ABOUT SWAFFHAM

There's something about the place. A perfect market town.

I have lived a few miles away from Swaffham for over twenty years. I have always admired the balance between modernity and tradition that the town has managed to strike and always felt at home amongst its people. There's something about the place. A perfect market town, perfectly placed in the heart of Norfolk's perfect Breckland.

When we decided to make a drama series about a country town solicitor I was very sure that the producers and writers should visit Swaffham and perhaps gain some inspiration from it, for characters and story-lines. I had secretly hoped, but hadn't banked on the possibility, that they might in fact be so struck by the town that they would want to film there and use it as the basis for our fictional town of Market Shipborough. And so it turned out.

All of us connected to Kingdom are grateful to the town and its hospitable people for allowing us the opportunity to make the series there. Dozens of actors, production staff and film technicians have fallen in love with the town and with this part of Norfolk. Swaffham is a wonderful place to visit, a wonderful place to stay and a wonderful place to know.

Stephen Fry.

My lovely day in Swaffham.

The vibrant pink & blue dawn summertime sky is the first excitement of the day. Then straight off to the Assembly Rooms where every Friday there is an indoor market with far too tempting cakes and cheese scones, homemade jams and pickles and my favourite stalls displaying sparkling vintage costume jewellery that I find hard to resist.

If it is a Saturday, I’m naturally drawn to the bustling outdoor market in the square, fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables galore. But my favourite is Rita’s stall, full of brightly striped socks.

And while browsing go to the three in a row (nearly) excellent charity shops or the really first class new and second hand bookshop - an increasingly rare sight these days.

You must take a trip up the apparently only wind turbine that allows you inside and to climb up to the top. It’s located near the ever necessary fine Waitrose, where you can spot your friends spotting you pretending not to buy puddings… so, if you are feeling guilty, zip into the delightful Health Food shop on the square, and they will offer you a delicious healthy delicacy.

The Town Museum tells you the tale of the Swaffham Tinker. The Tutankhamen exhibition is fascinating and not too much information to swamp you. The only thing Swaffham hasn’t got, in an otherwise perfect town (unlike its screen persona Market Shipborough) is a beach nearby, though Wells next the Sea and Holkham are not too far.

The mixture of the gorgeous fresh air and the ability to walk everywhere for what you need in the town. Time for bed. Do check out the equally fabulous sunsets, visible wherever you are, as no ghastly high buildings to spoil your view.

So, whatever they often only ever seem to say about Norfolk…and it being very flat… it is also very beautiful, especially in this pretty market town of Swaffham.

Celia Imrie, plays Gloria Millington in the TV series ‘Kingdom’.

A place close to history but where history is alive.

Throughout my busy life I’ve been coming to this part of Norfolk for its peace and beauty. This is a place close to history but where history is alive.

In Swaffham’s glorious angel roofed church you’ll be welcomed with a cup of coffee.
In medieval days sheep and cows were auctioned in the Saturday market, nowadays there’s every kind of produce, clothes, machinery and gadgets there. Four miles north, in the ancient village of Castle Acre, 12th century castle remains still look out from their mound over the calm countryside. The village is off the beaten track, though its Priory is one of the finest monastic ruins in Britain and the lofty 14th century church, boasts a rare wine glass pulpit. Children swim in the ford and the river Nar winds on to West Acre, where on a summer night the patrons of the village theatre walk with their drinks in the water-meadows as the bats swoop overhead.

Further north again is an area of wide, open skies, pleasant villages, and historic mansions. You can walk along the coast for miles and meet little but seals and terns or you can visit Wells and Hunstanton and ride on the dodgems in the funfair. You’ll love it here - there’s something for everyone.

Stella Rimmington, Author.

All roads lead to Swaffham - or they should do.
This vibrant market town sits in an area of outstanding tranquillity and beauty,
The Brecks.

When I'm asked why I like this part of Norfolk, the answer is simple. It's unspoilt. I'm used to spending my working life in some of the most dangerous places on earth, Swaffham and the surrounding countryside is the antidote to that. As soon as you arrive here, the cares of the world slip off your shoulders.

Swaffham's fine Georgian buildings are a reminder that this town has long been a commercial centre - reputed to be a one time favourite of Lord Nelson. Amongst its more famous sons was Howard Carter, the Egyptologist who discovered the treasures of Tutankhamun. When he lived in Swaffham, he could often be seen touring the town's weekly market in the main square, bargaining with traders. It's a pleasure which can still be enjoyed by today's visitors. Every Saturday, the market place is filled with stalls as local food produce vies for attention with everything from antiques to clothing. The market is a tradition which goes back centuries and there's nothing nicer than tasting locally produced cheeses as you decide whether to buy. There are plenty of other attractions too. Why not visit one of the finest Medieval Churches in East Anglia - the Church of SS Peter and Paul with it's amazing roof and carvings. Afterwards, enjoy something to drink or eat in one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants.

A short drive from Swaffham brings you to the true beauty of the Norfolk countryside. It's a chance to savour this county's 'big skies' - the huge expanses and fantastic light which has inspired so many artists. Nearby, Thetford Forest is great for walks through glades smelling of pine and the sandy beaches of the Norfolk coast are a must.

Few towns are as well-placed as Swaffham when it comes to discovering the natural beauty and charm of Norfolk. I love being here and hope that you'll enjoy it too.

Jonathan Charles, BBC Foreign Correspondent.

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