On the A1075 that meanders through the woods and heaths of Breckland, roughly halfway between Thetford and Dereham, stands the pretty little market town of Watton. There have been markets here since the town was granted a charter in 1202, much to the annoyance of neighbouring Saham, with which a rivalry is still said to exist (the two settlements even came to blows over the matter in 1375). Watton then did a good trade in wool and cloth, and was also an agricultural centre noted for its butter. Today, as well as the Wednesday market there is a farmers’ market on the first Saturday of the month. Watton, or Wadetuna, is mentioned in the Domesday Book as having a church and a manor house. The present church of St Mary, situated for some reason half a mile beyond the centre of the town, largely dates from the 12th century, an eight sided belfry atop its Norman tower being the structure’s most noticeable feature, although the lovely avenue of limes leading to it may stir the heart more. Another tower is perhaps Watton’s most interesting architectural treasure, the impressive clock tower built in 1679 (although the present clock was installed in 1827), purportedly to house a fire warning bell after the Great Fire of Watton earlier that decade had razed much of the town to the ground. Visitors will notice the two children on the town sign in front of the clock tower – they are the babes in the wood of folk tale and pantomime, for that story is based on the suspicious death of 11 year old Thomas de Grey from Griston Hall, a short distance from Watton.
Care Home
Cottage
Dentist
Clarence House Dental Practice
Doctor
Inn
The Olde Windmill Inn
The Willow House
Market
Pub and Bar
Restaurant
The Hare & Barrel Hotel
The Willow House
Verdis
School
Self-Catering
Solicitor
Taxi
Breckland Taxis Watton Ltd
United Taxis
Sports Clubs
CFE Watton TTC (Table Tennis)
Shops
Places to Stay near Watton
White Horse Inn (1.41 miles)
The White Horse is ideally situated for touring the Yorkshire wolds and East Yorkshire coastline. Situated by the village green and duck pond of Hutton Cranswick, 3 miles from the market town of Driffield and ... More | visit website
Fimber Gate Bed and Breakfast (4.61 miles)
A former railway gatekeeper's cottage, this single storey accommodation enjoys rural views of the Yorkshire Wolds. It has recently been extended and fully updated to give a comfortable and relaxing ... More
Holme Wold Farm (4.67 miles)
Burton Lodge Hotel (6.11 miles)
Burton Lodge Hotel is set in 2 acres of attractive grounds and gardens at the southern edge of the village of Brandesburton in rural East Yorkshire adjoining a golf club.
A charming family run hotel, the ... More | visit website
Whites Restaurant & Whites Overnight (6.32 miles)
Set in the heart of the beautiful market town of Beverley Whites Restaurant and Whites Overnight offer fine dining and boutique rooms that will be sure to impress. The restaurant owned and run by passionate ... More | visit websiteNew Inn (6.32 miles)
The Forge (6.33 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
Amidst acres of peaceful countryside, the immaculate conversion of a group of mellow brick barns at High Farm has created seven properties with beautifully designed, spacious and ... More
Kings Head Hotel (6.59 miles)
The King’s Head Hotel is situated in Beverley and offers unique hotel accommodation in the centre of this historic town, with spacious and beautifully decorated rooms and personal service. The period building hides a contemporary ... More | visit website
Number One (6.60 miles)
Best Western Lairgate Hotel (6.61 miles)
Book this Hotel with Best Western
Beverley is a remarkable architectural gem; where else the fabulous medieval St. Mary's, the truly majestic Beverley Minster and more! Set in the centre of this market town ... More
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