Attleborough

    Market day:  Thursday

    Farmers' market:  None

    Early closing:  Wednesday

    Population (2001):  9,702

Attleborough, listed in the 1086 survey of the Domesday Book, can trace its history back to Saxon times - the element 'borough' in the name Attleborough indicates that it was probably fortified at an early date.

The medieval church which the town of Attleborough is built around still includes part of the Norman construction, although there was almost certainly a Saxon church on the site prior to that. Most of the town was destroyed by fire in 1559 and the fabric of the church is substantially unchanged from the 16th century. The altar screen was a gift in 1470.

Attleborough is a busy town - there are branches of Lloyds Bank and HBOS and a modest Sainsburys' store, with a filling station. The market, which is still held every Thursday was established in 1226.

Notable restaurants include The Mulberry Tree (formerly the station hotel), the Royal Garden Chinese, and what is genreally recognised to be one of the best Indian restaurants in the area, the Shapla Tandoori, both of the latter being among the many eateries in Attleborough offering takeaways.

A coaching inn since about 1560, The Griffin Hotel, indicates that Attleborough was a convenient place to change horses on a journey from Norwich to London, although the railway, which still links Attleborough to Cambridge and Norwich, came to the town in 1845.

The turkey on the town sign is said to depict the days when Attleborough turkeys had their feet dipped in tar to help them withstand the journey along roads to the London markets. Also depicted on the town sign is cider making, as 200 years of cider making in Attleborough was ended when, at teh end of the 20th century production of Gaymer's cider was moved to the West Country.

These days Attleborough is perhaps better known as the home to the world-famous Peter Beales roses, whose nursery there is open to the public most days. Guided tours are also available for pre-booked groups.

Nearby attractions include Banham Zoo, Snetterton Motor Racing Circuit and the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) at Hall Farm, Snetterton.

Contact details

• Banham Zoo 01953 887771
• Royal Garden Restaurant 01953 455199
• Shapla Tandoori, Attleborough 01953 455331
• The Mulberry Tree 01953 452124
• Snetterton Motor Racing Circuit 01953 887303
• The Griffin Hotel 01953 452149
• Peter Beales roses 01953 454707
• International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) 01953 499100