5 reasons why North Walsham is well worth a visit

When you're planning a day out in north Norfolk, you might not consider going to North Walsham.

But the market town has a lot to offer and is on the up with plenty of changes and events in the works.

Here are five reasons you should stop by.

1. Its long and rich history

The St Nicholas church is a historical highlight (Image: Mark Bullimore)

North Walsham can be traced back to around the sixth century and the early 'Walsham' settlement appeared in the Domesday Book of 1080.

The town's Memorial Park contains a monument dedicated to the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 in which John Litester and a crew including a man called Cubitt of North Walsham led a rebellion of thousands to seize Norwich.

READ MORE: The Cedars in North Walsham history revealed in new research

The peasants fled to North Walsham and hid in the unfinished St Nicholas Church structure - but thousands lost their lives and Litester was publicly executed.

The church is another historical highlight, with a tower dating back to the Saxon era.

Work to build the rest of the church began in 1338 and was completed in 1406 after delays due to a series of Black Death outbreaks within the parish.

Horatio Nelson went to school in the town (Image: Mark Bullimore)

North Walsham was also home to a young Horatio Nelson from 1769 when he was sent to board at Sir William Paston's Grammar School.

The school still exists today as part of Paston Sixth Form College.

2. The annual beer festival

The North Walsham Round Table hosts a beer festival each year (Image: Brittany Woodman)

Each summer, the North Walsham & District Round Table hosts the North Walsham Beer Festival in Memorial Park.

Around 1,000 people attend the event and all proceeds go towards charities that reach out to the Round Table group for support.

A broad selection of beer, ciders and food stalls are on offer and 2024 will see the introduction of some all-new gin and rum bars.

Live music is also performed across the weekend and the former Radio 1 DJ, Dave Pearce, will be headlining this year.

The 2024 festival is on Friday, August 9, and Saturday, August 10, and tickets are available online now.

3. A new chocolatier

Darkrooms is moving to North Walsham from the city's Anglia Square (Image: Newsquest)

Mike Sweetman and Natalie Stringer, who run Darkroom Chocolate, have announced they will be moving their business away from Norwich's Anglia Square to North Walsham.

READ MORE: IN PICTURES: Step back in time to North Walsham in the 1980s

The duo ran the Timberhill Bakery from 2016 and launched their online vegan chocolate bar brand made from only two ingredients in 2023.

It is not yet known when the chocolate factory will move to north Norfolk but it is expected to be at some point this year.

4. Selection of great pubs

The town is home to a great selection of pubs (Image: NNDC)

North Walsham's population of 13,011 has seven pubs to choose from, with something for all tastes.

The newest addition, The Peasants' Tavern, opened in the former Market Tavern premises after a huge refurb at the beginning of April.

The Black Swan has recently been taken over by the Community Interest Company and performing arts group New Stages and now runs as a not-for-profit pub and theatre venue.

5. Walking routes galore

There are plenty of walking paths to explore (Image: Antony Kelly)

The town is home to several great walking routes so whether you're with the kids, the dog or taking some time to yourself, there is a path to suit you.

Weavers' Way spans 61 miles between Cromer and Great Yarmouth, passing through Aylsham, North Walsham and Acle along the way.

READ MORE: 5 of the best woodland walks to try in north Norfolk

Weavers' Way is home to a range of wildlife and creatures and has some incredible views of fields and woodlands along the way.

Paston Way joins North Walsham to Cromer, passing a series of medieval churches, and a shorter four-mile walk passes by the North Walsham and Dilham canal on the outskirts of the town.

Pigneys Wood and Sadler's Wood also sit in North Walsham and Bacton Wood - also known as Witton Wood - is close by.