Location: Dereham
Top Things to do in Dereham
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The 7 Best Things to Do in Dereham, United Kingdom (UK)
Dereham (/ˈdɪərəm/), also known as East Dereham, is a town and civil parish in the English county of Norfolk. It is situated on the A47 road, about 15 miles (25 km) west of the city of Norwich and 25 miles (40 km) east of King's Lynn. The civil parish has an area of 21.51 km (8.31 sq mi) and in the 2001 census had a population of 15,659 in 6,941 households, the population at the 2011 Census increasing to 18,609. For the purposes of local government, Dereham falls within, and is the centre of administration for, the district of Breckland. The town should not be confused with the Norfolk village of West Dereham, which lies about 25 miles (40 km) away.
Restaurants in Dereham
1. Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 349 reviews
Enjoy a fascinating journey through the story of rural Norfolk with a thrilling woodland playground, historic workhouse and traditional working farm.
Reviewed By annie p
A friend and I met at the cafe for breakfast as we were starting a ten mile walk from the workhouse, entry to the cafe is free and it opens at ten. We were greeted with 3 ladies in black sitting at a table and having coffee as no other people were in the room I asked if we they were open, yes yes one lady replied. The 'help yourself' counter was quite empty apart from pre packed biscuits and looking at the menu and asking there was no 'breakfast' food offering, as a veggie I'm not looking for a full English however a porridge or an egg would have been fine, the lady stated 'I have cheese scones that have just come out of the oven' which we both agreed to sample and ended up having a fruit one as well. My friend declared the cheese was the best she had ever eaten and I would agree, the fruit one was very good to and no restriction on butter! After our walk we called back in for a pot of tea and were given dirty cups. I guess I wouldn't say the cafe is particularly good, it serves a purpose but could be so much better as the museum seems to be doing everything else right. I will return to visit the museum as there wasn't chance on this day.
2. Mid-Norfolk Railway
Overall Ratings
4 based on 279 reviews
The Mid-Norfolk Railway runs Heritage Steam and Diesel train services from the market town of Dereham to Wymondham in Norfolk, just outside Norwich. It is run entirely by volunteers, and operates a number of Special Events throughout the year.
Reviewed By deniadean7 - Colchester, United Kingdom
I booked the Polar Express train ride for my self, My wife and 5 year old daughter back in August this year as this looked like an amazing experience on-line.
We then went yesterday the 21st December and we were all very excited and we arrived at 18:45 45 minutes before departure, I do not know why, but I was expecting a Steam train ride which this was not, The Train looked very tacky when we boarded and to be honest was not what we were all expecting given the cost of the Tickets.
I will be honest and say that the film based characters were great and played the parts brilliantly, The Hot Chocolate and cooky were also very nice, But I was expecting more that just a slow train ride on a tatty old train, A quick pass through the North Pol train station, With a poorly set up Santa waving from his sleigh, with 3 plastic reindeer lite up.
For the cost I think this experience could be made so much better if more imagination and effort were taking, I would firstly have a Steam train and better decorated carriages, To exit train at North Pole and meet Santa In a decorated Building.
The whole cost and experience were overall very disappointing and I would not advise anyone I know to pay and go in the future.
3. Dereham Windmill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By John H - Perth and Kinross, United Kingdom
Restored some years ago and a good example. Unfortunately the internal workings are no longer there only wall posters and pictures describing its use. The site is well looked after and free parking is available. The home made cooking and baking in the cafe is very good.
4. Bishop Bonner's Cottage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Housed in a beautiful timber-framed, reed-thatched early C16th cottage, with colourful pargetting. It is the oldest domestic building in the market town of Dereham. It houses displays of Dereham's local history and the archaeology of the surrounding area, in the Breckland region of central Norfolk. The Museum was founded, and is still run, by volunteer members of the Dereham Antiquarian Society. We are open on Sat May 6th to 31st September 2017. Tue & Thurs - 1.30pm - 4pm Sat - 1.30pm - 4pm Entrance Fees 2016 Adult £2 Child 0 to 16 free with accompanying adult Group visits by appointment
Reviewed By MattWillis91 - Norwich, United Kingdom
We found this museum by chance and noticed Bob and Sue, two of the volunteers, cleaning the beautiful paintings on the outside of the cottage. We asked about the cottage and had a charming conversation with them. We were very impressed by their friendly, chatty attitude and their knowledge of Dereham's history. The only thing slightly more impressive was Bob's moustache!
We believe that the museum is free to enter, and the staff are all volunteers so you can tell that they really love what they're doing.
We only had about half an hour left and had intended to visit the shops in Dereham. We spent the whole time in the museum, chatting to Sue and Bob, and wish we could have stayed longer to have a good look at the displays that they had put up and really explore the museum a bit more, its very quaint and higgledy piggledy with lots of rooms on display.
We would advise bringing a camera as there are lots of photo opportunities at the museum, especially outside if you stand under the wall paintings (See my photos for example).
We had a great time at this lovely museum and would say it was the highlight of our trip to Dereham, both because of the lovely things to see and the staff's warm and friendly attitude. Would strongly advise checking it out - it's free.
5. North Elmham Chapel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Jeff1903 - King's Lynn
Sometimes described as a Saxon Cathedral, the stone ruins which can be seen now are the private chapel of the 12th century Bishop Losinga, which were later converted into a castle. They are well interpreted with a number of sign boards around the site. They will appeal to the serious historian, but are interesting to the casual visitor, especially if combined with a walk or visit to a nearby attraction such as the heritage railway. We were lucky enough to discover that the neighbouring church was holding its August Bank Holiday flower festival and associated activities and were able to ascend the church tower, so its worth checking if there is anything else on in the village, which seems to have a strong community and lots of events.
6. Hoecroft Plants and Gardens
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By handbLincoln - Lincoln
We arrived with a coachload of visitors and were warmly welcomed by Jane and Brenda who gave us an informative tour of the garden which is beautifully laid out and cared for. At the end we had tea/coffee and biscuits. Some of our group bought plants from the excellent selection available. We only had an hour for the visit but had to extend it, we would have loved more time to just wander and appreciate the garden.
We and other members of the group hope to go back soon.
7. The Church of St Mary the Virgin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By SwordMaiden - Newton Abbot, United Kingdom
We called in here after visiting the site of the Saxon Cathedral.
A lovely example of an old church and hopefully the restoration works will enhance its air of tranquil eternity.
The pew ends are lovely. I loved to think of generations of children playing with them and their fingers gradually wearing down some of the more intricate features like the dog's tongue or a bird's wing.
