Aylsham

Aylsham is a market town in the heart of Norfolk. The central layout of the town has changed little from medieval times and radiates out from the central market place. From the market place there are some wonderful narrow streets and lanes to explore where may of the properties are older than they look, updated facades hide old timber framed construction and today's tiled roofs used to be thatch. It has gained Cittaslow status.

Understand
With a population of around 5,000, the town is centred around the market place. The town sign shows John Gaunt, Lord of the manor from 1372 in the days when the town was known for its fine linen. Manufacture of linen was the main industry until the 15th century after which it declined and wool became more important. After the Industrial Revolution, grain and timber became the main trade of the town. As a market town, the weekly markets (dating back to the 13th century) played an important part in maintaining the prosperity of the town. And today the market stall holders' rights date back to medieval times.

Lying on the River Bure, the town is too far upstream to get Broads boating traffic.

By road
The town has good road links to Norwich 9 miles to the S and to Cromer to the N (10 miles) on the A140 main road.

By train
The nearest stations are about nine miles away at Wroxham and Hoveton or North Walsham, which have an hourly service from Norwich.

By bicycle
The town is at the southerly end of Regional Cycle Route 33 running to Cromer which then connects to Regional Cycle Route 30 running around the Norfolk coastline and the National Cycle Network.

Get around
The town is small enough to explore on foot.

Do

 * Marriott's Way is a 24 mile walking and cycling trail along a former railway trackbed. From town it heads west to Cawston, Reepham and Themelthorpe, then turns southeast to follow the river valley down to Norwich.
 * Marriott's Way is a 24 mile walking and cycling trail along a former railway trackbed. From town it heads west to Cawston, Reepham and Themelthorpe, then turns southeast to follow the river valley down to Norwich.
 * Marriott's Way is a 24 mile walking and cycling trail along a former railway trackbed. From town it heads west to Cawston, Reepham and Themelthorpe, then turns southeast to follow the river valley down to Norwich.

Connect

 * As of April 2022, Aylsham has 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, but no signal from Three. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

 * Blakeney - seal colonies, nature reserves.
 * Cromer - beaches and seaside town.
 * Holt
 * Norwich
 * Wells-next-the-Sea