Things to Do in King's Lynn

A 1683 building on the quayside, originally a merchant exchange. You can walk around the exterior and ground floor for free; there's a small museum upstairs with a £2 entry fee.

🕐 Ground floor: Mon-Sat 10:00-16:00, Sun 12:00-16:00

💡 The ground floor has a free information board detailing the Hanseatic trade; check the tide times to see boats in the harbour.

The South Gate is a 15th-century stone gateway that once guarded the town. You can walk through it and see the nearby Custom House (1751), which is not always open but the exterior is worth a look. The river front is a short walk away.

🕐 24 hours (exterior only)

💡 Stand under the arch for a good photo; the gate is free to view at any time. Combine with a walk along the River Great Ouse for views of the old warehouses.

Britain's largest surviving medieval guildhall, now a theatre and arts centre. You can view the courtyard and ground-floor exhibitions for free. Guided tours of the upstairs hall cost £5.

🕐 Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 11:00-16:00 (performance hours vary)

💡 Check the free gallery space for rotating local art exhibitions; the building itself dates from 1420.

A medieval guildhall with a large timber roof, said to be the largest surviving medieval guildhall in England. It hosts exhibitions and sometimes free performances. The adjacent theatre is ticketed.

🕐 Mon-Sat 10:00-16:00 (gallery); theatre hours vary

💡 Check the box office for free gallery access; the main hall has a small exhibition on Shakespeare’s possible performance here (he may have acted in it).

A medieval parish church with a striking 13th-century nave and a leaning tower. The interior holds a 15th-century font and carved misericords. Donation suggested for entry.

🕐 Mon-Sat 10:00-16:00, Sun 12:00-16:00

💡 Look for the brass rubbing centre in the south aisle; you can make a rubbing for a few pounds.

A medieval church with striking Norman and Gothic architecture, including a 13th-century lantern tower and carved choir stalls. The interior is spacious and cool, with historical exhibits.

🕐 Mon-Sat 9:00-16:00, Sun 12:00-16:00

💡 Look for the brasses and the 15th-century font cover; the church is quieter in the early afternoon. Donations welcome.

The town's main public park, laid out in the 18th century, with wide paths, a bandstand, and the Red Mount Chapel — a small 15th-century brick chapel used by pilgrims.

🕐 Open 24 hours (park); chapel open during summer weekends, hours vary

💡 Enter from the London Road side to see the chapel first. It’s a decent spot for a picnic, but the grass can get muddy after rain.

A 17-acre Victorian park with formal gardens, a bandstand, and the Red Mount Chapel, a 15th-century wayside chapel. Free to enter year-round.

🕐 Open 24 hours daily

💡 Visit on a Saturday morning for the free parkrun at 9am, 5km route through the grounds.

Small local museum housed in a former chapel, covering King's Lynn's maritime and medieval history. Admission is £5 for adults, free for under-16s.

🕐 Tue-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 12:00-16:00

💡 The Seahenge exhibition is the standout piece; allow 45 minutes to see the whole museum.

A small museum covering local history, from Bronze Age finds to the town's Hanseatic past. Highlights include the Bronze Age timber circle 'Seahenge' and Victorian trade exhibits.

🕐 Tue-Sat 10:00-16:00, closed Sun-Mon

💡 Entry is £4.50 for adults (2025), but it's free for children under 16. Allow 45 minutes. The best exhibits are upstairs — skip the gift shop.