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.
Explore our markets
Aylsham is proud of its lively market culture, with a traditional market held every Monday and Friday in the historic Market Place and a popular monthly Food and Craft Market, where talented makers showcase handmade gifts, art and locally inspired creations.
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.
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.
Sport for all
Aylsham offers excellent sporting and leisure opportunities for all ages and abilities, with a well-equipped community gym, swimming pool, indoor sports, extensive recreation ground facilities and the open green spaces of Youngs Park providing ideal settings for fitness, play and outdoor activity
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
Urban Clay
A wonderfully creative and relaxed pottery painting studio that’s ideal for families visiting Aylsham. Parents will love it as a wholesome way to spend quality time with children — choosing and decorating pottery together, 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.