What to do in Downham Market today?

Today in Downham Market, you can explore the historic "Gingerbread Town" with its unique carrstone buildings and iconic 19th-century black and white clock. Key activities include visiting the Discover Downham Heritage center, shopping at the local market (if on a Friday/Saturday), visiting Church Farm at Stow Bardolph, or grabbing a coffee at Platform One.

Is Downham Market worth visiting?

The area is brim full of historic buildings and amazing architecture. Discover why Downham Market has its nickname 'Gingerbread Town' (due to its buildings made from local carrstone) and saunter through the countryside to explore fascinating nearby villages.

What day is market day in Downham Market?

Market days in Downham Market are primarily Fridays and Saturdays, held in the Town Hall car park, offering fresh produce, crafts, and general goods, with occasional special markets, like makers' markets, on Sundays. The regular market runs from around 8 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m. on both days. 

What to do in Norfolk today for adults?

Click to read about these fantastic days out in Norfolk:

• The Broads National Park.
• Sandringham Estate.
• The city of Norwich.
• Holkham Beach.
• Glen Lodge.
• Blakeney Point.
• North Norfolk Railway.
• Norfolk Lavender.

What is the crime rate in Downham Market?

The overall crime rate in Downham Market in 2025 was 49 crimes per 1,000 people. This compares favourably to Norfolk's overall crime rate, coming in 13% lower than the Norfolk rate of 57 per 1,000 daytime population.

Downham Market

Is Downham Market a nice place to live?

Yes, Downham Market is generally considered a nice place to live, praised for its historic charm (like its "gingerbread" buildings and clock tower), friendly community, and quiet atmosphere, offering good value and transport links to Cambridge and London, though some residents note it can feel a bit grim or that amenities are limited compared to bigger cities. It's seen as a great spot for families and commuters who enjoy a blend of market-town character with modern conveniences, with a blossoming food scene and independent shops. 

What famous celebrities live in Norfolk?

Norfolk, UK, is home to many famous individuals, including the Royal Family, comedian Stephen Fry, Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman, presenter Jake Humphrey, and author Philip Pullman, along with actors like Sam Claflin, musician Phil Collins, and inventor Sir James Dyson, drawn to its countryside and coast for a quieter life.

Are Lidl coming to Downham Market?

🚧 Lidl, Downham Market, UK We're excited to share one of our latest projects – the new Lidl store at Bexwell Road, Downham Market! From groundwork to the final fit-out, we delivered a modern retail space designed for functionality, efficiency, and customer convenience.

Is Downham Market posh?

Charming, unpretentious and on the up – Downham Market is the Norfolk town quietly earning its cool credentials. With indie shops, a blossoming food scene, and bags of historic character. Part of our Top 260 Places to Live.

What TV series was filmed in Downham?

Downham was one of the locations used in the 1961 film Whistle Down the Wind, and the BBC One series Born and Bred, set in the fictional village of Ormston, was also filmed in the village. The 2012 BBC drama The Secret of Crickley Hall was also filmed in and around Downham.

What is the richest town in Norfolk?

Known by some as “Chelsea-on-Sea”, Burnham Market is one of the most affluent places to live in Norfolk. It's a picturesque village, close to the beach, with boutiques, delis and gastro pubs in Georgian buildings. Yes, it's on the pricier side – but the lifestyle here is unmatched.

Does Olivia Colman live in Norfolk?

Personal life

Colman and Sinclair married in August 2001 and have three children. The couple moved from Peckham, south London, to rural Norfolk, during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

What is the nicest part of Norfolk to live in?

The "nicest" part of Norfolk depends on your preference, with Norwich offering city life with arts and amenities, North Norfolk villages like Cromer, Blakeney, and Burnham Market providing coastal charm and luxury, while areas near Norwich like Cringleford and Wymondham offer a balance of village feel and city access, all praised for good schools, community, and scenery. 

What are the rough areas of Norfolk?

In Norfolk, UK, areas often cited as having higher crime rates or being less desirable include Great Yarmouth, Thetford, and parts of King's Lynn, with specific hotspots like Yarmouth's seafront (Yarmouth Parade) and King's Lynn's Gaywood Chase; while Norwich has the highest overall city crime, areas like its city center (City Centre East) and some outer wards see more incidents, often involving anti-social behavior, violence, and burglary.

What is the nicest area of Norwich to live in?

The best places to live in Norwich offer a mix of village feel, city access, and amenities, with popular areas including Eaton, Cringleford, and the Golden Triangle (NR2) for a blend of character, green space (Eaton Park, Marston Marshes), and proximity to the city/hospital/university, while Sprowston, Costessey, and Thorpe St Andrew provide great family options with good schools and local facilities, and the City Centre (NR1, NR3) suits those wanting urban convenience and vibrant nightlife.

Is Downham Market prone to flooding?

Downham Market West The tidal Great Ouse and Flood Relief Channel represent the primary risks of flooding. However, the whole area is in flood risk Flood Zone 1.