Aylsham itself is thought to have been founded around 500 AD – within the Anglo-Saxon period. The name is thought to have originated from “Aegel’s Ham” (named after the Anglo-Saxon thegn) and means “Aegel’s Settlement”.

During an excavation of Woodgate Nursery, there were plenty of old Roman artefacts which led to investigations as to what could have been on this site during the Roman period. After an initial trial trench, followed by an additional few weeks of digging a year later, you can now view and handle some of the amazing finds within the Heritage Centre.

Originally opened in 1880, the Great Eastern Railway (now served as the Bure Valley Railway) served passenger traffic from Aylsham to Wroxham until 1952 and was officially closed by British Rail in 1982. It was reopened on 10th July 1990 as the Bure Valley line and visitors can experience a nostalgic trip by steam train. We’ve shared more information regarding Bure Valley Railway – and how you can take a trip yourself – later on in this article.

When planning your itinerary after booking a trip to Aylsham, why not consider visiting a few of these places in and around the area?

Hosted twice weekly (Mondays and Fridays) in the National Trust Marketplace, why not visit the local market? Pick up a wide variety of goods and treats, from food, household items, pet food, clothing, and other specialist stalls.

On Mondays, there are 20+ stalls, and on Friday it’s slightly smaller with 10+ stalls. Facilities include disabled access, free parking and dogs are welcome!

Situated north of Aylsham in Norfolk, Blickling Hall is a Jacobean stately home situated in 5,000 acres of parkland. Dogs are permitted, however, we do recommend keeping them on their lead.

Originally owned by Sir John of Falstolf of Caister from 1380-1459, the stately home changed hands to the Boleyn family. Legend has it that there are three ghosts who patrol the house and gardens at Blickling Hall, one being Anne Boleyn.

Blickling Hall is also a popular music and live entertainment venue – regularly hosting shows such as Classic Ibiza and also previously been the venue of choice for household names such as Cliff Richard, Boyzone, Tom Jones and Bryan Adams.

Treat your loved ones to a truly one of a kind train journey, and teach your children the history of the railway with Bure Valley Railway. Bure Valley is Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge railway and runs between Aylsham and Wroxham, journeying through the heart of the Norfolk Broads.

A single journey between Aylsham and Wroxham takes 45 minutes, and the 18 mile round trip runs through the pretty Bure Valley countryside following the meandering River Bure through meadowland and ancient pasture.

Alby Crafts & Gardens – Their Artisan Café serves freshly cooked, locally sourced lunches (including a range of gluten-free cakes). Take advantage of their one-to-one and group sessions to share their knowledge and skills in woodturning, ceramics, fine art sculpture, sewing, beekeeping and flower essences.

Broads Tours – If you’re visiting Norfolk, you’d be silly to avoid the Norfolk Broads. The best way to appreciate our Broads is from the water, so choose a Broads Tours river trip, sit back and relax. Or, hire a boat and explore the broads at your own pace with flexible boat hire including day boats, electric boats, day cruisers and even wheelchair-friendly boats.

Weavers’ Way Walking Trail – Linking the North Norfolk coast at Cromer to the East Norfolk coast at Great Yarmouth, the 61 mile Weavers’ Way passes through a diverse landscape and allows you to fully immerse yourself in Norfolk. Weavers Way links with Marriott’s Way in Aylsham, and you can view maps on walking from Aldborough to Aylsham, or Aylsham to North Walsham via the Norfolk County Council website.

Want to completely fill your time? Why not take a look at more things to do in Aylsham and keep yourself busy!

Stay in the heart of a quaint North Norfolk town, in perfect reach of Norwich city centre and the Norfolk coast by booking a self-catering holiday cottage in Aylsham. For more information on what’s available when you book with us, get in touch with Norfolk Cottage Agency.