The tiny village of Oxborough sits roughly in the middle of a triangle whose corners are Swaffham, Downham Market, and Thetford. Although its population was only 225 at the 2001 census, Oxborough is one of the most fascinating villages in Norfolk, and a great base for exploring the lesser known western part of the county. There are two – linked - sites in the village that draw visitors from far and wide. The first is Oxburgh Hall, home since it was built in 1482 to the Bedingfield family, still in residence half a millennium later. This elaborate Tudor manor house encapsulates so much of that era in its building and setting: with a square moat and a huge and ostentatious gatehouse (seven storeys high) it shouts of the wealth and power of those who built it. Although the interior is much changed, and largely Victorian, it contains needlework by two of the great women of the age, Bess of Hardwick and Mary Queen of Scots. It is also reputed to contain the ghost of a Spanish woman who disappeared in mysterious circumstances in the 16th century – though whoever disappeared in non-mysterious circumstances you may ask. The second great site in Oxborough is St John’s Church, famous for the collapse of its spire in 1948. What avoided the destruction or was rescued after it forms a very different church setting, a cluster of buildings with very unusually for a village church what looks like a cloister among them in the north wall. There is much evidence in the church of the fact the Bedingfields stuck to the old faith, the intricate decoration showing they were able to protect the place through the worst Reformation and Puritan excesses. There is a third place in the village, again linked to the Bedingfields, which should be mentioned here. This is The Bedingfield Arms, also known as the Bedingfield Coach-house for its old use, the village pub where those wanting to spend time in the area will find accommodation. In the vicinity of Oxborough there is plenty to occupy those on a longer stay: Cockley Cley has a wonderful Saxon Church; just a mile or so east there is the reconstructed Iceni village; and both Downham Market and Swaffham (enjoying some TV fame as a setting in the series Kingdom) are well worth visiting.
Pub and Bar
Places to Stay near Oxborough
Magdalen House (4.61 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
Timbers Hotel (4.92 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
Hilborough Swan Inn (5.23 miles)
As well as unwinding and relaxing with us, we provide an ideal base from which you can explore Norfolk. The Swan Inn is also a wonderful place in which to celebrate a variety of ... MoreCrown Hotel (6.12 miles)
The Olde Windmill Inn (6.34 miles)
A village inn since circa 1650. The hostelry has built its reputation on serving high quality competitively priced food, from an extensive menu with changing daily specials; plus six real ... More
The Horse and Groom Hotel (6.54 miles)
There are eight rooms in total, consisting of twin, single and double rooms. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, brand new en suite bathrooms and all prices include breakfast for two. ... More | visit websiteStrattons Hotel & Restaurant (6.54 miles)
Strattons is an independent boutique hotel secluded in the historic Market town of Swaffham, offering guests ‘luxury without sacrifice to the environment’.
Owners Vanessa and Les Scott met at Great Yarmouth Art College and began restoring ... More | visit website
Lynford Hall Country House Hotel (6.63 miles)
A Grade II listed mansion built in the Jacobean style designed by William Burn and constructed between 1857 and 1862. The property extended to 7,718 acres and was renowned as one ... More
George Hotel (6.67 miles)
The Best Western George Hotel, located in Swaffham is a charmingly restored 17th Century coaching inn. With a Georgian facade and a complimentary modern bedroom wing. We are situated in a charming ... More
Lydney House (6.68 miles)
This stunning 18th century Georgian Merchant’s house is set in its own grounds close to the heart of one of Norfolk’s most historic market towns. Built in 1746, Lydney House provides a ... More
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