Solitary Travels: King's Lynn

July 2012

With my dissertation handed in and my friends either heading home or still working on research I decided to take some day trips. So, I began with Kings Lynn. Only a 1 hour train ride outside of Cambridge it made for a good introduction into solitary traveling. Equipped with a book (my first Agatha Christie novel actually) and an umbrella (this is England after all) I headed out.

By now I have the trains pretty figured out so that wasn't a problem. When I reached my destination, however, I realized I really hadn't done any research or planning. A website had suggested Kings Lynn as a nice day trip from Cambridge and I had purchased my train ticket in advance. But, beyond that, I had nothing figured out. I didn't know what sites to see, if there were any well known restaurants or any interesting historical facts. I didn't even know that King's Lynn is a port city in Norfolk county (pretty bad, I know).

There's nothing wrong with going someplace without a plan. Doing it when you're on your own, however, can cause some difficulties, as I did find out. But, ultimately wandering served me well. Although, I did end up with a map of King's Lynn and key attractions after I found the tourist information center.

Upon first arriving in King's Lynn and making my way to the city centre, I was immediately disappointed. It was just a big shopping area. I made my way to the Tuesday Market and was again disappointed. There was little variety in the stalls set up and very little personality. The feel of the place was just like going to a strip mall or something. Big and boring. The shopping area was literally just shops with a few scattered benches. It really made me appreciate the Cambridge city centre with it's pubs and colleges and colorful daily market interspersed among the shops. It has an identity, whereas the King's Lynn shopping area could have been anywhere.

I was pretty ready to give up but I knew I should give the place a chance so I followed some signs and walked around. It was when I got out of the shopping centre with its crowds of people and clothing sales that I actually saw King's Lynn. 

I walked out of town through a street lined on both sides with old brick buildings. Turning the corner I was suddenly at a church- King's Lynn Minster. Just beyond it was the South Quay (quay = wharf) along the River Great Ouse. As I said before, I hadn't known King's Lynn was a maritime city so finding the wharf was definitely a pleasant surprise. Later in the day I made me way back there to read on a bench with a great view of the river. The cool breeze made it a great spot to relax. 

As I continued exploring the trend seemed to be old stone buildings and structures. In a small garden were the remnants of a friary built in the 13th century.

Near the Greyfriars Tower was the local library. Libraries are everywhere so you wouldn't expect this to be anything special but, true to form, this too was a beautiful stone. I would love to go read in a library like that!

Within a huge park, filled with people chatting and taking strolls, there was a Gothihc style church and a 15th century Chapel. Outside of the chapel, which honestly looked more like a fort, I was stopped by a Jesuit trying to promote creationism. That led to an interesting conversation, to say the least. I think I managed to hold my own, although I'm sure neither of us walked away with altered views.

My favorite place is not something that would be found on any tourist map. It's someplace I just happened upon. I found an old church. I know I've already mentioned quite a few old churches, but this one was different. The church was clearly still in use and was surrounded by a small cemetery. I've always loved churches with the cemeteries right around them. The headstones are not in straight lines or all the same shape like huge cemeteries are today. They're personalized and become part of the landscape of the church, where people continue to worship. I've always been a little drawn to that type of cemetery. What made me like this one even more, however, was its location. This church was right in the middle of lines of apartment buildings. People were cycling home, going for walks with their pets, drying clothes outside their windows... they were living their lives, all with this cemetery right next to them. It was actually rather beautiful to see.

Overall, I really enjoyed King's Lynn. I'm definitely glad I didn't give up upon first entering the city centre. I would have missed out on a lot of interesting sites! With the success of this first solitary day trip I'm sure more will follow shortly.