Welcome to Fakenham

Fakenham is a market town in Norfolk that grew around the River Wensum. Its Thursday Charter Market and auction are very popular and have been a draw to locals and visitors since 1250.

Fakenham town centre has many independent shops and cafes to visit, as well as a cinema, bowling alley, heritage trail and world-famous gas museum.

The 14th Century Parish Church dominates the skyline of the town. Many of Fakenham’s buildings are rich in architectural interest and history, built when the town was a centre for agricultural trade and printing.

Explore this site to plan your visit to our town, then come and explore in person. There’s something for everyone!

Fakenham is well worth visiting! Our shops include department stores, independent clothing shops, antiques and collectables, and many other interesting and unique wares.

There is a good choice of cafes that sell homemade lunches, lighter bites and delicious cake alongside a nice cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee.

You could also enjoy a game of bowling, catch a film at the unique, independent cinema, explore the history of the town on the heritage trail and the gas museum, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Wensum a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its importance as a rare chalk river habitat.

Fakenham has ample low-cost parking in the town centre. It is also serviced by bus routes coming from Norwich, King’s Lynn, and Sheringham.

Visit Fakenham and make a day of it!

Fakenham Thursday Market has been taking place since 1250 and, to this day, draws in many visitors from the surrounding villages. The market has a variety of stalls including plants, fashion, food, and bric-a-brac.

Fakenham Food Market takes place on the second Saturday of each month, from March to December. The stalls feature delicious food and drink from local suppliers, offering an opportunity to stock up on fresh produce for the weekend.

If you are interested in being a stallholder for the food market, please download the application form and rules: stallholders-application-form

and email the completed form to [email protected]

Dogs are welcome in Fakenham in most of the cafes and shops. Dogs are allowed in Aldiss, the town’s department store, and at Taylor’s café which has a designated dog area with dog beds, treats, and water bowls.

Other independent shops that allow dogs in, with dog water bowls outside their shops and biscuits inside, include Claire Howard Jewellery, Lulu Boutique and Roots. There are also many sniff-worthy dog-walking routes, including a path that follows the River Wensum.