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Downham Market

Downham Market in west Norfolk is often thought of as the county's gateway to the Fens.

One of the county's oldest Market Towns, the main square features a unique black and white clock tower which was presented to the town by businessman James Scott in 1878, and stands at the junction of High Street and Bridge Street on the corner of the Town Square (formerly Market Place).

The Great Ouse River flows by the outskirts of the town and a large Butter Market was held near the river every Monday in the early nineteenth century. It is reported that Lord Nelson attended his first school in Downham Market, but the sites of the school he attended vary between authors.

With more than 8,000 people now living in the town, the town's streets feature many attractive houses and there's a lively market on Fridays and Saturdays as well as a craft and collectables market every other Saturday.

In the surrounding area visitors can see the recently restored Denver Windmill which showcases special milling events.

A little further afield is the Wildfowl And Wetlands Trust at Welney which provides many bird watching opportunities including the sight of over-wintering swans.