Major city · United Kingdom
Swaffham
Give Swaffham half a day as a stop on the A47 between King's Lynn and Norwich: market place, museum, then Castle Acre or Oxburgh Hall.
Swaffham is a small west Norfolk market town of about 8,500 people, built on medieval sheep and wool money and still centred on an unusually large market square. There is no railway station, so it works as a road stop or a one-night base for Castle Acre, Oxburgh Hall and the Peddars Way rather than a destination in itself.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Jan–Feb (cold, wet, quiet)
- Airports
- NWI · STN · LTN
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Swaffham999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Swaffham, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime market town; the real risks are traffic on the A47 and A1065, unlit lanes after dark and thin rural bus services.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance · 101 police non-emergency · 111 NHS non-urgent advice
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportNWI Norwich Airport (About 45 min by road via the A47; limited UK and European routes.
- Getting aroundThe town centre is compact and walkable; the market place, London Street and Station Street are all on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£12–18 (≈ US$16–25)
- BeerPint of draught beer£4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, 5 miles£12–18 (≈ US$16–25)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£6–12 (≈ US$8–16)
- Museum or sight ticketSwaffham Museum entry£3 (≈ US$4) adult, £1 (≈ US$2) child
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per room£120 (≈ US$160)
- Mid-range bedPub or B&B double room, a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedPub or B&B double room, a night, per room£180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £75 (≈ US$100) · High £130 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- NWI Norwich Airport (About 45 min by road via the A47; limited UK and European routes. Onward bus or train from Norwich: check) · STN London Stansted (About 1 h 45 min by road; onward bus or train to west Norfolk: check) · LTN London Luton (About 2 h by road; onward connections to west Norfolk: check)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest May (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Swaffham: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
12 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town centre is compact and walkable; the market place, London Street and Station Street are all on foot. There are no trains. Buses run to King's Lynn and Norwich, but for Castle Acre, Oxburgh Hall and Gooderstone you need a car, a bike or a taxi.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Castle Acre Priory and castle
goDoor to door: About 20 min by car
A1065 north 5 miles, then a short walk; no useful bus
Priory is paid English Heritage; the castle and bailey gate are free and open in daylight.
Oxburgh Hall
goDoor to door: About 20 min by car
7 miles southwest by road via Oxborough
National Trust house and garden; check opening days before driving out.
Gooderstone Water Gardens
cautionDoor to door: About 20 min by car
About 6 miles southwest by road
Small, seasonal and quiet; only worth the detour if gardens are your thing.
Door to door: About 40 min by bus (check)
X1 bus west, or 15 miles by road on the A47
Best half-day town from Swaffham: historic quayside and two market places.
Door to door: About 1 h by bus (check)
X1 bus east, or 30 miles by road on the A47
Full day: cathedral, castle museum and lanes; the bus is the easy option.
Door to door: About 45 min by car
Road via Fakenham, about 25 miles
Pair with Holkham beach; bus links are slow, so drive if you can.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Market Place and London Street
Walk to the market, museum, pubs and cafés; the only area where you can leave the car parked.
Station Street and Castle Acre Road
Hotel and supermarket side of town, 5–10 min walk from the square, easier parking.
Castle Acre (5 miles north)
Village B&B base if the priory and castle are your reason for coming; you need a car or taxi.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–110 (≈ US$95–150) excl. bed
- High
- £110 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Pub or B&B double room1 × 1 night × £110 | £110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £75 | £150 |
| X1 bus, King's Lynn return2 × £8 · check | £16 |
| Castle Acre Priory, adult2 × £7 | £14 |
| Oxburgh Hall house and garden, adult2 × £10 | £21 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £8 · 2026 estimate | £16 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £33 |
| Trip total≈ £180 per person per day, bed included | £360≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in pounds; long-distance travel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | £12–18 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Fish and chips, takeaway | £9–14 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Pint of draught beer | £4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Swaffham Museum entry | £3 (≈ US$4) adult, £1 (≈ US$2) child |
| Taxi, 5 miles | £12–18 (≈ US$16–25) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £6–12 (≈ US$8–16) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No railway station: the nearest are Downham Market and Brandon, both about 15 miles away, so plan the bus or a taxi.
- Rural buses are thin outside the X1 corridor and almost absent on Sundays: check times before you commit.
- The A47 and A1065 cross here and carry heavy traffic; the square is calm but the approach roads are not.
- Small-town opening hours vary by business: check before you set out.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999
- Police non-emergency
- 101
- NHS non-urgent advice
- 111
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
SwaffhamSwaffham
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- Police non-emergency101
- NHS non-urgent advice111
Embassy
No embassies here; the nearest consulates and embassies are in London. US citizens: the US Embassy is in London (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- X1 bus Swaffham → King's Lynn: about £4 (≈ US$6) single, about 40 min (check)
- X1 bus Swaffham → Norwich: about £6 (≈ US$8) single, about 1 h (check)
- Taxi Swaffham → Castle Acre: £12–18 (≈ US$16–25), about 15 min (check)
Say or show
- Please — Please (pleez)
- Thank you — Thank you (thank yoo)
- Excuse me — Excuse me (ik-skyooz mee)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (how much iz it)
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card? (kan eye pay by kard)
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet? (wair iz thuh toy-let)
Swaffham and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers; 5G has not reached the area.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Swaffham. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Jan–Feb (cold, wet, quiet) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for NWI and Stansted: last bus and train times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Three walking clusters with rescue anchors: Market Place, London Street and the museum, Station Street and the supermarket.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Swaffham Museum, Castle Acre Priory, Oxburgh Hall, Gooderstone) and eat pages with last orders.
- Market-day and quiet-Monday fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialSwaffham Town Council
- officialSwaffham Museum
- officialEnglish Heritage — Castle Acre Priory
- officialNational Trust — Oxburgh Hall
- officialGooderstone Water Gardens
- officialNorfolk County Council — Peddars Way
- secondaryWikivoyage: Swaffham, revision 5324400 (CC BY-SA 4.0)