Aylsham
Foragers Rest Camp Site,
The Goodmans, 23 Aug 2025
Discover Aylsham
A Timeless Norfolk Market Town
With its handsome period buildings, independent shops, and warm community spirit, Aylsham blends historic charm with contemporary appeal. Nestled just a few miles from the northern edge of the Norfolk Broads, this welcoming market town makes an ideal base for exploring East Anglia’s waterways, countryside, and heritage.
Historic Highlights & Local Landmarks
Dominating the town skyline is St Michael’s Church, a magnificent example of English Gothic architecture. Its origins date to the 13th century, with significant additions in the 14th and 15th centuries. During the English Civil War, Oliver Cromwell is said to have preached here—a testament to the town’s historical significance.
A short walk away, at Carr’s Corner, stands Aylsham’s distinctive thatched water pump. Installed in 1911 as a memorial to John Soame by his uncle—financier and philanthropist Sir John Soame—it draws water from a borehole 52 metres deep. Still functional today, it’s one of the few surviving thatched pumps in England.
Just two miles north lies Blickling Hall, a grand Jacobean mansion cared for by the National Trust since 1040. Built in 1616 on the site of an earlier medieval manor (birthplace of Anne Boleyn’s father), the house sits within a sweeping 4,777-acre estate. Visitors can explore formal gardens, ancient woodland, and lakeside walks—all open year-round.
Places to Eat & Drink
Aylsham’s dining scene reflects its character: unpretentious, locally rooted, and full of warmth. The Black Boys Inn, dating to around 1650, is the town’s oldest pub. With low beams, open fires, and hearty seasonal fare, it remains a favourite with residents and visitors alike.
Nearby, The Unicorn offers modern British dishes in a relaxed setting, while the Buckinghamshire Arms—located just outside town toward Blickling—provides classic pub comfort in a rural setting. For coffee and cake, the town centre boasts several independent cafés, many sourcing ingredients from Norfolk producers.
Things to Do
Aylsham is the western terminus of the Bure Valley Railway, Norfolk’s longest narrow-gauge heritage line. The scenic 9-mile journey to Wroxham winds through meadows and wetlands—perfect for families, photographers, or anyone seeking a gentle escape into the Broads landscape.
Walkers will appreciate Aylsham’s role as a gateway to two major trails: the Marriott’s Way (a 26-mile path to Norwich along a disused railway) and the Bure Valley Path, which follows the river to Wroxham. Numerous shorter circular routes also start from the town centre, ideal for half-day rambles.
Getting Around
Aylsham no longer has a railway station—the original line closed in 1952—but it’s well connected by road. Public transport relies on local bus services, primarily operated by Sanders Coaches and Konectbus, linking the town to Norwich, North Walsham, and the Broads. For ease of access to surrounding villages and nature reserves, a car is recommended—but parking in Aylsham is plentiful and often free.
Locally:
Being in the middle of the Norfolk countryside has its perks… foodies can flock to the market town of Aylsham (10 minutes’ drive) beside the River Bure for lush local produce and ‘slow food’ concept eateries. Blickling Hall (15 minutes), a Jacobean stately home, is easily combined into one trip.
From Aylsham, there’s a footpath to Wroxham (20 minutes). There, board the Bure Valley Railway for a steam train journey back to Buxton (by your new base).
Towards the Norfolk coast and right on the edge of The Broads, Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens (40 minutes) has a small zoo or, for adventurous types, a treetop adventure course.
But of course, those Broads and the gorgeous Norfolk coast must somehow feature in your itinerary. The seaside at Mundesley (25 minutes) was just as popular in the Victorian era as it is now. Wroxham (20 minutes), set on the River Yare, has a riverside park and boats available for hire.
Must See:
Blickling Hall, Gardens and Park 5.8 mi
BeWILDerwood 6.2 mi
Norwich Cathedral 7.7 mi
Colman’s Mustard Shop and Museum 7.9 mi
Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery 7.9 mi
…
National Trust
Blickling Hall, Gardens and Park 5.8 mi
Felbrigg Hall, Garden and Park 11.5 mi
Horsey Windpump 13.7 mi
Sheringham Park 13.7 mi
Elizabethan House Museum 19.7 mi