Visit King's lynn

With origins dating back to the 12th century, the town's past wealth and development is closely associated with maritime trading links - evidence of which still exists today.

King's Lynn has an impressive range of visitor attractions which tell of the town's fascinating and often colourful past. And you will be following in some very famous footsteps - Shakespeare is rumoured to have played in the town and Daniel Defoe named one of his most well known heroes after seeing a grave stone in St Nicholas Chapel of one Robinson Cruso.

Start at the edge of the town with a visit to Caithness Crystal. Witness the art of glassmaking and see how sand is transformed by the skilled craftsmen into exquisite glassware.

Stroll along the river and you will find the Green Quay, housed in the beautifully converted Marriott's Warehouse. This discovery centre highlights the unique wildlife of The Wash.

Just a short walk away in the historic heart of the town is the Tales of the Old Gaol House - and a chance to hear the stories and experience the sights (& smells!) of Lynn's criminal past. Also housed here are some of Britain's finest civic treasures including the priceless King John Cup.

The Green Quay
South Quay, King's Lynn
A new and exciting discovery centre, housed in an old Tudor barn, where you can get closer to wildlife. Explore the salt-water aquaria, home to a host of creatures from the Wash. See if you can survive the pearls of the Great Shellfish Game. Afterwards you can relax in the coffee house and browse around the visitor shop. 01553 818500.

Caithness Crystal
Visitor Centre
Paxman Road, Hardwick Industrial Estate, King's Lynn.
Factory shop, Glassmaking, Engraving, Coffee Shop/Restaurant. 01553 765111

Greyfriars Tower
Tower Gardens, London Road, King's Lynn. 01553 763044
Featured on the BBC series 'Restoration', is a fine example of a Franciscan Tower. The tower and gardens were recently restored and improved.

Trues Yard Fishing Heritage Museum
Popular museum well worth a visit, just off Tuesday Market Place, near to St Nicholas church. For family historians, Trues Yard also has available transcripts of local Parish Registers. Tel: 01553 770479

The Custom House
Purfleet Quay, off King Street
The Custom House now contains the Tourist Information Centre and a Maritime Display, including information on Lynn's famous mariners, Nelson and Vancouver, merchants, customs and smugglers. Tel: 01553 763044

The Walks
off St James Road, King's Lynn.
A delightful place near the centre of town, with tree-lined avenues, open green spaces, a river, and the historic Red Mount Chapel. Over the next two years the park will be fully restored.

Kings Lynn Town Guides
c/o Tales of the Old Gaol House, Saturday Market Place, 01553 774297
Let the Blue Badge Guides take you on a tour of the historic core of King's Lynn, with its fine houses, medieval churches and guildhalls, secret courtyards and hidden alleys. The Guides are also able to take private parties and arrange illustrated talks etc.

Lynnsport Miniature Railway
Lynnsport & Leisure Park, Greenpark Avenue, King's Lynn
Did you know that King's Lynn has its very own miniature railway?
The Lynnsport Miniature Railway runs every Sunday afternoon up until the end of October, subject to weather permitting.

The Old Gaol House
Saturday Mkt Place
Take a tour of King's Lynn's 1930s police station and into the old cells beyond. Then stroll through the Guildhall undercroft to see Lynn's magnificent treasures. 01553 775839

Town House Museum Queen Street
Discover the merchants, tradesmen and families who for nine hundred years have made Lynn such a prosperous place.
The Lynn Museum Off King's Lynn Bus Station.
The story of West Norfolk people and their landscape.

Kings Lynn Arts Centre
King Street.
Fascinating old building, galleries and coffee shop.

Tourist Information Centre
The Custom House, Purfleet Quay. 01553 763044
International: +44 (0) 1553 763 044

Places to visit and things to do in King's Lynn