealth of wildlife. Access to the Willows is via Brickfields Lane.
8 Footpaths Experience the unique qualities of the 1 The Town Clock, Town Square Fens on a riverside walk along the Fen and the Town Hall Rivers Way. There are also footpaths to enjoy throughout the town for example, At the heart of Downham Market lies the town take a leafy walk up Ryston End. square home to the unique black and white clock tower, probably Downham Market’s most distinctive feature. The Town Hall was constructed to celebrate Queen Victoria’s jubilee 2 St Edmunds 9 Tourist Information Centre, in 1887 and is now a busy function venue and The parish church, overlooking the town The Priory Centre home to the Heritage Centre. The Town Hall is centre, is the town’s oldest building dating A friendly and informed welcome is guaranteed. Call in to view other also home to the local cinema, showing a whole back to Norman times and is Grade I listed. maps and guides for the area (details on the back cover). variety of films. Telephone 01366 387770 for The crown and arrows of St Edmund can details of currently screened films. also be found inscribed on the town sign.
Rural Escape......
1 Denver Sluice 9 Fishing waterways network (see overleaf for further details). The sailing club at As well as a very scenic setting, the Denver Complex also gives an Angling is a popular pastime in this area. Some fishing areas on the River Denver welcomes new members of all ages and abilities and provides interesting insight into the history and management of the fascinating local Great Ouse, Great Ouse Relief Channel, Great Ouse Cut Off Channel, River sail training throughout the season. View sailing club events at waterways. To arrange a suitable time to visit contact the Denver Complex Wissey and the Middle Level are controlled. A permit can be obtained from the www.denversailingclub.co.uk superintendent on 01366 382013. King’s Lynn Angling Association (see overleaf). A rod licence can be obtained 11 Golfing 2 Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre from the Environment Agency (see overleaf). There are also various private There are two golf clubs in the area, an 18 hole pay and play course at Visit Church Farm in Stow Bardolph for a tremendous day out, whatever managed fishing lakes in the area where you can pay on the day. Denver Golf Club and a 9 hole course at Ryston Golf Club. Both offer the weather! Make friends with the animals, enjoy a nature walk, take 10 Boating & Sailing superb courses and day tickets for visitors. a tractor ride or play in the exciting adventure playground, and the tree Registered boats with an Environment Agency navigation licence can moor Denver Golf Club: 01366 385716 Ryston Golf Club: 01366 382133 house indoor play area. Visit the tearoom and browse the gift shop. up next to the pub in Denver or Stowbridge to stop for lunch and roam the 12 Arts & Crafts Open daily to 1st November. Phone for winter opening times. countryside. The River Great Ouse connects with the main inland Enjoy outdoor summer theatre performances at Oxburgh Hall and look Tel: 01366 382162. out for concerts and drama performances in the Town Hall. Pick up a local 3 Gooderstone Water Gardens 8 souvenir from one of the craft markets on the Town Square or a local A great day out for all garden lovers, naturalists, artists and photographers. craft shop. Stroll through an enchanting garden, explore the nature trail, perhaps spot 13 Denver Windmill a kingfisher and enjoy delicious home made cakes. Open daily all year 5 The windmill, a Grade II-listed building and teashop in the village of (tearooms seasonally). Tel: 01603 712913 Denver, is currently closed for restoration work on its mill tower. See 4 Oxburgh Hall 9 website for any updates; www.denver-windmill.co.uk Visit National Trust Oxburgh Hall, a magnificent 15th Century moated 8 manor house. Discover secret doors, a priest’s hole, the magnificent Tudor gatehouse along with miles of woodland walks and trails. Opening times 7 vary throughout the year. Tel: 01366 328258. 9 5 5 Walking the Footpaths As well as the long distance trail, the Fen Rivers Way, there are many 9 public footpaths starting in the town leading out into the nearby countryside 7 and alongside the waterways. Call into the TIC for maps and further information (contact details on back cover). 2
6 Bird Watching For fantastic bird watching visit the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Welney 12 with its eco-friendly visitor centre. Open daily from 9:30am in the summer and from 10am in the winter (Nov – Feb). Contact WWT Welney on 01353 5 860711. There are great bird watching spots throughout the area such as 10 The Ouse Washes. Call into the TIC for more information (contact details 10 11 on back cover). 9 3 6 11 7 Horse Riding 1 13 4 12 For a great equestrian experience explore miles of open fenland and 12 9 countryside bridleways. Visit www.countrysideaccess.norfolk.gov.uk for 7 9 further bridle route information in the area. Alternatively pick up a riding and walking leaflet from the TIC. The Magpie Centre provides horse riding 9 7 for the Disabled Association. Tel: 01553 810202 or visit www.rda-westnorfolk.org.uk. Wings Farm Equestrian at Marshland St James provides riding lessons, hacking and pony days. Tel: 01945 430749 8 7 8 Cycling 5 There are many cycling routes through the area, including National 10 Route 11 and National Route 1. Route information can be found on 6 www.sustrans.org.uk Other local routes are detailed on the Norfolk Trails website (bit.ly/1Bns4kl) and cycling maps can be obtained from the TIC (contact details on back cover). Welcome to Downham Market