Attractions and places to see around Hempton, Norfolk, offer a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. Located near Fakenham, the area features significant historical structures and natural reserves. The River Wensum, recognized as a protected chalk river, flows through the region, contributing to its diverse natural features.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Highlight • River
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Hempton.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
very pretty spot, bit of a steep hill back up to Bintree. not sure if you can get down to the water as looks very private
0
0
The approach across the water meadows to the west of the mill is very scenic, with a short but sharp climb on the east bank immediately after the mill.
0
0
Twisting streets? ✅ Quaint old buildings? ✅ Cafes and gift shops? ✅ Monks wandering around in habits and shops selling statues of the Virgin Mary? ✅ A slightly different take on your usual North Norfolk tourist town.
0
0
Look through the gatehouse on the main village street and you can see the impressive east arch visible through it.
0
0
Little Walsingham is the location for the Abbey Grounds and the Anglican Shrine, two of the most popular destinations for visitors. Walsingham sits in the Norfolk countryside, just four miles in from the north Norfolk coast, directly south of Wells-next-the-Sea. Historical records of the village go back to Saxon times when the village was first established on the banks of the River Stiffkey — it is listed in the Domesday Book under the name of Walsingham Parva. Today’s village incorporates both Little and Great Walsingham, together representing a population of about 800 people. This rural village, is surrounded by rich farmland producing corn and sugar beet, wheat and barley, fruit and vegetables — and good grazing for livestock. Many of the farms have been in the same (https://www.visitnorthnorfolk.com/information/product-catch-all/little-walsingham-p1524571) The octagonal building in Common Place is the old Town Pump House. On the stone roof is 'The Beacon'. The pump house was built c1550 and has a brazier on top, which is lit at times of special celebration.
0
0
All Saints Church dates from at least the 12th century. Until 1981, the tower was largely complete, having been turned into a folly in the 17th century. Sadly, it suddenly collapsed leaving what we can still see today. The lost medieval village of Godwick is also on this site and is open to the public for free with information boards providing more information about the village streets and buildings that you can see in the landscape. For more details see the website https://www.lostvillageofgodwick.co.uk/
0
1
Bintry Watermill, located on the River Wensum, is thought to have stood at this location since 1454. The present mill is thought to date from the 1750s. The watermill at Bintry was used in 1996 by the BBC for location work on their adaptation of George Eliot’s, "The Mill on the Floss."
1
0
The Hempton area offers several natural highlights. In Norfolk, you can visit the Hempton Marsh Nature Reserve, a significant site for diverse flora and fauna, or explore Pensthorpe Natural Park, an award-winning nature reserve known for its wildlife and conservation efforts. The River Wensum, a protected chalk river, also flows through the region. In Oxfordshire, you can observe distinctive Ridge and Furrow Fields, remnants of medieval communal husbandry.
Yes, the Hempton area is rich in history. You can explore the unique medieval atmosphere of Walsingham Village Centre and the impressive ruins of Walsingham Abbey and Gatehouse. Another notable site is the Godwick Church Tower and Lost Medieval Village, which offers insights into a medieval settlement. Hempton, Norfolk, also has historical structures like St. Andrew's Church and the site of Hempton Priory. In Hempton, Oxfordshire, you can find St. John the Evangelist Parish Church and early 18th-century cottages.
The area around Hempton is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including options for touring and road cycling. For example, there are routes like the 'Wells-next-the-Sea Harbour – Holkham Hall loop' or the 'Fakenham to Wells-next-the-sea loop'. If you prefer running, there are several running trails available, such as the 'Running loop from Fakenham'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Cycling around Hempton, Running Trails around Hempton, and Road Cycling Routes around Hempton.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Pensthorpe Natural Park is a highly recommended family destination with varied wildlife and diverse landscapes. Walsingham Village Centre offers a charming atmosphere that families can enjoy, and the Godwick Church Tower and Lost Medieval Village provides an interesting historical outing for all ages.
Visitors particularly appreciate the unique medieval atmosphere of Walsingham Village Centre, often noting its twisting streets, quaint buildings, and historical significance. The beautiful ruins and gardens of Walsingham Abbey and Gatehouse are also highly regarded. The area's blend of historical sites and natural beauty, including the diverse wildlife at Pensthorpe Natural Park, receives positive feedback from the komoot community.
Absolutely. In Hempton, Oxfordshire, the Hempton Loop is a popular walking trail starting in Deddington's Market Place, offering a rural exploration of North Oxfordshire. For more general walking and running options, you can refer to the Running Trails around Hempton guide, which includes various loops and routes suitable for walking.
Yes, Great Walsingham Ford is a notable spot where the Westgate road crosses the River Stiffkey. It includes a convenient footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists. The River Wensum, which flows through Hempton, Norfolk, is also recognized as Europe's longest, largest, and most protected chalk river.
The best time to visit Hempton largely depends on your interests. The summer months are ideal for experiencing local community events, such as the Hempton Village Fete in Norfolk. For enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor activities like walking and cycling, spring and summer offer pleasant weather. Wildlife viewing at places like Hempton Marsh Nature Reserve and Pensthorpe Natural Park can be rewarding throughout the warmer months, especially for birdwatching and seeing wildflowers like Southern Marsh Orchids.
In Hempton, Norfolk, The Hempton Bell is a historic pub that remains open today, offering a traditional local experience. The nearby Walsingham Village Centre is known for having cafes and gift shops, providing options for refreshments and local treats while exploring the historical sites.
Hempton Priory, located in Norfolk, was founded as an Augustinian hospital before 1135 and evolved into a priory by 1200. While few surface remains are visible today, substantial earthworks mark the site of this medieval institution, which was dissolved in the 16th century. It represents a significant piece of the region's religious and architectural history.
Yes, Hempton, Oxfordshire, has connections to the English Civil War. The village was a Royalist stronghold during the conflict, and local legend suggests that King Charles I spent a night in Parish's Farmhouse. Exploring this area can offer a glimpse into this turbulent period of English history.
The Hempton Watermill, also known as Goggs' Mill, was a significant landmark in rural Fakenham, Norfolk, operating between 1797 and 1925. Although demolished in 1954, its site is now part of a riverside walk, allowing visitors to appreciate the historical industrial heritage along the River Wensum.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: