Hi, I’m Leigh. A 50 something year old lady, born and bred in Norfolk. I’m often somewhere remote with a metal detector in my hand. I’ve been detecting for 20 years, and as MudFaceGirl on Instagram I share my love of unearthing bits of our past. Small, fascinating finds that connect us directly to the people who lived here long before us.
That same sense of history is what I love about Fakenham itself. The buildings, the markets, the little back lanes — they all whisper stories of the town’s busy, bustling past.
Here’s a peek into my Fakenham, the places that make me feel grounded, curious, and proud to call this place home.
Our market is my little adventure time — flea market day!
I absolutely love it. There’s something about rummaging through stalls that feels a bit like detecting above ground — you never know what you’ll uncover. Maybe a vintage bottle, an old trinket, or something that just has a story behind it. It’s the thrill of the find, and the characters you meet along the way, that make it so much fun.
Our cinema, tucked away inside the Corn Exchange, is one of Fakenham’s real treasures. There’s something magical about watching a modern film surrounded by so much history. You can almost imagine the hall in its earlier days, full of traders, meetings, chatter, and life. It’s that blend of old and new that makes the place feel so special to me.
One of the things I love most about Fakenham is how easy it is to feel part of its long story. Our Heritage Trail is brilliant for that — a gentle wander that brings the past to life as you follow it through the town. Every stop tells another tale about the people and industries that shaped Fakenham, from its early days as a busy market centre to the town we know today.
Fakenham Heritage Society do incredible work collecting, preserving, and sharing the history that runs through our streets. Their research and displays help you see the town in a whole new light. We’re so lucky to have such dedicated people keeping those stories alive.
And let’s not forget our delightfully unusual gem — the Fakenham Museum of Gas and Local History.
Yes, we really do have a museum dedicated entirely to gas. It’s one of those places that sounds quirky but is absolutely fascinating once you’re inside. You’ll find yourself learning about an industry that powered the town and lit its streets, all inside the original gas works building. It’s the only surviving town gasworks museum in England — how amazing is that?
When I need a breather, I head to Gogg’s Mill. Following the waterway there is one of the most calming walks you can do around town. It’s peaceful, a little hidden, and feels steeped in time — the kind of place where you can almost picture the mill turning and the rhythm of daily life from centuries past. For someone like me, who’s always got half an eye on history, it’s bliss.
After a wander or a market rummage, I’m definitely ready for a good brew and a slice of something sweet. Luckily, Fakenham is full of great spots for just that — Aldiss Café, the Garden Centre, Q’s, Flour & Bean, or Taylors, depending on the day. Each has its own charm, friendly faces, and that comforting sense of community that makes this town so welcoming.
For me, Fakenham is a living timeline — layers of history, people, and stories all woven together. Whether it’s the old shopfronts, the weekly markets, or the calm corners by the river, this town has a heartbeat that’s both historic and alive.
Fakenham gives me that feeling daily — a sense of belonging not just to a place, but to the generations who’ve shaped it.
If you share a love of history, or just enjoy seeing what turns up beneath the soil, come say hi on Instagram or TikTok – @MudFaceGirl.
I love sharing the stories that the ground gives back to us.
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