Pretty little market 'gingerbread town' that's been named among UK's best places to live
Nestled on the banks of the River Great Ouse, a pretty market town awaits visitors looking for a serene day out.
Located just 16 miles south of the Royal Family's Sandringham Estate, the charming Norfolk town of Downham Market offers everything visitors would hope to find in a traditional town in rural England.
Downham Market was founded during Saxon times, making it amongst the county's most ancient market towns. Throughout the Middle Ages, the town gained recognition for its butter marketplace and horse fair, drawing merchants from across the region.
This heritage of hosting magnificent markets continues today, with stallholders catering to customers on Fridays and Saturdays, reports the Express. But the town's historical significance doesn't stop there.
During May Day in 1646, it is reported that King Charles I used the town as a hiding place to evade Parliamentary forces following the Battle of Naseby. The King hid in an inn that once stood where the Swan Inn is now located, disguised as a clergyman.
Visitors can learn more at the town's Heritage Centre, and will notice diverse architectural designs spanning Georgian and Victorian structures. There are also delightful thatched properties, grounding the town back in its rural setting.
The Downham Market Town Hall, erected between 1887 and 1888, serves as the settlement's most notable feature. Construction utilised local white brick alongside carrstone, which was quarried nearby, making the town hall a genuine representation of the area's building traditions.
The carrstone usage earned Downham Market the nickname "Gingerbread Town", though few use this term nowadays. In 2013, The Times recognised it amongst Britain's finest places to reside.
The location offers superb transport connections, delightful architecture and, importantly, fairy priced housing. Rightmove data shows the average property price over the past 12 months stands at £291,258.
As of December 2023, the national average house price in England was £302,000, according to the ONS.
Nestled in the stunning Norfolk countryside, Downham Market is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. The serene waters of the River Great Ouse wind their way through the town, offering picturesque walking trails and opportunities for boating and fishing.
Nearby nature reserves, such as the RSPB's Welney Wetland Centre, provide an opportunity to observe diverse bird species and immerse oneself in the region's natural beauty.
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Daily Mirror
6 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
I went to a popular city 50 mins from London and it was underwhelming until I did one thing
I visited a historic city in the UK that was ranked one of the best in the country, but it didn't quite live up to its reputation until my group found one amazing experience When embarking on a journey to new cities or countries, it's often suggested to avoid the typical tourist hotspots. The belief is that these attractions only offer a superficial glimpse of the place and can detract from experiencing its true culture. Seasoned travellers usually advise: dodge the crowds, don't buy into the social media hype, and follow the locals' lead - but this isn't always the best course of action. I recently visited a renowned historic city in the UK; despite its undeniable beauty, I expected more excitement given its ranking among the top 10 cities in the country. For my cousin's hen do, we set off for Canterbury in Kent, armed with a list of 'must-see' sights. However, we were surprised to find that we ticked most of them off rather quickly. As we strolled around, we asked several locals for their recommendations, but nothing truly caught our attention. During the trip planning, I'd stumbled upon a touristy activity that seemed too 'clickbaity' to commit to, especially since we were keen on exploring the iconic Canterbury Cathedral, reports the Express. However, upon arrival, the lengthy queues, ongoing construction work, and hefty £21 entry fee quickly dampened our enthusiasm. That evening, as I was mindlessly browsing TikTok, one video piqued my interest: Canterbury's Historic River Tour. At just £16 per person for a 45-minute journey with a small group of 12, it seemed almost too good to be true. But it provided a tranquil, picturesque, and surprisingly captivating experience that became the standout moment of our trip. What do you experience on the tour? According to the Canterbury Historic River Tour website, visitors will "discover the city's unique history from a different angle on one of the guided river tours." The description continued: "Sit back and relax as our tour guides take you under the King's Bridge, one of the oldest working road bridges in Britain, up towards the hidden serenity of the Greyfriars' Island, once the home to the Franciscans, one of Canterbury's many religious orders." Visitors will travel downstream, passing notable landmarks, including the 16th-century Old