On the banks of the River Great Ouse, and dating back to Saxon times, Downham Market is one of Norfolk’s oldest market towns. The attractive market place is immediately identifiable by the splendidly unusual and majestic black and white clock.
The town retains an intimate feel, characterised by many fine historic buildings and popular markets – a bustling market being held on many Fridays and Saturdays where you can buy a variety of goods from clothes to cakes, and fresh produce to craft items – and a host of local independent shops.
Over the past few decades, Downham Market has grown from being a quiet market town to a busy town with supermarkets, cafes and restaurants.
The area is brim full of historic buildings and amazing architecture. Discover why Downham Market has its nickname ‘Gingerbread Town’ (due to its buildings made from local carrstone) and saunter through the countryside to explore fascinating nearby villages.
Downham Market is the perfect base to explore the great outdoors, discover the Fen Rivers Way footpath, take a round of golf at a nearby course or enjoy the surrounding angling sites. Saunter through the nearby countryside or enjoy a bite to eat at a riverside pub and watch the boats go by!
Downham Market is a hive of activity with an abundance of activities to choose from both in the town and surrounding villages. Escape the world for a few hours as you take on an Hour Glass escape room, or meet some of the rarest animal breeds in the world at Church farm and Watatunga, Take a break at one of the local spas, or enjoy a spot of shopping at the local independents. Explore the outdoors and wander along the river ways or follow the gingerbread trail around town.
Downham Market has rightfully earned the nickname of Gingerbread town, with it’s quaint buildings and rich history. Follow the Gingerbread Trail around town, and immerse yourself in the history of Downham Market.
Start the trail at Discover Downham Heritage Centre, where you can also pick up a paper copy of the trail. Open Thursday and Friday 10am – 4pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm
The last five years have seen Downham Market’s food scene grow exponentially whilst maintaining some firm favourites within the town. You’ll be almost spoilt for choice with cuisines from around the world whilst also enjoying traditional English favourites.
Downham is home to six cafes offering a range of traditional delicacies, alongside more modern cafes offering treats such as cinnamon bun latte’s and cruffins. Enjoy a greasy traditional full english or a lighter pastry breakfast. Refreshing salads for lunch or freshly baked sausage rolls and paninis.
Home away from home, the pubs of Downham market and the surrounding villages have a cosy and welcoming atmosphere along with delicious food and a range of drinks on offer. Many have wood burners or open fires to keep cosy throughout the winter, and outdoor gardens to enjoy the sunshine in the warmer months.
Downham Market has a vast range of cuisines on offer, from American style food at Arbuckles and Jacks to traditional Turkish at The Cave, Mediterranean at Naxos, Thai at Phansa, and proper British at Allium.
Outside of Downham Market itself the surrounding villages and areas have a lot to offer.
Play golf at either Denver Golf Club or Ryston Golf Club. Stay at Denver golf club in one of their holiday lodges to escape the noise of town and enjoy peaceful solitude, a round of golf is included in the cost of your stay.
On the Stow estate you’ll find Church Farm Stow Bardolph: Rare Breeds Centre, which adults and children alike will love. It’s a great place to visit come rain or shine. The Hare Arms serve delicious food and drinks with warming a warming fire and woodburners. Throughout the summer the estate run Sunday walks with their expert staff, and events at stow hall gardens. The gardens are also open throughout the summer.
A little further afield Welney wetland centre is a hive of activity with birds, dragonflies, and all manner of wetland wildfire. Enjoy lunch or a drink whilst watching the wildlife from the Wigeon Cafe.
Downham Market sits on the Ouse River and is also the meeting point for a number of different tributaries. Boating is common on the Ouse and you can moor just outisde of the town and walk in. There’s also a large network for footpaths that take you along the river towards Denver Sluice or up towards Stow and the Wiggens. Salters Lode is a quieter walk but beautiful nonetheless.
