Area guides

Swaffham

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A market town full of history

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Swaffham
18 mins to Thetford Forest
23 mins to Dereham
27 mins to King's Lynn
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With its rich history and great connections, Swaffham is a market town which seemingly blends the best of the past and the present...

Swaffham

Stroll along the historic Market Place on Saturdays and you’ll find a market in full swing, offering a diverse selection of locally produced goods, from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts. It’s a great opportunity to support local businesses, along with the delightful shops lining the streets, providing everything from antiques and gifts to fashion and home-ware.

You can find comfort in the facilities and amenities of the town too. From a hospital to several schools for a range of ages - perfect when finding a family home - Swaffham also has popular supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda and a Waitrose.

Home to a number of historical buildings, including the Assembly Rooms, which was rebuilt in 1817, and the St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church, which dates back to the 12th century, you feel immersed in the town’s history as you walk through its streets.

One of the town’s most intriguing connections is with the renowned Egyptologist, Howard Carter, whose family hailed from Swaffham. His fascination with ancient civilisations and archaeology eventually led him to discover the tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun in 1922. Today, you can celebrate the connection to this historical figure by visiting the Swaffham Museum which has a display on him, and the town’s medieval past.

Nature lovers will find solace in the beauty of Swaffham’s surrounding countryside. The town is dotted with lovely parks and green spaces, perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, or simply basking in the tranquillity of nature. There are also a number of golf courses, and the town is close to Thetford Forest, which is a great destination for hiking, biking, camping, and summer concerts of big name stars having included Sam Smith, Keane and Elbow.

Whilst you can easily access King’s Lynn and Norwich via the A47, Swaffham’s location just off the A11 makes the town easily accessible. A major advantage for the town, it means the town has easy access to Suffolk, the M11 and onto London and the rest of the UK.

Life takes on a unique and enriching character in this town. Swaffham has much to explore on its own doorstep and you can embrace the sense of community, explore the rich history, and immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes - making a lifestyle here worth cherishing.

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