Fakenham
Fakenham is a central North Norfolk market town that was given a charter as early as 1250, and it is around the market square and War Memorial that the town revolves today. Fakenham main market is held every Thursday and the popular farmer's market can be visited on the fourth Saturday morning of each month. Within the market square visitors can see embedded printing blocks, a subtle reminder of the once thriving printing industry that Fakenham possessed in the 19thand early 20th centuries. Those passing by the Trap Lane Pavilion in Fakenham on Monday or Thursday evenings will like hear the roaring brass of the Fakenham Town Band, a traditional brass band which has continued to entertain the local community since its establishment in 1881.
The town is now most famous for the national hunt racecourse, and visitors flock to the Fakenham races from across the county and beyond to enjoy watching the thoroughbreds race, particularly for the Easter Monday Fakenham races. The course runs anti-clockwise for about a mile and is almost square in shape. The steeplechase course consists of six fences per circuit, has an open ditch as the penultimate obstacle, and is situated to the outside of the hurdle course. Whether watching the action from the members area or from the ring, if the weather holds out then watching the Fakenham races are an activity that can be enjoyed by all.
Nearby Langham Glass provides the opportunity to visit the best working factory in Norfolk for live glass-making demonstrations, whilst bird watchers and general wildlife enthusiasts are sure to get a lot out of a trip to the Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, Host of the BBC's Springwatch, and a previous winner of Norfolk's best visitor attraction, which is only a short drive away from Fakenham.
Fakenham's position between Norwich and the North Norfolk Coast make it not only a useful passing through location, but also a base from which to explore the surrounding beauty of the surrounding countryside. If you are looking to stay in the area, why not use our directory to find Fakenham Hotels or other Fakenham accommodation.