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Burnham Market

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Overview

Burnham Market is a village and civil parish in the English county Norfolk. It is 19 miles (31 km) north-east of King's Lynn and 32 miles (51 km) north-west of Norwich.

It is one of the Norfolk Burnhams. Three settlements, Burnham Sutton, Burnham Ulph, and Burnham Westgate, merged to form Burnham Market. In 2020 it was rated among the "20 most beautiful villages in the UK and Ireland" by Condé Nast Traveler.

Facts

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage Wikipedia

Media

From Wikipedia521 words

WBP editorial3

A walk beyond the market square

Most visitors centre their attention on the historic market and the village green, but a short detour along the bridleways that fringe the parish reveals a quieter side of Burnham Market. The hedgerow walk to the reclaimed salt marsh at Holkham Bay, for example, offers a glimpse of the same coastal landscape that inspired centuries‑old salt‑making. Along the way, you’ll encounter a scattering of thatched cottages that never featured on the typical postcard, each with a small garden where locals still grow their own courgettes. Bring a lightweight raincoat; the Atlantic breezes can turn brisk, but the light rain often brings out the most vivid colour on the wildflowers that dot the path.

Eating like a Norfolk native

The village’s reputation for upscale eateries can mask the simple, honest fare that has sustained the community for generations. Seek out the local fish‑and‑chip shop tucked behind the churchyard – it serves cod caught fresh from the nearby North Sea, battered in a flour‑and‑beer mix that yields a crisp, buttery crust. Pair it with a side of hand‑cut chips dusted with a pinch of sea‑salt harvested from nearby salt pans. For a true taste of the region, request a slice of locally produced Suffolk apple crumble, a dessert that reflects the orchard heritage of the surrounding countryside. These modest dishes, enjoyed at a wooden table near the garden, give a palpable sense of place often missed by tourists.

Seasonal rhythms for the keen visitor

Timing a visit to Burnham Market around the agricultural calendar adds a layer of authenticity. In late summer, the village hosts a modest harvest fête where local producers display everything from hand‑knitted yarn to wood‑smoked ham. The event is a practical showcase of Norfolk’s self‑sufficiency rather than a tourist spectacle. Early spring brings the return of migratory birds to the nearby wetlands, making bird‑watching a rewarding early‑morning activity. Conversely, winter sees the village’s historic public house switch to a cosy, low‑key atmosphere, with a small selection of locally brewed real ale that reflects the season’s slower pace. Aligning your stay with these cycles offers a deeper immersion.

Introduction

Coastal village in Norfolk, England Human settlement in EnglandBurnham MarketSt Mary's ChurchBurnham MarketLocation within NorfolkArea18.43 km2 (7.12 sq mi)Population724 (2021)• Density39/km2 (100/sq mi)OS grid referenceTF834422Civil parishBurnham MarketDistrictKing's Lynn and West NorfolkShire countyNorfolkRegionEastCountryEnglandSovereign stateUnited KingdomPost townKING'S LYNNPostcode districtPE31Dialling code01328PoliceNorfolkFireNorfolkAmbulanceEast of England UK ParliamentNorth West Norfolk List of places UK England Norfolk 52°56′46″N 0°43′41″E / 52.946°N 0.728°E / 52.946; 0.728 The village green The Hoste Arms Burnham Market is a village and civil parish in the English county Norfolk. It is 19 miles (31 km) north-east of King's Lynn and 32 miles (51 km) north-west of Norwich. It is one of the Norfolk Burnhams. Three settlements, Burnham Sutton, Burnham Ulph, and Burnham Westgate, merged to form Burnham Market. In 2020 it was rated among the "20 most beautiful villages in the UK and Ireland" by Condé Nast Traveler.

History

[edit] Burnham Market in the district of King's Lynn and West Norfolk Burnham Market's name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, although the village is not listed in the Domesday Book. In 1952, the West Norfolk Junction Railway, which ran through the village, was closed. This railway had linked with Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea, Hunstanton and Kings Lynn. station still stands on the road to North Creake. St Henry Walpole Catholic Church, Burnham Market in the Diocese of East Anglia Burnham Market Burnham Westgate Hall is a Grade II listed country house built in the 1780s by Sir John Soane for Thomas Pitt, 1st Baron Camelford. The Hall was built on the existing Polstede Hall, which had been built in the 1750s by Matthew Brettingham for Pinckney Wilkinson MP. In 1933, the Hall passed to the Royal British Legion and after the Second World War it was used as an old people's home. From 1990 onwards, it has become the private residence of Patricia Rawlings, Baroness Rawlings.

Churches

[edit] Burnham Market is home to several churches. St Mary's Church is of Norman origin and is dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus. St Mary's was significantly remodelled in the 14th, 15th and 19th centuries and is currently a listed building. The church bells date to the 17th century. All Saints' Church is of Norman origin and was heavily remodelled in the 14th century, with further minor alterations in the 19th century. St Henry Walpole Catholic Church, Burnham Market's Catholic Church, was constructed in 1959 and is dedicated to Henry Walpole, an Elizabethan Catholic martyr. The church conducts weekly Mass on a Friday and Sunday.

Notable people

[edit] Sir Mordaunt Martin, 4th Baronet (1740-1815) nobleman, lived in Burnham Market. Sir Roger Martin, 5th Baronet (1778-1854) nobleman, lived in Burnham Market. Anne Elliot (1856-1941) novelist, lived in Burnham Sutton. Lady Margaret Douglas-Home (1906-1996) musician and writer, lived in Burnham Market. Major David Jamieson VC CVO (1920-2001) Army officer, died in Burnham Market. Patricia Rawlings, Baroness Rawlings (b.1939) politician, lives in Burnham Market. Sandra Chick (b.1947) hockey player, born in Burnham Market. Sonia Robertson (b.1947) hockey player, born in Burnham Market. Steve Deere (b.1948) footballer, born in Burnham Market.