Weavers' House and a replica ducking stool. The tour guide will take you past the modern Marlowe Theatre, where you'll enjoy views of the historic Blackfriars' Monastery, now part of the renowned King's School, which opens out onto the tranquil greenery of Solly's Orchard. Religion, witches and beautiful women: Canterbury's fascinating history The boat tour consisted of travelling down the stunning chalk stream, River Stour. "In Roman and Medieval times, the river was a major transport route, connecting Canterbury with mainland Europe. Fordwich, on the edge of the city, was an important port. And the river played a key role in the spread of Christianity," reported the Kentish Tour. Throughout the boat journey, we heard fascinating stories about Canterbury's rich heritage. In 597 AD, Saint Augustine of Canterbury was declared as the first archbishop, establishing the renowned cathedral. The cathedral suffered extensive fire damage on two occasions, in 1067 and 1174, before being reconstructed into the magnificent structure we witness today. The city is also notorious for the murder of Thomas Becket, an English cleric and intimate companion of Henry II. Becket held the position of Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his assassination in the Cathedral in 1170. As we journeyed backwards and forwards along the waterway, we passed the ducking stool replica. This was a form of punishment for women who faced accusations of witchcraft. "Victim's legs and thumbs were tied together before they were flung into water, and there was no winning. If you sank, you were innocent, but if you floated, it was clear you had renounced baptism when entering the Devil's service, and would be murdered by other means," said Kent Online. In 1542, under Henry VIII, witchcraft became a capital offence in Britain. However, long before the 16th-century Witchcraft Act reached the courts, the ducking stool served as a public punishment and humiliation method for "common scolds" - those deemed disruptive (mainly women). We also encountered more contemporary architecture, including the Marlowe theatre (named after the renowned playwright), which was originally constructed in 1933 but renovated and reopened in 2011. Adjacent to it stands the 'must-see' bulkhead statue crafted by Rick Kirby. The sculpture drew inspiration from Christopher Marlowe's famous description of Helen of Troy (a Greek mythology figure renowned for being the most beautiful woman) as "the face that launch'd a thousand ships," and is constructed from scrap metal salvaged from vessels along the Kentish coast, according to Visit Canterbury. Why it's worth it This excursion represents not only a history enthusiast's absolute dream but also offers incredible, picturesque vistas that make you feel as though you've entered a fairytale. My absolute favourite aspect of escaping London is being immersed in stunning nature that remains perfectly untouched and unspoilt by rubbish or habitat destruction. It was so heartwarming witnessing the little ducks paddle by and a pigeon peacefully nesting its chick. This boat journey was entirely smooth, which was remarkable as 12 passengers were guided by just one person (Abbie) who also chatted throughout without becoming breathless. We were able to peacefully savour our tinned cocktails whilst having a laugh with our tour guide during our trip. It was also delightful to share quick jokes and friendly competition with the other boat tours passing by. It was entertaining shouting "ahoy" every time we needed to announce our presence to other vessels before navigating blind corners or passing beneath low and narrow bridges. It was also charming how the boaters kept exchanging 'high fives' with their oars as they sailed past one another. Overall, this boat excursion genuinely enhanced our time in Canterbury. It provided everything we were seeking: scenery, learning, tranquillity, yet entertainment and thrills from a completely fresh and distinctive experience. I certainly recommend it for all tourists during the warmer months. Other reviews The historic boat tour achieved an outstanding 4.7 bubbles on TripAdvisor from over 2,000 reviewers. One delighted adventurer commented: "We all had a lovely trip, very informative and learnt lots about the local area as well. Beautiful trip and very picturesque. Would recommend to people visiting the area." One person remarked: "The tour was great, the guide had so much knowledge of the surrounding area and a great sense of humour. " Architecture, folklore, history, wildlife, contemporary developments, biodiversity and community was also cleverly interwoven into the content. Good banter between tour guides of various vessels added to the enjoyment factor. Picturesque and pleasant experience." Another chimed in: "Had a lovely trip, enjoyed it, and it was relaxing and fun. I gave only 3 stars because it was quite a short distance travelled overall, and I was expecting travelling a bit didn't bother my husband and I, but it's worth knowing if you are a large family or don't have a lot of money."
