King's Lynn Online

Norfolk · England

Discover King's Lynn

A thousand years of history on the banks of the Great Ouse. Medieval guildhalls, merchants' quays, lively markets and the West Norfolk coast on your doorstep — all in one guide.

Things to do What's on

Explore the town

Start here — everything you need, whether you're visiting for the day or have lived here all your life.

Things to doMuseums, guildhalls, parks and the riversideWhat's onThe Mart, festivals and the yearly calendarHistoryFrom Bishop's Lynn to the Hanseatic portFood & drinkPubs, cafés and the best local produceShopping & marketsHigh street, Vancouver Quarter and market daysGetting hereTrains, buses, roads and parkingLiving hereCouncil, schools, health and binsDay tripsSandringham, Hunstanton and the coast

Must-see highlights

Landmark

Custom House

Built in 1683 to designs by local architect Henry Bell, this elegant stone building on Purfleet Quay is the postcard image of King's Lynn. The statue of explorer George Vancouver, born in the town, stands beside it.

Purfleet Quay, PE30

Theatre & heritage

St George's Guildhall

The largest surviving medieval guildhall in England, built in the early 1400s. Tradition holds that Shakespeare's own company performed here. Now a National Trust site and a working arts venue.

King Street, PE30

National Trust →

Museum

Stories of Lynn

Housed in the Trinity Guildhall with its striking chequerboard flint front. Interactive galleries tell the town's story, and the treasury holds the civic regalia, including the medieval King John Cup.

Saturday Market Place, PE30

Stories of Lynn →

See all attractions

c. 1095Town founded
~50,000Residents
1h 40mTrain to London
16 miTo the coast

Through the year

Highlights of the King's Lynn calendar.

  1. February

    The Mart

    A traditional funfair that takes over Tuesday Market Place around Valentine's Day, with roots in a 16th-century royal charter.

  2. Spring

    Speedway season opens

    The King's Lynn Stars begin their racing season at the Adrian Flux Arena.

  3. July

    King's Lynn Festival

    A celebrated arts festival founded in 1951, with classical music, talks and performances in the town's historic venues.

  4. Summer

    Festival Too

    Free open-air concerts on Tuesday Market Place — one of the largest free music festivals in Europe.

Full calendar