King's Lynn

KING’S LYNN The old port of King’s Lynn has a definite appeal for birdwatchers, who can be seen in their anoraks and wellington boots scanning the sky with their binoculars. The marshes and mudflats of The Wash are a great attraction for waterfowl and waders, and the riverside is a favourite spot for watching the boats come in. Architecturally, King’s Lynn lost much of its dignity in the 20th century and its sense of prosperity at the same time. The conservationists now have a firm grip on what is left – a historic legacy that includes the merchants’ houses of Nelson Street, Queen Street and King Street, most of which are now used as offices and occasionally as locations in television costume dramas. The Corn Exchange Theatre attracts big musical and theatrical names, and in the summer it plays host to the King’s Lynn Festival, usually attended by one of the Royals (Sandringham is only eight miles away). It has the biggest shopping centre for miles around but remains downbeat and has yet to attract the popular fashion houses and department stores. Among the older properties you could pick up a three-bedroom cottage for £125,000. Even a good period three-bedroom town house will probably not exceed £200,000. The Nar development to the south of the town is underway to provide contemporary apartments along the river, housing, a business park, school and shops, followed by a marina.