Scotsman
3 hours ago
- Scotsman
The time capsule photos of a 'lucky' Scottish village and its people
There can be few villages in Scotland as well documented as St Monans. Sign up to our History and Heritage newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... For photographer William Easton, the village and the people he lived amongst became his life's work The result is a stunning collection of photographs of St Monans in the East Neuk of Fife, with every picture holding still a detailed moment of the village that prospered and then floundered on the back of the fishing industry. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As a local man and shopkeeper, Easton was embedded in the streets, the wynds and the homes of villagers during the late 19th and early 20th Century, with his shots delivering a candid document of the personalities, the hard work and the natural environment of the village built on the search for haddock and herring. READ MORE: 17 of the best places to eat across the East Neuk of Fife A lost view of the now-demolished sea-facing properties off the Dawsie at the west of the town. PIC: St Monans Collection of William Easton. | St Monans collection of William Easton. A book of the images - 'We Live By the Sea' - a translation of the village motto Mare Vivimus - brings together part of his work, some which is held by National Museums Scotland. Jerzy Morkis, a St Monans resident who compiled the book; said the village was 'lucky' to have had Easton. READ MORE: The secret sex club of 18th Century Anstruther Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said he wanted more recognition for the photographer, whom he described as 'near forgotton' but whose work he compared to that of contemporary Francis Sutcliffe, whose images of Whitby during the Victorian era have long been celebrated. While photographers such as Erskine Beveridge were touring Scotland at the same time, Easton focussed on St Monans and other pockets of the East Neuk, leaving a deep record of this particular part of coastline. Mending the nets on West Shore after the herring fishing of 1910. The job was often taken outside to catch the daylight. PIC: The St Monans Collection of William Easton. | The St Monans Collection of William Easton. Mr Morkis said: 'St Monans had this one man who chronicled life in the village for decades, which makes St Monans very lucky and which makes the work of William Easton very special Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Although Scotland has a wealth of photographers, and talented ones at that, who captured life in Scotland in the early days of photography, such as Erskine Beveridge, St Monans was particularly fortunate to have had William Easton.' Easton was more than a photographer and from his shop on Coal Wynd, he worked as an ironmonger, a pharmacist, a cycle agent, dental consultant, seed seller and newsagent. Photographer William Easton. PIC: The St Monan Collection of William Easton | The St Monan Collection of William Easton His father, also William, first got a foot on the business ladder in the village after creating a product called 'Bootoline', a preparation used to waterproof fishermen's boots and soft leather, which he made in his shop. His son, perhaps inspired by this, went to Glasgow around 1881 to study as a pharmacist. There, he met his wife Janet with the couple returning to St Monans a couple of years later. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad READ MORE: Why Scottish cider converts like me head to Anstruther The Easton family drug store became a firm fixture in the tiny community. By the early 1900s, Easton's photography was becoming a commercial asset and he built a two-storey studio in his garden, where locals came for sittings. But his time on the streets of St Monans which delivered his most powerful work as he captured a village hunkered down on the edge of the North Sea and the powerful relationship between land, water and people. Washerwoman Lucy Allison, a recurring subject for William Easton. PIC: The St Monans Collection of William Easton. | William Easton Mr Morkis said: 'There is the journalistic dimension to Easton's work and the scenes he saw and wished to preserve. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'These provide a fascinating insight into life in a fishing village and Easton's work has an honesty that could only have been achieved by being part of the community, and a trusted observer. 'Some of his work in this area is as candid as an early camera would permit.' In 1837, St Monans is recorded as one of the 'principle fishing stations on the East coast of Scotland' with 34 skippers registered in the village. By 1861, a further 40 were registered in the village as herring boomed. According to accounts, St Monans economy prospered in the 19th century, with barrels of herrings and potatoes transported by rail into deepest Russia to meet the staple diet of the peasantry. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Napoleonic Wars pushed up bread and meat prices, and saw demand for fish increase at the same time as bumper catcher was brought to shore. This turnaround followed a critical loss of stocks in the late 18th Century, when haddock all but deserted the waters and men threatened to emigrate. Whaling provided employment for some, with crews returning in autumn for herring fishing. In winter, they crewed private ships, leaving a village empty of a large part of its workforce for much of the year. St Monans, it is said, became an isolated community , both socially and geographically. The middens of fish offal in the street were a major public health concern, as were the outbreaks of smallpox, whooping cough and even cholera in 1849. The new Alexandra Pier was completed in 1865. At this time Easton was just five years old. A new harbour came in 1877, which was designed and constructed by lighthouse engineer Thomas and David Stevenson. