Norfolk


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY? </h2>



<p>In central Norfolk, halfway between Norwich&nbsp;and the North Norfolk coast, this lovely town is thought to have been founded around 500AD. So it has only been a fabulous lifestyle destination for, er, 2,000 years! A short city commute, weekends on the beach, pretty countryside all round and so much great stuff going on right in town. Gotta love The Sham. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1350" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/445186701_339591632489731_4158951864765741950_n.jpg" alt="The Porters Arms wood bench and chairs hops from ceiling Aylsham Norfolk" class="wp-image-57671" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/445186701_339591632489731_4158951864765741950_n.jpg 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/445186701_339591632489731_4158951864765741950_n-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/445186701_339591632489731_4158951864765741950_n-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/445186701_339591632489731_4158951864765741950_n-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Porters Arms</figcaption></figure>



<p>Nestled in the downstairs space of gorgeous boutique hotel <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-ironmongers-aylsham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ironmongers</a> is a foodie hub. It features <a href="https://www.facebook.com/msofaylsham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">M&#8217;s of Aylsham</a>, a quirky fusion of fish deli, tapas restaurant and cocktail bar, <a href="https://www.bread-source.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bread Source</a> café and artisan bakery, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nomadipizza/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://theproperpizza.co" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Proper Pizza Co</a>, a wood-fired pizza restaurant and wine bar. </p>



<p>Aylsham&#8217;s <a href="https://www.biddystearoom.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biddy’s&nbsp;tearoom</a> is the cosy local outpost of Norwich&#8217;s fabulously eccentric cake destination, and <a href="https://www.urbanclaystudio.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Urban Clay</a> is a lovely paint-your-own ceramics studio with café offering &#8216;Crafternoon&#8217; teas and charcuterie sharing platters. Get your spice fix at <a aria-label="The Gate of India (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.gateofindiaaylsham.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Gate of India</a> (try the Fish Ayer Satkora), freshly slung wood-fired pizzas at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stamp.pizza/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stamp</a> in the old post office, or book in for a cosy evening at bistro and wine bar <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theblindpigaylsham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Blind Pig</a>. New on the scene are <a href="https://portersarms.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Porters Arms</a>, sister pub of Norwich&#8217;s <a href="https://maltandmardle.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Malt and Mardle</a>, and <a href="https://www.seventeenaylsham.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seventeen</a>, a deli and coffee shop which doubles a wine bar at weekends.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20236.jpg" alt="Saloon Bar Suffield Arms" class="wp-image-45886" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20236.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20236-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20236-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/Suffield-Arms-Nov-20236-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Suffield Arms</figcaption></figure>



<p>Talking of watering holes, the <a href="http://www.blackboyshotel.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black Boys Hotel</a>&nbsp;is great for traditional pub grub, and it&#8217;s only a short drive/cycle to three of our favourite foodie pubs –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bucksarms.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The&nbsp;Bucks Arms</a> next to <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/blickling-estate">Blicking Hall</a>, irresistibly arty <a href="https://www.theguntonarms.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Gunton Arms</a> and its Mediterranean-inspired sister pub, <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/suffield-arms-gunton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Suffield Arms</a>. Recently taken over by the owners of&nbsp;Gyre &amp; Gimble&nbsp;bar and gin distillery, <a href="https://thewalpolearms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Walpole Arms</a>, Itteringham, is just four miles away. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.aylsham-tc.gov.uk/farmers-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aylsham Food and Craft Market</a>&nbsp;is not to be missed on the first Saturday of the month, showcasing&nbsp;Norfolk&#8217;s wonderful local food and drink producers, as is October&#8217;s friendly <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AylshamFoodFestival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slow Food</a> weekend.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2048" height="2048" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/459396363_1286362336124729_2949329946467132263_n.jpg" alt="Amika clothing boutique Aylsham Norfolk rails of AW24 clothing " class="wp-image-57672" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/459396363_1286362336124729_2949329946467132263_n.jpg 2048w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/459396363_1286362336124729_2949329946467132263_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/459396363_1286362336124729_2949329946467132263_n-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/459396363_1286362336124729_2949329946467132263_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/459396363_1286362336124729_2949329946467132263_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/459396363_1286362336124729_2949329946467132263_n-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/459396363_1286362336124729_2949329946467132263_n-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/459396363_1286362336124729_2949329946467132263_n-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Amika</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re a &#8216;wear sneakers for cocktails&#8217; kinda gal, check out funky <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amikaaylsham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amika clothing boutique</a> for relaxed rock &#8216;n&#8217; roll style à la Kate Moss. Fabric expert <a href="https://www.lisadawson.co.uk">Lisa Dawson&nbsp;</a>is a must if you&#8217;re redecorating, <a href="https://manaartgallery.com">Maná Art Gallery</a> to brighten up your walls (a Muddy Awards 2023 winner too!), and hunt for one-off collectables on Monday mornings at <a href="https://www.keysauctions.co.uk">Keys Auctioneers</a> &#8211; a quirky local social gathering since 1953. For homewares and gifts, try <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thelittleinteriorcompanybyfiona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Little Interior Company</a> and <a aria-label="Creative Lincs (opens in a new tab)" href="https://creativelincs.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creative Lincs</a>, doubling as small print shop. There&#8217;s even a local branch of Norwich&#8217;s fab indie bookstore <a aria-label="The Book Hive (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thebookhive.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Book Hive</a>. </p>



