Banham 

More than just a zoo! The tree lined village green has old thatched houses with overhanging storeys, and is dominated by the church of St. Mary the Virgin. Based along the B1113 the village stretches for almost 2 miles. Industries in Banham have included the Gaymer Cider factory and brick making from the clay found around the area.

Just by the zoo is Applewood Hall, a wedding and events venue and over the road in ‘The Appleyard’ you will find a fabulous butchers/deli, a fantastic fish and chip shop, a Morrisons Daily and not to forget the pub – Banham Barrel!

There is a Primary School (approx. 120 pupils) and an active Community Centre. On the village green you will find the shop and post office.

New Buckenham

Small village based on a still intact medieval ‘grid pattern’. There is a large common designated a Conservation Area to the East of the village. Amongst a number of 16th century houses is the market house on stilts. There is currently one pub – The Kings Head, a  local shop with post office and The Castle Cafe. On the edge of the village is the remains of a Civil War castle with circular stone keep.

Old Buckenham

Contender for the largest village green in Britain, Old Buckenham has a lot to offer, with: a restored windmill; two pubs (The Gamekeeper & The Ox & Plough); All Saints Church with its distinctive thatched roof; and the Old School Bookshop & Tearoom. It also has a Primary School (around 200 pupils) and the Secondary School for the area. Just past the pond is the village stores and post office.

Shopping Around Banham

Banham Post Office, the Green, Banham – fresh local milk, meats, cheese, bread, cakes, vegetables plus general goods including newspapers, off licence and a full post office service. Cash can be obtained here from the post office counter. 

Morrisons Daily, Appleyard, Banham– opposite the Zoo – the largest local shop. Open seven days a week 7am to 9pm.

Banham Butchers, Appleyard, Banham – excellent butchers with extensive range of local meats, sausages, pies and selling a most excellent range of hot sandwiches to take away.

New Buckenham, King Street, Kings General Store – small, local store stocking a range of general groceries and newspapers, off licence.

Old Buckenham, Londis – local store stocking a range of groceries, newspapers, magazines and local walking guides. They also offer a dry cleaning service.

Major Supermarkets:

Sainsburys and Lidl can be found in Attleborough about 5 miles away

Morrisons, Aldi and Tesco can be found in Diss about 7 miles away.

Pubs and Restaurants

The Banham Barrel, Appleyard (opposite the zoo) – award winning cider and real ales. Live music events on some evenings and weekends. Seating outside.

Trawlers Catch, Appleyard, Kenninghall Road, Banham – large range of fish, chips, burgers, chicken, kebabs, pies. Eat in or take-away. Cash only.

Ox and Plough, Old Buckenham. Family, dog and bike friendly pub on the village green, seating inside and out. Children’s play area close by.

The Gamekeeper, Old Buckenham. Gastro pub with excellent range of food and ales situated on the village green with large outdoor seating area.

The King’s Head, New Buckenham. Excellent food and ales, outside seating area, dog friendly. Bookings advised for food which can be made on the website – walk-ins for drinks always welcome.

Facilities a little further afield

Nearest Towns:

Attleborough: Right out of the drive, then first right down Doe Lane, turn left at the end of Doe Lane. Approximately 5 miles. Interesting selection of local independent shops and free parking in the town centre. Large Sainsbury’s with cash point and a Lidl. Train station with trains to Thetford and Norwich

Diss: Left out the drive, then right at the crossroads. Approximately 7 miles. Larger town with local independent shops, museum and mere. Excellent pub and coffee shop overlooking the mere. Large Tesco, Aldi and Morrison’s. On reaching Diss turn left onto the A1066, they are all on the right hand side. Train station with trains to Norwich, and all stations to London Liverpool Street.  Diss also has  The Corn Hall Theatre and Arts Centre.

Wymondham: From Attleborough join the A11 heading towards Norwich, Wymondham is clearly signposted and approximately 10 miles from the Olde Farm.  Lovely market town with interesting range of independent shops, restaurants, a Market Cross and a beautiful 900 year old Abbey to explore.

Arts & Crafts

You can find a fabulous range of local artists working in their studio in Diss on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at designermakers@21

The shared creativity and vibrant atmosphere embraces tradition and contemporary craft with an inspiring range of textiles, prints, jewellery, pottery, mosaics, knitwear, stained glass, hats to name but a few.

You will also find examples of their work in the cottages.

2026 Events

locally and further afield