Walsingham has a wealth of history waiting to be discovered while you enjoy your holiday on the North Norfolk coast. With a rich past of religious pilgrimage and home to the ruins of Walsingham Abbey, the village has a wealth of historic buildings to explore.
The history of Walsingham and its pilgrimages began in the 11th-century with a vision of the Virgin Mary by Lady Walsingham. She requested that a replica of the Holy House in Nazareth be built at Walsingham which came to be known as ‘England’s Nazareth’ and one of Europe’s four great pilgrim places during the Middle Ages. Pilgrimages still take place today and run from Easter to the end of October.
In the village itself, there are many 14th and 15th century buildings including Walsingham’s Georgian Courtroom where you can discover more of Walsingham’s amazing history since 1061.
Through the museum is the entrance to Walsingham Abbey where you’ll find the impressive twin turreted 13th-century arch and the remains of the medieval priory surrounded by stunning gardens with seasonal flowers. Visit Walsingham Abbey Grounds in February and be treated to its carpet of snowdrops.
You can find plenty of shops in the pretty village including tea rooms, café and a farm shop. Walsingham is also home to the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway, thought to be the longest 10-and-a-quarter inch narrow-gauge steam railway in the world.
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