Diss is an historic market town located close to the Suffolk border and is of great character with many of its timber framed building dating back to the 16th century. It’s conveniently located for trips north into the Norfolk countryside and to the cathedral city of Norwich or east to the Norfolk and Suffolk coast.
The town centre is easily explored on foot, characterised by twisty streets, old courtyards and buildings of historical importance from Victorian, Georgian and Tudor eras. The town in fact has two old centres, and one of these, Fair Green, displays cottages and homes from the 17th and 18th century. Diss held a fair between 1185 and 1872, and had England’s last working corn market; markets, and art and antique auctions, are still held in the market square today. Also of note is the historic 14th century St Mary’s Church which sits over Mere Street, the main shopping area.
Nearby Bressingham Steam Museum and Gardens is a delight for train and rail lovers, with its Victorian steam roundabout, main line trains, small, stationary engines, and narrow gauge railway rides. The 100th Bomber Group Museum houses documents, photographs and other memorabilia from the US 8th Air Force and 100th Bomb Group.
The six-acre Diss Mere, located on the edge of the town, was formed during the Ice Age. A hollow, some 60 feet deep, it was formed as the chalk bedrock collapsed under the pressure of the overlying ice. The mere formerly acted as a town drain and a reservoir, but today it is an important recreational area and waterfowl habitat. It is also a great place to enjoy a picnic.
For accommodation in this area see the many beautiful Diss holiday cottages, and explore Norfolk for yourself.