Historic and picturesque, this town has plenty to attract the housebuyer, says Judith Palmer

Great British Life: Market day makes for a busy time in the town centreMarket day makes for a busy time in the town centre (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

The “gateway to north Norfolk”, Fakenham is well positioned for countryside, coast, city and towns, within easy driving distance of many of the county’s favourite spots. And it is a favourite in itself too, with so much to recommend this historic town on the River Wensum.

Community plays an important part in Fakenham, which has a population of about 8,000. The town comes together for events such as the spring Beer Festival and the Christmas Tree Festival which has become something of a Norfolk institution.

Great British Life: Fakenham Junior SchoolFakenham Junior School (Image: Archant)

As well as the parish church which is in the heart of the town, it boasts many attractive buildings around the market place and town centre that has undergone a revamp in recent years, with an award-winning scheme providing new paving, street signs and a seating area in the market square – very handy after a day’s shopping. Market day is on Thursdays and features Norfolk traders as well as those who travel around the region. The farmers’ market takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month, selling fresh local produce, organic food and drink and a large selection of home-made delicacies.

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy good food and drink at the selection of pubs and eateries within walking distance of the centre, and there are three supermarkets close by as well as an assortment of independent retailers offering a more specialist selection of products and services.

Fakenham Racecourse is located on the edge of town and always makes for an interesting day out, as does Pensthorpe Waterfowl Park, which has 500 acres of nature trails to explore. Also worth visiting are The Thursford Collection - with vintage steam engines, fairground carousels and the largest Christmas spectacular in England - and the fascinating Fakenham Museum of Gas and Local History.

Properties in the region range in price from £110,000 for a three-bedroomed terrace to £450,000 for a four-bedroomed detached house, with plenty of choice in between. The range of schools in the town covers from nursery to college learning, with independent options within easy access too.

Great British Life: Action at Fakenham RacecourseAction at Fakenham Racecourse (Image: Archant 2016)