King’s Lynn
Brim full of history and with a vibrant town centre, King’s Lynn is the ideal destination to spend a few nights, enjoying the superb mix of history, shopping and entertainment on offer.
The Hanseatic town of King’s Lynn was one of England’s most important ports from as early as the 12th century and this maritime past is still very much in evidence today. Fine old merchants’ houses stretch down to the river between cobbled lanes and the elegant Custom House overlooks the harbour. The town’s heritage is reflected in an amazing array of historic buildings and at two magnificent market places: Saturday Market Place, where St Margaret’s Church , designated as a Minster Church in 2011 by the Bishop of Norwich, is surrounded by splendid buildings and Tuesday Market Place, quite possibly one of England’s grandest squares.
Visitors can discover the story of King’s Lynn by visiting a host of heritage sites and attractions, best discovered with the help of the free guide Discover King’s Lynn or by joining a guided tour. The town’s Hanseatic history and trading links with Europe can be discovered on the self-guided Hanse Trail. The story of the town’s maritime trade, its fishing communities and its famous navigators can be explored on the Maritime Trail, or take a trip on the King’s Lynn ferry to see the maritime landscape of the King’s Lynn quayside and town from the banks of west Lynn.
Alternatively, you can embark on a town-based trail to trace the journey of pilgrims who passed through Lynn on their way to the Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham in medieval times.
Copies of all these trails and walks are available to download from our Guides and Publications page.
King’s Lynn offers a fine programme of cultural and entertainment events and facilities including the impressive live entertainment venue of the Alive Corn Exchange, performances and special events at the King’s Lynn Arts Centre and the Majestic Cinema. The renowned King’s Lynn Festival and popular free festival ‘Festival Too’ are just some of the great events in this festival town. The town’s added sports and leisure facilities and its award winning park and gardens all add to the experience that visitors can enjoy.
King’s Lynn’s popular town centre offers an extensive pedestrianised shopping area with ample parking close by. The Vancouver Quarter offers a modern shopping experience that sits well next to the traditional shopping areas of the town and are complemented by the markets which often take place on the historic Tuesday Market Place.
