What to do in Aylsham
Aylsham is a welcoming historic market town where visitors can explore beautiful heritage buildings, enjoy independent shops, cafés and pubs, experience family-friendly attractions like steam railways and creative studios, and unwind in scenic countryside just moments from the town centre. There’s so much to see and do.
Eat and drink
Whether it’s the old fashioned charm of a quaint tea room, the lively atmosphere of a great pub, the elegant sophistication of a cocktail bar or an authentic wood fired pizza that takes your fancy, in Aylsham you’ll find all of the above and much more. Explore options to eat out, to take away and for home delivery.
Shopping
Shopping in Aylsham is a pleasure in itself, with a vibrant mix of independent shops, specialist retailers and regular markets offering everything from everyday essentials to unique gifts, local produce and handcrafted goods, all within an attractive and easily walkable town centre.
Watch a great film
Aylsham Picture House brings people together to enjoy a wide range of films in a welcoming social setting at the heart of the town, from mainstream releases to independent and lesser-known cinema. Alongside film screenings, the Picture House offers a bar and occasional live entertainment
Wonderful walks
Aylsham is an ideal starting point for walkers and hikers, with a variety of well-signposted town trails, riverside paths and countryside routes offering easy access to the surrounding Norfolk landscape and opportunities for gentle strolls or longer, more adventurous walks. Explore some of our favourite routes
Cycle routes
Aylsham is perfectly placed for cycling, offering a range of gentle family-friendly routes and longer countryside rides, including the popular Bure Valley Path, which links the town to the Norfolk Broads and makes exploring the area by bike both easy and enjoyable. Explore our favourite routes and cafe stops
Family fun
Aylsham is an ideal destination for families, offering hands-on creativity at Urban Clay, exciting steam train adventures on the Bure Valley Railway, and fantastic play equipment at the Recreation Ground to keep children active and happy. With the added appeal of nearby attractions such as the beautiful National Trust estate at Blickling Hall, families can enjoy a perfect mix of fun, learning and fresh air all in and around the town
A day at the Park
A welcoming and spacious outdoor destination that’s perfect for families to enjoy together. With two enclosed play areas and extensive play equipment for children of all ages, plenty of open grassy space for ball games or picnics, a skatepark and tennis courts, it offers something active and fun for everyone while parents relax or join in the fun
Make some keepsakes
Urban Clay offers a wonderfully creative and relaxed pottery painting studio that’s ideal for families visiting Aylsham. Spend quality time together, choosing and decorating pottery, enjoying tea and delicious cake, and leaving with a handmade keepsake to treasure.
A Railway Adventure
The Bure Valley Railway gives parents and children the chance to enjoy a scenic steam train journey through the beautiful Norfolk countryside between Aylsham and Wroxham. At Aylsham Station there’s a welcoming café, gift and model shop and the railway often hosts special seasonal events like “Kids Go Free” days.
A great cycling adventure
With scenic family-friendly trails, woodland adventures and cycle hire available on-site, the magnificent Blickling Estate offers the perfect opportunity for families to explore the Norfolk countryside together on two wheels
Visit a horse sanctuary
Just a short trip from the town centre, Redwings Horse Sanctuary is home to over 70 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. Enjoy meeting the residents, exploring wildlife walks, relaxing at the on-site café, and browsing the gift shop, all while supporting this wonderful charity
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re here for heritage, food and drink, or to enjoy Norfolk’s natural beauty, Aylsham is rich in culture and community spirit.
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Getting Here: Aylsham is easily accessible by car (just off the A140), by bus from Norwich and the coast, or by the Bure Valley Railway.
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Parking: Several convenient long-stay car parks are located around the town centre, all located on a map here.
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Information: Pick up maps and local guides from the Aylsham Heritage Centre or the Tourist Information Point in the Library.