A Guide Of Watton

Living in Watton

Watton is a quiet and unassuming market town that situated in the middle of Norfolk. This part of Mid Norfolk is covered in woods, lakes and walks, historic churches and a market town full of history.

With just over a 40-minute commute to the fine city of Norwich plus a selection of excellent schools in the surrounding villages, we’ve found Watton to be a popular choice for families and those looking for a place to enjoy retirement.

About Watton

Watton sits at the heart of south-west Norfolk amidst the beautiful Breckland landscape. This historic Norfolk market town is the smallest of Brecklands five towns. The town welcomes a thriving market held every Wednesday showcasing some fantastic regional delicacies.

Its high street is home to an unusual clock tower which dates from 1679 AD. The clocktower and its tick and tock has been a prominent part of the towns landscape for more than 300 years and is back in full working order.

Watton has two hidden gems surrounding the town. This ancient woodland is said to be the site for the ‘babes in the wood’, it’s one of the largest woods in South Norfolk awaiting to be explored. Loch Neaton is also a little bit of Watton that is undiscovered and comprises of a fishing lake and makes for a great dog walking spot.

Three Interesting facts about Watton

Watton has one of the world’s most modern town criers, make sure to listen out for the town crier at events around the town!
The Wayland Show, held in Watton, is one of Norfolk’s oldest agricultural shows in the country having been held for more than 140 years.
Watton has its own fairy tale. The dark story of the Babes in the Wood set in Wayland Wood, since retold by Disney and as a pantomime through the centuries.

Local Amenities

There are few high few street chains here, but most of the shops are small independent stores such as pet shops, newsagents, galleries, clothes shops, cafes, restaurants, hotels, and pubs. The Dragonfly Gallery is one such gallery, small but welcoming housed in Wayland House. The gallery is used by local artists to stage their exhibitions.

You’ll find there is more than enough to get involved locally at Watton Sports and social club, a place where you can enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor sports and the occasional drink too. For golf enthusiasts, Richmond Park Golf Club has 18 beautiful golfing holes set amidst well-established parkland and flowing water.

Watton boasts some great eateries including The Kings Arms, a lovely pub alongside The Willow House restaurant and of course a traditional fish and chips, Little Gary’s Plaice is particularly recommended.

Watton Schools

The town and surrounding villages have a good range of schools. The town itself is home to the following schools:

Watton Westfield Infant and Nursery School
Watton Junior School
Wayland Academy

Moreover, many surrounding villages boast their own nurseries and primary schools which is ideal for those moving into surrounding villages.

Transport

Watton provides excellent transport links. An 8.5 miles drive away and you’ll arrive at Harling Road Train station offering regular services with trains reaching Norwich in 35 minutes and Cambridge taking around 55 minutes. The market towns of Swaffham and Dereham are approximately 10 miles away boasting a range of amenities including restaurants, cafes, golf courses and schools. The fine city of Norwich can easily be reached providing a wide choice of shopping and leisure venues. Norwich boasts good local transport links alongside its own international airport and a mainline rail link to London.

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