History
The rise of King’s Lynn as a port began around 1220 when the River Great Ouse was redirected—partly by natural flooding and partly through human intervention—so that it emptied into the sea at King’s Lynn. From the 14th century onwards, it grew in prominence as a hub for lucrative imports and exports. The town’s 'golden age' prosperity is still very evident today through the fascinating selection of heritage sites and majestic old buildings.
The elegant 17th-century Custom House overlooks the harbor, and in St Margaret’s Lane, you will find the Hanseatic Warehouse, the only surviving Hansa building in England, symbolizing the lucrative trade links established with the Hanseatic League here in the 15th century. Terraces of wonderful old merchants’ houses lead down towards the river, and there are two magnificent market squares: Saturday Market Place and Tuesday Market Place, the latter widely regarded as one of England’s finest.
Activities
Beyond the historical and architectural highlights of the town, West Norfolk beckons. There are miles of beautiful coastline to enjoy and gently rolling countryside. Whether on foot, bike, or by car, there’s a wealth of nature reserves, activity centers, and attractions to make your trip memorable.
Why not climb the beautifully restored Bircham Windmill and take in the dramatic views that unfold? Next to the towering windmill itself, there’s the original bakery where delicious bread and cakes are still baked for the tearooms.
At Hunstanton, you can learn kite surfing and windsurfing in absolutely ideal conditions. The location is blessed with wide flat beaches, shallow water, and prevailing south to southwesterly winds.
Whether you’ve brought your own bikes or want to rent some, the Norfolk Coast Cycleway takes you from King’s Lynn northwards to Holkham and, if you’re enthusiastic, all the way to Cromer. Is there a better way to experience the sublime coastline and countryside?
Restaurants and cafés
There’s plenty to savor in and around King’s Lynn. As you would expect, sublime local seafood is easy to find, but there’s real variety and some fabulous locations too. The Riverside Restaurant is a fine example. Located in a carefully restored 15th-century warehouse, the restaurant overlooks the winding River Great Ouse and offers freshly prepared treats in a very relaxing environment.
At the heart of the town on the famous Saturday Market Place is the Market Bistro. Proud to create delicious menus using local sustainable ingredients whenever possible, this welcoming, cozy bistro has earned a coveted place in the prestigious Michelin Guide.
With quaintly traditional décor and atmosphere, Florence Café on St James Street is a hidden gem. Home-cooked lunches, fabulous cakes, plus delicious tea, coffee, and hot chocolate make this a perfect little hideaway to recharge your batteries before exploring more of what the town has to offer.
