'The Heart Of Norfolk' Is A Charming English Market Town With Quaint Shops, Tasty Eats, And Historic Sights

In the long-ago days of the Anglo-Saxon era in England, there was once an East Anglian princess named Withburga, who was the daughter of a king. Sometime in the 7th century, Withburga established a convent in a town called Dereham, where she was later buried. Despite the passing of more than 1,000 years, St. Withburga's Well marks her traditional burial site and has even become a historic pilgrimage destination. The surrounding town, however, has changed drastically over the centuries, transforming from an Anglo-Saxon hamlet to a bustling Victorian market town. With a handful of historic landmarks just waiting to be explored, Dereham offers an exciting getaway into the English countryside.

Dereham is now part of the county of Norfolk, which covers a vast area of the historic East Anglian kingdom. Basically smack dab in the middle of the county, it's no wonder Dereham calls itself "the heart of Norfolk." As you approach town, the wild woodlands of the countryside slowly merge into narrow lanes flanked by red-brick cottages. Aside from visiting St. Withburga's burial site, history buffs can explore the nearby historic parish church. Meanwhile, train enthusiasts should plan a visit during Christmastime to hop aboard the Polar Express, an experience inspired by the 2004 animated film of the same name.

More casual sightseers can spend time wandering the local shops to pick out souvenirs. At the end of the day, quaint eateries await for a tasty meal. Whether driving or taking the train, Norwich is less than an hour away from Dereham, while those coming from London can reach the town in about three hours by car or rail. For anyone wanting to turn a day trip into a weekend getaway, accommodation options include The George Hotel in the town center or the Gingerbread Cottage Yurts on the outskirts of town.

Upon arriving in Dereham, visitors can explore the local boutiques. Head to Norwich Street, where red-brick facades and pastel storefronts line the sidewalks. For handcrafted souvenirs, stop at Harmony Within, an independent gift shop with a bright pink facade. "It has a lovely atmosphere with lots of room to browse the wide variety of handmade goods from amazing local makers," says a previous customer on Google. Inside, the shelves are packed with all kinds of trinkets and knickknacks, from jewelry and hair accessories to colorful crystals, decorative figurines, and even handbags.

As a medieval market town, Dereham maintains this heritage by hosting weekly markets. Just around the corner from Norwich Street is the public square, which transforms into a maze of stalls offering everything from fresh fruits and veggies to savory pies, a variety of seafood dishes, sweet treats, and even apparel. The market is held every Tuesday and Friday.

For a proper meal, Dereham offers plenty of flavors. In the middle of the High Street is The Bull, a local pub with a weathered brick facade. Head inside to grab a table amid the pub's rustic decor, and peruse the menu for classic grub like a cottage pie, fish and chips, or even a cheeseburger. According to previous customers, the pub even serves tasty Thai dishes every Friday. Across the street is Lacco, an Italian bistro with excellent ratings on Google. Previous customers have been impressed by the tasty offerings and friendly staff. Pair appetizers like meatballs in tomato sauce with mains like margherita pizza, arrabbiata pasta, and spinach ravioli, while dessert options include panna cotta and tiramisu, all homemade. Next, continue your East Anglia adventures over in nearby Bungay, a small town with tasty eats and a scenic castle.

You would be remiss to pass through Dereham without stopping by St. Withburga's Well, the burial site of the town's Anglo-Saxon founder. According to local legend, when Withburga's remains were removed from the tomb, water suddenly began flowing from the entrance, which many later believed had miraculous powers. From there, head inside the nearby St. Nicholas Church, which is notable for its massive bell tower standing apart from the main structure of the church. With features dating to the 12th century and additions from the 14th century, the present church sits atop the remains of the original convent founded by St. Withburga in the 7th century. Wander around to admire the stained-glass windows and swooping Gothic arches.

Around the corner from the church is Bishop Bonner's Cottage Museum, a preserved historic home dating back 400 years. Featuring a brick facade and a wonderfully thick, thatched roof topped with tall chimneys, the museum's exhibits display artifacts that tell the story of Dereham's residents from days long gone. The museum is only open seasonally, so check the website before planning a trip.

Just on the outskirts of town is the Dereham Windmill, which stands amidst groves of trees in a wide, grassy field. Grab a picnic table to relax with pastoral views of the windmill silhouetted against the sky; it was built back in the Victorian era. Visitors can also climb up inside to explore the different floors and see the grinding mechanism up close. After you've explored Dereham, set off for more adventures nearby in Thetford, a quaint town with ancient ruins, museums, and tasty restaurants. For a day by the sea, less than an hour away by car is Cromer, where fresh seafood and beachside cliffs await.