<p>You&#8217;re well served for butchers, both <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoxfordsButchers/?locale=en_GB">Coxfords</a> and <a aria-label="Whites (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.whitesbutchers.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whites</a> are superb, and there&#8217;s a good greengrocer <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Yourlocalgreengrocers?paipv=0&amp;eav=AfZCmX96z6yhRhWutHQ7ulDVtT6ZM89fmupqyIZSR-q8e59xLyxJQdWdnDu94ldvZWI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvest</a>, and <a href="https://www.budgens.co.uk/our-stores/aylsham">Budgens</a> stocked with produce from local suppliers. Candy treats guaranteed at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BonBonsAylsham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bon Bon&#8217;s</a> traditional sweet shop and delectable Norfolk Truffles and more at <a aria-label="Carousel Chocolates (opens in a new tab)" href="https://carouselchocolates.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carousel Chocolates</a>. And don&#8217;t miss lovely florist, <a aria-label="Lavenders Blue (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.lavendersblueflorist.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lavenders Blue</a>, with its pretty Parma Violet shopfront. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>As well as a decent amount of medical centres in town, including two GP surgeries and a pharmacy, there’s also a number of dental practices and an opticians and hearing centre. For beautifying, <a href="https://houseofaestheticsandbeauty.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">House of Aesthetics and Beauty</a> and <a href="https://visagebeautyclinic.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Visage Beauty Clinic</a> will take care of you, while <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Eclipse.Aylsham/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eclipse Hair Studio</a> which has been on Red Lion Street for over 30 years, will see to your barnet.&nbsp;For active types, <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/aylsham-community-gym" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aylsham Community Gym</a> will be your go-to with a number of classes happening weekly including pilates, yoga, barre, circuit and strength and conditioning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Aylsham is one of only three towns in the UK to be named a Cittaslow town, a movement which ensures high quality living but a slower pace of life which really brings the community together. Proud Norfolk all the way with local produce and makers taking centre stage at the twice weekly markets and monthly farmers&#8217; markets. If that wasn&#8217;t enough, the <a href="https://www.theaylshamshow.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aylsham Show</a>, now in it&#8217;s 76th year, takes place every August, where aside from even more delectable local produce there&#8217;s stunt quads, parachute displays, classic cars, livestock shows and, um, camel racing to look forward to. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions"><strong>NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/08/Bure-Valley.jpg" alt="Steam train travelling the Bure Valley Railway" class="wp-image-34921" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/08/Bure-Valley.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/08/Bure-Valley-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/08/Bure-Valley-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/08/Bure-Valley-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bure Valley Railway</figcaption></figure>



