On Norfolk's southern border, sitting by the A143 between Diss and Bungay, is the bustling little market town of Harleston (if setting your SatNav be careful, there is a Harleston in Suffolk not so far away), with a population of just over 4,000. The market around which the town originally grew is still held every Wednesday, though the Victorian Corn Exchange on the Market Square has long since changed use. There are more Georgian buildings than Victorian here, however, some of a grandeur that speaks volumes about the town's significance in times past. Far older than those structures though is St Mary's Church in Redenhall, the village to the east of Harleston that is part of the same parish, and furnishes the combined settlements with its fine late medieval church, which has some stunning strip work on the tower housing its eight bells. Sadly these were not cast in the short lived local bell foundry which operated in the late 19th century. The oldest - the tenor - dates from 1514, the youngest - nos 2, 4, and 5 - from 1737. But you should be able to hear locally made bells from Harleston, as a tower in Weybread just over the border with Suffolk has some. Harleston has a little place in history, as Churchill and Eisenhower met there, in the ancient coaching inn this is now the Magpie Hotel in the town centre. The painter Munnings settled his bills at the Magpie with pictures, subsequently worth small fortunes, and the settlement has kept its artistic bent, with a noted gallery among the many small independent shops serving residents and visitors alike. There is a town museum here too for those interested in local history. The Waveney Valley is a lovely spot, with some pretty countryside to wander in, countryside enhanced by sights like Starston Mill to the north of Harleston, and enriched by enterprises like Grain Brewery in nearby Alburgh. Harleston has fought hard to keep its character, and won, as visitors will be delighted to discover.
Attraction
Harleston Museum
South Elmham Hall
Starston Windpump
Dentist
Doctor
Harleston Doctors Surgery
Harleston Medical Centre
Estate Agent
Inn
J.D.Young Hotel
Old Ram Coaching Inn
The Swan Hotel
Market
Pub and Bar
Cardinals Hat
Cherry Tree
Duke William
Red Lion
The Bell
Restaurant
A Taste Of Raj
Frankies
Momiji Restaurant
The Dove Restaurant
School
Harleston C of E Primary School
Mendham Primary School
Solicitor
Taxi
Sports Clubs
Harleston TC (Tennis)
Shops
Antiques
Places to Stay near Harleston
J.D.Young Hotel (0.06 miles)
In the market town of Harleston, in the idyllic surroundings of the Norfolk and Suffolk borders, this 15th century coaching inn offers comfortable, modern en suite accommodation. Steeped in history, the hotel ... More
The Swan Hotel (0.16 miles)
Farm Barn (3.50 miles)
Old Ram Coaching Inn (4.29 miles)
The Old Ram Coaching Inn is a listed Inn dating back to the 17th Century; documents reveal that it has been a coaching Inn for most of its life. The ... More
Earsham Park Farm (4.93 miles)
Relax in informal surroundings in this quiet secluded victorian farmhouse with spectacular views situated half a mile from the A143 between Bungay and Harleston . All rooms are decorated to a high standard with ... More | visit website
The Horseshoes (5.59 miles)
Food served all day every day
Senior Citizens special lunch every Wednesday.
Bed & Breakfast En-Suite Rooms.Beer Garden.Disabled toilet & access.
Real Ales, Keg Beers.
The Horseshoes is a privately owned free ... More | visit website
Le Grys Barn (5.96 miles)
The Barn: Situated peacefully on the southern edge of Wacton Common, the red glow of the ... More | visit website
Oakbrook House (6.34 miles)
Oakbrook House is a nine bedroom guest house situated just South of Norwich, two and a half miles from the town of Long Stratton on the A140.We offer accommodation suited ... More
Scole Inn (6.50 miles)
Gissing Hall (6.50 miles)
Gissing Hall is a listed family mansion, dating back to the fifteenth century. Once the centre of an estate, it is now the home of its owners, Ann and William Brennan. This ... More
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