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An attractive market town situated midway between the coast and the Broads

Highlights

Marketplace

Pretty Town Centre

Water Pump

Parish Church

Bure Valley Railway

Aylsham is an attractive market town, situated beside the upper reaches of the River Bure. Aylsham has an unspoilt market place, surrounded by 18th century houses, reflecting the towns prosperity from the cloth trade during that period. The 15th century church of St. Michael dominates views of Aylsham and it is claimed it was built by John O'Gaunt (who is also pictured on the town sign). Aylsham is the Northern terminus of the Bure Valley Railway that runs to Wroxham. Aylsham has plenty facilities including interesting shops, pubs and tea-rooms.

Aylsham Town Sign

Aylsham Marketplace

Aylsham Town Hall, in the Marketplace

Independent shops to explore!

Plenty of Tea Rooms

Aylsham's Pretty Streets

This property in Hungate Street, has Dutch Gables

Bayfield House in White Hart Street

Built in 1911, the Water Pump provided the town with fresh clean water until 1938, when a piped water supply replaced it.

Did You Know?

Aylsham is a typical North Norfolk market town. In the middle ages, Norfolk had the greatest concentration of markets in the whole country - you would find a market every 10 miles or so! The markets would mainly be used by local farmers to sell their produce. By the 16th century, many of Norfolk's markets had closed, but the market place and surrounding narrow streets remain today. Aylsham still has a thriving weekly market every Monday - a good day to make your visit.

Black Boys Inn

Black Boys Inn, is situated in one corner of the market place. The hotel dates back to the 17th century and has had some famous guests, including Horatio Nelson. The name "Black Boys" is thought to originate from the black boy slaves who were used as servants in local wealthy households in the 17th century.

The parish church of St Michael and All Angels stands in its own grounds, just behind the market place. The church stands on the site of a former church, dating back to the 14th century. The view of the church tower dominates the town and can be seen for miles. Inside, the church is large and spacious, with a superb 15th century rood screen and some lovely Victorian stained glass.

The parish church

Inside the church

Did You Know?

You will find the Aylsham Heritage Centre located in the Church Rooms in the grounds of the church. The centre shows the heritage of the area from about 1800 to the presrnt day. The centre opens every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 10.30am and 3.30pm. Entry is free, but donations are welcome.

Aylsham is the Northern terminus of the Bure Valley Railway, a narrow gauge steam railway through the picturesque Bure Valley countryside to Wroxham. At Aylsham Station, you can see a working engine repair shed and there is also a shop. The station marks the start of the Bure Valley Walk, a walking/cycle route alongside the narrow gauge railway line all the way to Wroxham.

A diesel engine at Aylsham Station

Inside the workshop at Aylsham

Part of the station at Aylsham

Visitor Information

Market days are Mondays and Fridays.

Car-parking can be found in the marketplace (free) and several around the the outskirts of town (free), including the Bure Valley Railway Station.

Aylsham Tourist Information Centre is Open Easter-Sept, Sun-Fri, 10am-4.30pm and daily throughout August. Oct-Easter 10am-2pm (closed Wed & Sat). Bure Valley Railway Station, Norwich Road. Aylsham NR11 6BW. 01263 733903

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