<p>It’s only a 5 min drive to the National Trust’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blickling Estate</a>&nbsp;with loads of family activities including the annual <a href="https://www.theaylshamshow.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aylsham Show</a> and summer rave <a aria-label="Classic&nbsp;Ibiza (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.classicibiza.co.uk/blickling" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Classic&nbsp;Ibiza</a> – Norfolk In the House! Head to <a href="https://www.redwings.org.uk/get-involved/visit/aylsham-visitor-centre" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Redwings Aylsham</a> horse sanctuary, an adored family favourite. There are brilliant walks straight from town such as <a aria-label="Weavers' Way (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/out-and-about-in-norfolk/norfolk-trails/short-and-circular-walks/weavers-way" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weavers&#8217; Way</a>, named for the area&#8217;s textile history, and <a aria-label="Marriott's Way (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.marriottsway.info" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marriott&#8217;s Way</a> with flat paths great for wheelchairs, riding and cycling. We love the narrow gauge steam train <a href="https://www.bvrw.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bure Valley Railway</a>. </p>



<p>If you&#8217;re feeling active, cycle/walk the nine-mile path to Wroxham, the buzzy Broads boating capital. The Fine City of <a aria-label="Norwich (opens in a new tab)" href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/norfolk/norwich/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwich</a> is only 20 mins away, as is groovy seaside town Cromer. And regular buses to both!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>At <a href="https://www.aylsham-tc.gov.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aylsham Town Hall</a> you can catch top-class touring theatre, plus monthly film screenings at its volunteer-run <a href="https://www.aylshampicturehouse.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Picture House</a>. And if this isn&#8217;t enough for culture vultures, there&#8217;s plenty going on in Norwich with several theatres and the renowned <a href="https://www.sainsburycentre.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sainsbury Centre</a> among other galleries and museums. While the <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/cromer-pier-pavilion-theatre-cromer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pavilion Theatre at Cromer Pier</a>, a 20 minute drive away, has you covered on the more light-hearted trad seaside entertainment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>Expect to spend on average £344,196. Detached properties sell for around £417,595, semi-detached homes £289,977 and terraced £335,930. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/aylsham.jpeg" alt="house for sale in Aylsham" class="wp-image-54838" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/aylsham.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/aylsham-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/aylsham-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A 7 bed period property a short distance from Aylsham market place. <a href="https://www.williamhbrown.co.uk/properties/19481060/sales/ZK1104899">On the market for £900,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>Rated Ofsted Outstanding 2022, the entirely outdoors&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dandelioneducationltd.com">Dandelion Education</a>, just a mile away, runs all its classes and play sessions in its open-air woodland setting (with cosy yurt on standby).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Aylsham&#8217;s within easy reach of a selection of independent schools: <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/langley-prep-school-taverham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Langley Prep</a> in Taverham, taking children from just 6 mths; <a href="https://www.beestonhall.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beeston Hall</a> near Cromer, offering day and boarding options; and <a href="https://www.greshams.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gresham&#8217;s</a> Senior and <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/greshams-prep-school-holt-norfolk-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prep, Pre-Prep &amp; Nursery</a>, in beautiful Georgian Holt, with boarding too. For an urban education there&#8217;s <a aria-label="Norwich High School for Girls (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.norwichhigh.gdst.net" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwich High School for Girls</a>, <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/town-close-prep-school-norwich-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Town Close</a> and <a aria-label="Norwich School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.norwich-school.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwich School</a>. There are two primaries and Ofsted Good <a aria-label="Aylsham High School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.aylshamhigh.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aylsham High School</a> with fantastic drama productions and strong community involvement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s a <a aria-label="Roman settlement (opens in a new tab)" href="https://aylshamromanproject.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roman settlement</a> hidden under the lovely <a aria-label="Woodgate plant nursery (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.woodgatenursery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woodgate plant nursery</a>. <a href="https://aylshamromanproject.com/august-digs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annual August digs</a> with a community archaeology group get everyone working side by side.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Perfectly located for a commute to Norwich &#8211; 12 miles approximately and a 25 min drive into the centre. The fastest route to London by train is 90 mins from Norwich with trains running every half an hour. </p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live">Top 300 Best Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Aylsham

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