Norfolk


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



<p>Swaffham is an attractive market town with a great community vibe and a few eccentric surprises (hello <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/RasputinRussianRestaurant/photos/?ref=page_internal">Rasputin</a>, the town&#8217;s resident Russian restaurant). It&#8217;s a great spot if you love nature but don&#8217;t want to be too far off the beaten track as it sits (very) pretty to the north of the Brecks, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty spanning 3,935 square miles across Norfolk and Suffolk and encompasses gorgeous forests, heathland and history. It is also directly en-route to the gorgeous North Norfolk Coast. </p>



<p>If you&#8217;re a sucker for swish Georgian architecture and history Swaffham will have you hooked. Said to be a one-time favourite of Lord Nelson and home to Egyptologist who discovered Tutankhamun, Howard Carter, Swaffham is a town proud of its heritage (you&#8217;ll quickly learn all about this in the <a href="https://www.swaffhammuseum.co.uk">Town Museum</a>). Throw in a thriving market square, historic church, commuter routes and reasonable property prices, Swaffham is an under the radar gem of West Norfolk.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="509" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/banner.jpg" alt="The Green Parrote Cafe interiors" class="wp-image-57307" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/banner.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/banner-800x407.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/banner-768x391.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Green Parrote Café</figcaption></figure>



<p>The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/redlion.swaffham.3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Lion</a> pub perched right on the market place will quickly become your go to boozer. It has trad pub vibes galore with regular quiz nights, live music and a cracking Sunday roast. For breakfast and lunch <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShellysBistro/?locale=en_GB">Shelley&#8217;s Bistro</a> won&#8217;t disappoint or <a href="https://marketcrosscafebar.co.uk/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFmJMtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHStqL7lcW5K1v23lqkS1ZJ19mHqnGp0EzqWnUnit3gBDNZeAYfX7831PzA_aem_V9Up7O3LKxTrwlLrcWTRXA">Market Cross</a>, which turns into a cosy bistro at night and a great date night spot. Caffeine fiends will love <a href="https://green-parrot.co.uk/coffee/our-story.html">The Green Parrot Café</a>, Scandi vibes, great coffee and a champion of local produce – what&#8217;s not to love? It&#8217;s part of The Green Parrot Clinic offering everything from osteopathy to sports massage.</p>



<p>If you want something a bit different, check out the Russian restaurant <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RasputinRussianRestaurant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rasputin</a>, which has simply brilliant reviews and has been a stalwart in Swaffham for 15 years. And for all your fresh fruit and veg needs <a href="https://www.starlingsofswaffham.co.uk/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=gmb-listing">Starlings of Swaffham</a> have your back &#8211; they pull together a mean bouquet too. And if<em> </em>all that wasn&#8217;t enough, the award-winning (and Muddy favourite) <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-bell-brisley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brisley Bell</a>, is only 20 mins away and well worth a jaunt for Sunday lunch or date night dinner. </p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="667" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/Untitled-design-35-667x1000.png" alt="" class="wp-image-57697" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/Untitled-design-35-667x1000.png 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/Untitled-design-35-533x800.png 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/Untitled-design-35-768x1152.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/Untitled-design-35.png 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ruffles</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you like sniffing out a bargain, antiques store <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shabby.tatt">Shabbytatt</a> is a treasure trove of hidden gems and possibilities, while boutiques <a href="https://www.artichokecollection.co.uk">Artichoke</a> and <a href="https://rufflesboutique.co.uk">Ruffles</a> will become your go-to for clothes and covetable accessories and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553922902796">Twisted Broomstick</a> is great for quirky gifts and lovely smells. The high street is alive with plenty of other local indies, plus there&#8217;s a weekly food and bric a brac market which pitches up in the market place each Saturday, although there is a Waitrose if you&#8217;re not quite ready to go full-on <em>Good Life</em> with Norwich, King&#8217;s Lynn and Cambridge your next best bet for choice and a BIG splurge.</p>



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



<p>As well as a two medical centres (<a href="https://www.plowrightmedicalcentre.co.uk">The Plowright</a> and <a href="https://www.swaffham-doctors.co.uk">Manor Farm</a>), NHS and private dentists, a number of pharmacies and opticians (our go-to is <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/dipple-conway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dipple &amp; Conway</a>, their selection of seriously chic eyewear is second to none, they also offer hearing tests which kills two birds with one stone). There&#8217;s also <a href="https://www.green-parrot.co.uk">The Green Parrot Clinic</a>, a family run clinic offering osteopathy, sports therapy, homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy and swedish massage, nutritional therapy and allergy testing, hypnotherapy, counselling, clinical psychology <em>and </em>foot health. There&#8217;s also a fully equipped <a href="https://www.leisurecentre.com/swaffham-leisure-centre">Leisure Centre</a> for gym bunnies which also runs classes, kids activities and has a proper sports hall for playing everything from basketball and badminton to hockey and volleyball.</p>



