Just 1hr 30 minutes from London and 40 minutes from Cambridge lies the quaint, gingerbread market town of Downham Market (pronounced Down’um Market). With it’s rising independent food scene, local shops, and friendly atmosphere Downham is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. There’s lots to do in Downham and the surrounding villages and we’ve put together an itinerary we think you’ll love.
This itinerary is based on catching the train to Downham Market but if you come by car, up the A10, then you’ll have lots more options with tranquil stays at Watatunga and foodie options like The Hare Arms or The Heron.
Take the train to Downham Market train station. This is the great northern train from King’s Cross to King’s Lynn, it usually departs from platform 9 at King’s Cross and platform 4 at Cambridge. Please check all train times and platform numbers as things do change. Train times can be found on the National Rail website and also from Greater Anglia.
By car take the M11 from London, after passing Cambridge take the A14 towards Ely, from the A14 come off at Ely and follow the A10 north. From Cambridge take the A10 from Milton.
Lunch:
After your journey to Downham Market take a moment to sit down, relax, and enjoy a delicious, local, early lunch at one of our fabulous local eateries. The Pantry, The Seat, Dial House Cafe, Allium, or Giardini di Naxos.
Discover Downham:
Once you’ve eaten something, had a chance to unwind and start to soak in the slower pace of Downham Market pop into Discover Downham Heritage Centre. The centre is located in the old fire house and is run by volunteers who love the town of Downham Market and can’t wait to share it’s wonderful culture, history, and secrets with you. From here you can also pick up trail guides and information on things to do. On Saturdays they’re open 10am – 1pm
Trails:
When you visit Discover Downham don’t forget to pick up one or two of the Downham Market trail guides, if you didn’t pick one up they can be downloaded from our guides section. The Gingerbread Trail takes you around Downham Market exploring all the properties that make Downham into a gingerbread town.
Check-in:
There are absolutely no chain or commercialised places to stay in Downham at all. Instead you’ll get to experience true Norfolk hospitality at guest houses, pubs, and B&B’s. Dial House is perfectly situated between the train station and town, meanwhile Beehive apartments are on the edge of town. The crown hotel and live & let live are both well loved pubs within the town offering rooms for the night. Just outside of Downham, in the village of Denver, Belle Vue is a luxury boutique B&B, with a separate cottage also available.
Dinner:
As evening rolls around you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to where to eat. The question is, what do you feel like having tonight? Downham Tandoori do a fantastic Indian meal and their customer service is top notch. Feel like heading over to the Mediterranean for the evening? Then Giardini di Naxos will be perfect for you. Maybe you’re in the mood for a luxurious and delicious Middle eastern cuisine experience at The Cave. Allium brings you a taste of London and high end dining. Take a look at our comprehensive list of places to eat in and around Downham Market in our Food & Drink Guide
Walk:
After dinner why not take a walk to watch the sunset over Downham. If you’re only feeling up to a short walk then head up to St.Edmunds church where you can watch the sunset over the fields beyond Downhan Market. Alternatively, take a walk back down to the train station but go over the train lines and continue past the mini roundabout, to the bridge over the Ouse. Go over the bridge and then turn immediately right onto the river bank paths. As you walk alongside the river you’ll get to enjoy the peaceful nature of Norfolk and if you’re lucky, catch the sunset.
Start off your second day slow and lazy like the Norfolk people tend to do. Enjoying the sunshine (fingers crossed) or cosy up by the fire, and start the day with a cuppa.
Breakfast:
If you’re lucky enough to stay at somewhere providing breakfast then you’ll be able to have breakfast on site and believe us, you’re in for a treat. If you’d rather go out for breakfast then Allium, Sunshine Cafe, or Downham Market cafe all do amazing breakfasts.
Shop and Enjoy:
Downham has a whole range of independent shops, including Norfolk Cheese Company, Ten Market Place, Reeds independent department store, and Teddies ‘n’ toys. Downham also has some fabulous charity shops full of vintage and branded finds, including no.8 bookshop catering to all your preloved book dreams.
Book Lovers:
No.8 Bookshop is a charity bookshop based in the centre of Downham. No.8 is a magical warren of preloved books. We’re sure you’ll find a book that you’ll love to read on your journey home.
On the Train Home:
After a fabulous weekend in King’s Lynn don’t forget to tag us in your photos and posts from the weekend using #visitwestnorfolk or @visitwnorfolk
*All information is accurate at the time of this blog post being published (17/07/24).
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