The ancient West Norfolk market town of Downham Market can claim a history that goes back at least as far as the Saxons. The very name of the place is rooted in the Saxon tongue, Dun meaning hill, Ham denoting a settlement, thus Downham is the settlement on the hill, a fitting description, though this being Norfolk hill is a relative term. The town, with a population of some 6,730 at the last census, stands at the edge of the fens, a landscape much changed from the days when Hereward the Wake carried out his guerrilla campaign against the Normans there. In the 17th century Dutch engineers began to master the drainage of the land, though it had begun centuries before in rather less systematic ways. Unlike so many other market towns, Downham was granted its first charter before the Norman Conquest, when the town was the property of Ramsay Abbey. Markets have been a source of prosperity and community over the years in Downham: the famous butter market and St Winnold’s Day horse fair are both commemorated in the town’s sign – Downham’s butter was on-shipped to Cambridge and thence to London, a major trade in the 19th century and even before that. Downham is at the edge of Norfolk, and is a good centre for exploring the little known west of the county, with King’s Lynn ten miles or so to the north, and attractions such as Castle Rising and Oxburgh House, a wonderful 15th-century manor house, within easy striking distance. Because of its situation it is also easy to get to Cambridge from Downham. The town has always been an important transport point: on the Great Ouse it offered waterborne transportation in its early days, and the bridge at Downham was one of the reasons for its growth. And the town still has a train station, linking it with London to the distant south, and closer to hand with King’s Lynn.
Attraction
Camping
Lakeside Caravan Park & Fisheries
Cottage
Archway Barn
Buttercup at Meadow View Cottages
Gable Barn
Rafters Barn
Timbers Barn at Thorpland Manor Farm
Dentist
Downham Market Health Centre
Priory Dental Care
Priory Dental Care
Doctor
Estate Agent
Abbotts Estate Agents Ltd
Brown William H
Keystone Estate Agents
Property Plus
Inn
Market
Downham Market Car Boot
Downham Market Country Market
Pub and Bar
Restaurant
Jolly Farmer
Timbers Hotel & Restaurant
Solicitor
Dawbarns Pearsons
Kenneth Bush
Taxi
Bishop's Cars
Brian's Cars
Carline
Trevs Cars
Shops
Dent's of Hilgay
Windmill Farm Produce
Places to Stay near Downham Market
Castle Hotel (0.01 miles)
Timbers Hotel (4.75 miles)
Set in rolling countryside Timbers is a traditionally converted barn complex offering a warm and friendly welcome. We serve traditional food all day, every day from 12pm either in the ... More
Five Bells Hotel (6.56 miles)
A traditional village property, this small, friendly inn is situated in the heart of Upwell, next to St. Peters church and opposite the village hall. Providing comfortable accommodation with homemade food ... More
Swan at Caves Farm Barns (7.68 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
In the unique atmosphere of the Fens' landscape of huge skies, spectacular sunsets and fishing rivers, this cluster of quality barn conversions is the perfect place to ... More
Magdalen House (9.00 miles)
Magdalen House is a Georgian property built in 1829 and set in the heart of peaceful countryside in West Norfolk. The old part of the house retains many original features from what were once two ... More | visit website
Ramada Kings Lynn (9.14 miles)
The Ramada King's Lynn is located in the historic port and market town of Kings Lynn, with easy access to Sandringham. We are 15 mins from the Hunstanton Snettisham kids park ... More
Elme Hall Hotel (9.28 miles)
The Gate House (9.99 miles)
Stuart House Hotel (10.03 miles)
Close to Royal Sandringham and the Norfolk countryside, in the historic town centre of King’s Lynn, this small, friendly hotel offers well-appointed rooms, an excellent restaurant and a charming bar.
This tranquil, ... More | visit website
Premier Inn Kings Lynn (10.06 miles)
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