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



<p>Aside from the popular <a href="https://www.visiteastofengland.com/attraction_activity/swaffham-market#:~:text=Our%20family%20of%20Markets%20offer,attraction%20for%20residents%20and%20visitors.&amp;text=Every%20Saturday.">market</a> which pitches up every Saturday, Swaffham also holds a weekly <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Swaffhamauction/?locale=en_GB">auction</a> (also on Saturday) selling everything from furniture and old lawnmowers to, um, poultry. While <a href="https://www.facebook.com/assemblyroomsswaffham/">The Assembly Rooms</a>, a gorgeous Georgian building in the heart of Swaffham, is the hub of community activity the rest of the week. It&#8217;s the base of many fairs from harvest to classic cars and a great events space.</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="453" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/castle-acre-carousel-no-roundel-copy.jpg" alt="The ruined priory at Castle Acre in Norfolk" class="wp-image-57328" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/castle-acre-carousel-no-roundel-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/castle-acre-carousel-no-roundel-copy-800x362.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/castle-acre-carousel-no-roundel-copy-768x348.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The priory at Castle Acre</figcaption></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s the ruined <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/castle-acre-castle-acre-priory/">priory at Castle Acre</a>, one of the UK&#8217;s largest and best-preserved monastic sites, to explore, while walkers and cyclists can enjoy miles of freedom on the <a href="https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/peddars-way-and-norfolk-coast-path/">Peddars Way</a>, a long distance footpath on a historic Roman road. If you like country piles, <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburgh-hall">Oxburgh&nbsp;Hall</a>, <a href="https://sandringhamestate.co.uk">Sandringham</a> and Damien Hirst favourite <a href="https://www.houghtonhall.com">Houghton Hall</a> are worth a family day out with nice pubs like <a href="http://www.thedabblingduck.co.uk">The Dabbling Duck</a> &amp; <a href="https://bedingfeldarms.co.uk">Bedingfeld Arms</a> close by, just saying. Swaffham is also directly en-route to the North Norfolk Coast where you&#8217;ll find miles of fabulous beaches. </p>



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



<p>Aside from the <a href="https://www.swaffhammuseum.co.uk">Town Museum</a>, you&#8217;ll need to travel to get your culture fix. For first-rate touring and in-house productions, concerts and cinema screenings, head to nearby&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westacretheatre.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westacre Theatre</a> in King&#8217;s Lynn, patronised by Stephen Fry and Sir Antony Gormley – and a Muddy Awards 2023 winner. There’s also drama workshops for theatrical tots to teens. Get your arty fix at neighbouring&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westacregallery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Acre Gallery</a>‘s monthly exhibitions and at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.houghtonhall.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houghton Hall</a> with its sculpture garden and exhibitions by distinguished artists such as Anish Kapoor, Damien Hirst and, most recently, Anthony Gormley.</p>



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



<p>Expect to pay around £264,264. On average, detached homes sell for £320,771, semis £242,013 and terraced houses £193,352.</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="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/IMG_412913_4_large.jpg" alt="A house for sale in Swaffham" class="wp-image-57249" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/IMG_412913_4_large.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/IMG_412913_4_large-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/IMG_412913_4_large-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An impressive 5 bed property with a huge garden. <a href="https://www.sowerbys.com/properties/19584400/sales#/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £700,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



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



<p>Open 7.30am – 6pm Monday to Friday, <a href="https://www.littleowls-nursery.co.uk/childcare-near-swaffham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Owls Day Nursery</a> is an Ofsted rated Outstanding shout for childcare. Taking kiddies from as young as six weeks and situated on the A47 it&#8217;s ideal if you work in Norwich or King&#8217;s Lynn. </p>



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



<p>In Swaffham there&#8217;s the Ofsted rated Good <a href="https://tnha.attrust.org.uk/">Nicholas Hamond Academy</a> and <a href="https://www.oneschoolglobal.com/campus/united-kingdom/swaffham">OneSchoolGlobalUK</a> which is a small independent Christian day school in town with only 101 students. In the area there is also <a href="https://www.thetfordgrammar.co.uk/">Thetford Grammar</a> and <a href="https://www.wymondhamcollege.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wymondham College</a> which both offer day and board options. On the private school front the closest are <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/greshams-prep-school-holt-norfolk-review/">Gresham&#8217;s Prep</a> in Holt, <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/langley-prep-school-taverham/">Langley Prep</a> in Taverham and <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/langley-senior-school-loddon-norfolk-review/">Senior</a> in Loddon and <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/town-close-prep-school-norwich-review/">Town Close School</a> in Norwich.</p>



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



<p>Swaffham is a sought after filming location and has featured in dramas such as <em>Dad’s Army</em>, <em>Love on a Branch Line</em>, <em>Hello Hello</em> and, most recently, <em>Kingdom </em>with Norfolk local, Stephen Fry.</p>



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



<p>Your nearest cities are Kings Lynn (30 mins), Norwich (45 mins) or Cambridge (65 mins). Trains to London from Norwich or Kings Lynn would be 2.5 to 3 hrs one way.</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>


Swaffham

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