Halfway Between Cambridge And Norwich Is A Quaint Town With Ancient Ruins, Museums, And Tasty Restaurants

Take a drive through England's countryside and you'll see dozens of small, lovely towns, most of which have their own contributions to ancient and medieval history, and some connection to World War II. This includes the quaint market town of Thetford, the home of the famous British television show "Dad's Army," the revered female warrior Boudicca, Iron Age and medieval ruins and museums, plus delicious food.

This fairytale town will quickly charm you with its historic stone buildings, homey pubs, and statues honoring the likes of revolutionary Thomas Paine, Captain Mainwaring of "Dad's Army," and historical Sikh figure Maharaja Duleep Singh. A walk along the Little Ouse River will bring you to an ornate historic iron bridge that was constructed in 1829, which is part of the aptly-named Bridge Street. Sit on the bench next to Captain Mainwaring, and take in the view! Exploring this town takes you through tree-lined streets and lush, green parks, and it's all surrounded by bucolic farms and verdant forest land. It evokes a strong curiosity for lovers of fantasy and history alike.

Thetford is less than an hour from Norwich to its east, and Cambridge from the west. If arriving from abroad, one can fly into Heathrow International Airport (LHR), and then it's a two-hour drive into Thetford, where you'll enjoy views of fields, hedgerows, numerous small towns, and even catch a glimpse of Thetford Forest. Enjoy similar views on trains from London, which take two to three hours, and buses can take two and a half to five hours through the lovely English countryside.

You can't walk anywhere in Thetford without being in sight of some form of olden or historic structure. The Thetford Priory was, according to English Heritage, an East Anglian monastery of great import which has been around since the early 1100s. You can visit for free any day of the week, walk among the crumbling stone structures and carvings, and see a piece of history up close, much like you can stroll among ruins at the ex-mining city of Wakefield.

A combination of Iron Age and medieval history sits in the same place at the Thetford Castle Mound. Norfolk Heritage Explorer confirms that the motte and bailey castle, built around the same time as the Priory, was constructed on top of an Iron Age settlement. While the castle has been lost to time, the ancient ramparts built by Boudicca's Iceni tribe are an impressive piece of ancient history. Slated to become a queen, Boudicca was viciously betrayed by the Romans and she sought revenge through a rampage across Britain, slaughtering thousands and burning London down, before possibly imbibing poison during her final battle, when her Iceni tribe suffered defeat.

Another intriguing historical combination is a Tudor house filled with Indian and local artifacts. The Ancient House museum states that the Tudor house in which it resides was bought by Prince Frederick Duleep Singh and handed over to the Mayor so that artifacts could be shared with the public. Singh was the Sikh Empire's final ruler who was forced to live in Britain as a child when it had colonized India. After such a tumultuous childhood, he became a favorite of Queen Victoria and endured a lifelong struggle between his past and current circumstances. The museum is essentially a love letter to his family and history. 

For more recent history mixed with comedic fiction, the Dad's Army Museum is a tribute to the beloved UK comedy "Dad's Army" which ran from 1968 to 1977. It was loosely based on the actual Dad's Army, an affectionate term for the Home Guard, a volunteer force made up of those who were not eligible for the regular military due to age and other factors. They helped defend Britain against German forces during World War II, inspiring several movies and books.

The Thomas Paine Hotel is designed with magnificent references to his impact and history, with an exhibition entitled In The Footsteps Of Thomas Paine. Born in Thetford, Paine's increasing dissatisfaction with England inspired him to write dissenting articles and, on the advice of Benjamin Franklin, he moved to America, where he penned the famous missive "Common Sense," calling for and inspiring independence from Britain. He even thought up a name for the new nation: "United States of America." With stays aimed at American history buffs, the hotel makes an excellent base for exploring Thetford. Its restaurant introduces visitors to Thetford's scrumptious food scene, making use of local ingredients. If you've never had a good British Sunday roast or Afternoon Tea, this is the place to try both! 

Enjoy a proper plate of fish and chips at the two-century-old pub Black Horse, a true public house with hearty food and a good pint, like you might find in the endearing port village of Charlestown. Customers consistently love its welcoming atmosphere and historic architecture. The Red Lion has been around in various forms since 1791, and is now a top-rated Wetherspoons serving English breakfast and lunch favorites in an old-fashioned space with carved wood panels and quaint furnishings. The pet-friendly Bell Hotel has welcomed travelers since the 15th century. Enjoy its historic ambiance and affordable yet satisfying food, much like you'll find in the picturesque English village of Wendens Ambo, which has its own, equally historic version of The Bell.