The village of Banham, in keeping with the open Breckland countryside around it, straggles rather than huddles, with arms reaching along the lanes towards its neighbours. There is a centre to the village, with St Mary’s Church and the village green forming a focal point, but there is a definite feeling of space, enhanced by Norfolk’s famous big skies. St Mary’s was built in the early 14th century, very recognizably a Norfolk structure with its extensive use of local flint, not the best building material, but giving great character. The great draw to the area is Banham Zoo, boasting almost 1,000 animals in its care, with big cats and shire horses especially notable. The zoo is set in extensive parkland, the setting a pleasure in itself. The other great claim to fame in the village is its cider making, or rather with the preferred spelling in old Norfolk cyder making. Gaymer’s long ago decamped to nearby Attleborough, then out of the region to Somerset, putting the stopper on more than 200 years of brewing history. Happily artisan cider is still brewed in Banham, and unusually there are two cider pubs in this village of just 1,443 people. Banham is set in countryside many will recognize from Dad’s Army, and the museum commemorating that programme is housed at Bressingham Gardens, eight miles south of the village. In Banham itself some may have their memories nudged when they spot Bluebell Barn, used in the series Homefront, and now a B&B. Breckland is nowhere near as well known as North Norfolk, Norwich, or Great Yarmouth, but is well worth a visit. The lovely village of East Harling is only a couple of miles to the west, and the historic market town of Diss just a quick drive down the B1077. There are plenty of other attractions in the neighbourhood too: Knettishall Heath, Wilby Hall, and numerous reminders of the importance of the area to the allied air forces in WWII.
Attraction
Cottage
Pub and Bar
School
Taxi
Places to Stay near Banham
B&B Strenneth (2.33 miles)
Strenneth, a family run business in unspoiled countryside, 10 minutes drive from the market town of Diss, 5 minutes from Bressingham Gardens and close to Snetterton motor racing circuit. First class ... More
Villa Farm (3.18 miles)
Villa Farm is set in the open countryside in the village of Bressingham, close to the picturesque market town of Diss. Surrounded by open fields and sitting in five acres ... More
The George and Dragon (4.43 miles)
Pansthorne (4.43 miles)
Pansthorne Bed & Breakfast is situated in the idyllic Norfolk village of South Lopham. A working farm until the early 1980's, we now provide ground floor, individual cottage style accommodation ... More
MJB Apartments Hailey House (4.46 miles)
The apartment includes:
Fully equipped kitchen, Bathroom, Lounge & Dinning area, Double Bedroom which sleeps two.
8 Hailey House- has just been re-decorated to a casual, modern theme. The apatment has been ... More
61 Yew Tree Apartment (4.63 miles)
Attleborough is a market town and civil parish in Norfolk, ... More | visit website
Sherbourne House (4.87 miles)
A privately run Georgian Country house style hotel on the edge of this Norfolk market town.Ideally placed for business or leisure,we offer the discerning guest a relaxed atmosphere, with friendly ... More
Gissing Hall (5.03 miles)
Gissing Hall is a listed family mansion, dating back to the fifteenth century. Once the centre of an estate, it is now the home of its owners, Ann and William Brennan. This ... More
Sunnyside South (5.84 miles)
We are a friendly, family B&B in the quiet village of Forncett End. We are situated just off the B1113 between Wymondham and Long Stratton, approx. 10 miles south of ... More
The Park Hotel (5.92 miles)
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