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad By 1900, there was said to be over one hundred sail boats using the tidal harbour. By this time, Easton was working at full steam recording the village, from fish auctions to the fisherwomen and the great sails of the herring luggers silhouetted against the skyline. In the wynds, homelife crossed with industry as nets were mended, oilskins renewed and buoys tarred ahead of the summer drave, or drift net fishing. Decline in the industry followed given the losses of World War One. St Monans had forty-two boats in 1938 but 10 years later, the number was down to 17. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Merkis said Easton preserved 'what otherwise would have been lost'. He added: 'He gifted St Monan's with an enduring memory of how the town was in its fishing heyday. 'While his photographs are obviously of interest to a wider audience because they record a way of life long gone, to St Monans they are invaluable.' With commercially astute Easton turning many of his works into postcards, his work was later 'traded across the world'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Merkis said: 'It would be impossible to hazard a guess at his output over the years but, with some certainty, much of it has been lost.' Easton's family gifted a number of photographic plates to the St Monans Heritage Collection, with some then donated to National Museums Scotland. Mr Merkis added: 'Many other plates and negatives have been lost; a good number of Easton's images only exist in prints that have seriously deteriorated over the past 125 years. 'As a result, their quality is far from ideal but what remains precious is the content of these faded frames, and these we have tried to preserve.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Charming Cornish town often ignored for more popular neighbour named among 'best in UK'
This Cornwall town is often overlooked for its famous neighbour, but with an impressive seawater lido and tranquil beaches it is finally attracting the interest and intrigue it deserves Cornwall is a top destination for Brits seeking a first-rate seaside holiday close to home. But with over 400 miles of coastline, it's difficult to choose where in the region to centre your holiday. That said, a new ranking has named this one Cornwall destination among the best seaside towns in the UK. Often overshadowed by its famous neighbour, this lesser-known gem is equally charming and promises 'the most dramatic seaside setting in all of Cornwall'. Penzance was the only Cornwall destination on The Times' 2025 list of The Best Seaside Towns in the UK. Coming in at sixth place, this Cornish seaside town has long been overshadowed by St Ives which is less than a half-hour drive away. It comes after beachgoers were left stunned after a rare sea creature was spotted in St Ives.. While St Ives is considered the 'jewel in Cornwall's crown' and is often found on rankings of the best family holiday destinations and European beach spots, Penzance offers a more serene alternative. Located on the south coast, Penzance has been getting the recognition it deserves as of late with an advancing artistic and cultural scene. The town is home to boutique hotels, a blossoming restaurant and bar scene, new galleries and innovative installations all drawing visitors to the town's historic streets. 2024 marked the 75th anniversary of Penlee House becoming a Gallery and Museum. The estate was originally constructed in 1865 for a wealthy Penzance merchant before becoming one of the most important galleries in the UK today. While the town is full of cultural wonders, there is no denying that its natural beauty is the primary draw. The area overlooks Mount's Bay and the island abbey of St Michael's Mount, creating a distinctly dramatic vista. In addition to its top Times ranking, Penzance earned a place among the UK's seven best beach towns for 2025 in a ranking by National Geographic Traveller UK. The sheltered waters of Mount's Bay are ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding and Sennen Beach is a beloved surf spot. Swimming enthusiasts will also be drawn to the town's Grade II listed Jubilee Pool, which is the UK's largest seawater lido. First opened in 1935, the iconic Art Deco-style pool sits on the edge of the sea and offers visitors the chance to swim in its naturally heated geothermal waters. The attraction claims its 'combined system' enables the pool temperature to be sustained with a low carbon footprint. The pool is divided into three sections: the main pool, the geothermal pool, and a beginner's pool. There are also changing facilities, a café and a community space on hand. Penzance is well worth a visit in its own right, but if you're interested in stopping by St Ives it's a convenient trip away. Either take the 25-minute drive or hop on one of the many trains per day that travel from Penzance straight to St Ives. The Great Western Railway ride includes one stop at St Erth but only costs £6.20 one-way.
