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Swaffham, Norfolk

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

An attractive market town in the Breckland region of western Norfolk. There has been a settlement here since before the Romans, but Swaffham really grew in importance during the Middle Ages, as a centre of the wool trade. A striking 18th century market cross stands in the market place, surmounted by an attractive cupola. This is just one of numerous attractive Georgian buildings in Swaffham, and indication of its popularity as a fashionable Georgian town.

One famous resident of Swaffham was Howard Carter, the Egyptologist who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen. Carter's story is told in the entertaining museum found on the square. The striking church of St Peter and St Paul stands just off the market square. It has a superb double hammer beam roof with carved angel decorations.

The Pedlar of Swaffham Legend tells that a pedlar from Swaffham named John Chapman had a dream that he seek his fortune in London. He travelled to the city, but found no fortune, until at last he met a stranger, who told him that he, too, had had a dream of finding fortune. In the stranger's dream, great wealth could be found in a far off place, buried under a tree. The pedlar realized from the stranger's description that he was describing Swaffham. In great excitement the pedlar returned to Norfolk and found treasure buried under a tree. The pedlar used part of his new wealth to build the parish church. The Pedlar of Swaffham is remembered in the town sign.
Swaffham, Norfolk, England

About Swaffham
Attraction Type: Town
Location map
OS TF 8161 0918
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Castle Acre Priory - 3.5 miles (Abbey) Castle Acre Castle - 3.7 miles (Castle) Oxburgh Hall - 6.8 miles (Historic House) Grimes Graves - 11.9 miles (Prehistoric) Houghton Hall - 12.3 miles (Historic House) Weeting Castle - 12.7 miles (Castle) Castle Rising Castle - 13.3 miles (Castle) North Elmham Bishop's Palace - 13.4 miles (Church)

Nearest Towns and Villages Castle Acre - 3.5 miles away Harpley - 10.4 miles away Dereham - 10.7 miles away Castle Rising - 13.3 miles away Hingham - 13.4 miles away Downham Market - 13.7 miles away Fakenham - 14.1 miles away King's Lynn - 14.3 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Swaffham

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Heron Cottage - 3.5 miles from Swaffham Castle Acre, Norfolk Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £250

Rustic Lodge - 7.4 miles from Swaffham Pentney, Norfolk Sleeps: 10 Stay from: £489

Sunnyside - 12.5 miles from Swaffham Colkirk, Norfolk Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £235

More Self Catering near Swaffham

Nearest Hotels

Best Western The George Hotel, Swaffham - 0.2 miles from Swaffham Swaffham, Norfolk Stay from: £55.00

Strattons Hotel luxury award winning boutique hotel - 0.3 miles from Swaffham Swaffham, Norfolk Stay from: £99.00

The Best Western George Hotel - 0.3 miles from Swaffham Swaffham, Norfolk Stay from: £65.00

More Hotels near Swaffham

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

The Olde Windmill Inn - 5.1 miles from Swaffham Norfolk, Norfolk From: £45.00

Spread Eagle Inn - 5.5 miles from Swaffham Barton Bendish, Norfolk From: £50.00

The Bedingfeld Arms - 6.6 miles from Swaffham Kings Lynn, Norfolk From: £35.00

More bed and breakfasts near Swaffham

Swaffham
Tourist Information Centre
Town Museum
London Street
Swaffham
Norfolk
England
PE37 7AB
Tel: 01760 722255
Email: tic@swaffhammuseum.co.uk
Web: http://www.aroundswaffham.co.uk
Map