Thetford
Thetford and the surrounding area is the earliest settlement in Norfolk. Grimes Graves is north of the town and there is evidence that there was much activity in the area during the Neolithic period. Gallows Hill is where a huge find of gold and silver was uncovered, as well as a temple.

Thetford was a main stopping point on the coaching road from London. Many of the coaching hotels in the town can be seen today with their wide archway enabling the coaches to make their entrance.

After the Second World War the main London road stopped running through the town centre, when the first by-pass was created.

Thetford Castle Hill is England’s tallest medieval earthwork and is an excellent spot to view the places of interest. The ruins of a Cluniac priory and Benedictine nunnery can be seen, as well as a timber framed building that houses the local history museum and, in contrast, a very modern sports centre.

The Market Place may appear familiar to ‘Dad’s Army’ enthusiasts as the Guildhall was once Warrington-on-Sea’s town hall in the popular television series.
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Getting to Norfolk

  • Train: Greater Anglia runs direct trains from London Liverpool Street to Norwich, plus lines to Cromer, Sheringham, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Cambridge. National Rail journey planner
  • Road: the A11 (from Cambridge and London) and the A47 (east–west) are the main routes.
  • Air: Norwich Airport is 4 miles north of the city.
  • Bus: plan local journeys on Traveline.

Useful links

In an emergency

  • 999 – police, fire, ambulance and coastguard
  • 111 – NHS urgent medical advice
  • 101 – Norfolk Police, non-emergency