Introduction
At the heart of the Waveney Valley, Harleston is an ancient market town, full of historic buildings, and having an array of individual speciality shops.
With historic coaching inns, cosy tearooms, traditional bakers, butchers and delicatessens serving delicious Norfolk foods, you're sure to find plenty on the menu when visiting this traditional market town.
Heritage
The market town of Harleston has a long history. A charter to hold an eight-day fair was granted to Roger Bigod, 4th Earl of Norfolk by Henry III in 1259 and Wednesday has been market day in the town from ancient times. One of the plots to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I was to be launched on Midsummer Day 1570 at the Harleston Fair by proclamations and the sound of trumpets and drums. The Elizabethan play Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay features this in one of its scenes.
Past residents of Harleston include some of the Pilgrim Fathers who travelled on the Mayflower to settle in America.
Historic Buildings
There are over 160 very old buildings in the town, many with some of the original features still visible. Old coaching inns, like the Swan Hotel, remain as a legacy from the days when the town was on the main coaching route from London to Great Yarmouth and an important trading centre.
Active Community
Harleston is a town where everyone works together. The Town Council established 'Team Harleston' as a collective of groups and organisations who combine to create a coordinated calendar of events for visitors and residents alike. Harleston really has 'Time for Everyone'.
Harleston Vouchers
Harleston’s Future run a scheme to 'Keep Harleston money in Harleston'. These are vouchers worth £1 each and are accepted in participating shops around town. Read more>
