Often overlooked in favour of places such as Norwich and the north Norfolk coast, King's Lynn is fast becoming one of the county's top food and entertainment destinations.

From its fantastic theatre to a new crazy golf centre, this is why this west Norfolk town is well worth a visit for a day trip or evening out. 

Eastern Daily Press: Blood Brothers is just one of the major shows coming to King's Lynn in 2024 Picture:Jack Merriman Blood Brothers is just one of the major shows coming to King's Lynn in 2024 Picture:Jack Merriman (Image: Mayflower Theatre)

1. Major shows at the Corn Exchange 

In recent years, an increasing number of major touring productions have headed to the King's Lynn Corn Exchange theatre.

This is great news for people living locally as it saves them an hour's drive to Norwich.

Upcoming 2024 shows include an evening with Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper on March 10, West End smash-hit musical Blood Brothers from March 12 to 16 and comedian Julian Clary on April 21.

READ MORE: Hit musical Blood Brothers returning to Norfolk in 2024

2. Great pubs and restaurants 

West Norfolk is home to some of the best pubs and restaurants in the county.

In King's Lynn, this includes Liquor and Loaded in Tower Street, with meat trays, burgers, cocktails and more, and The Crown and Mitre riverside gastropub in Ferry Street, which is under new ownership. 

A whole host of King's Lynn dining spots are also signed up for Norfolk Restaurant Week with great value set meals - visit norfolkrestaurantweek.co.uk to see participating venues. 

READ MORE: Chart-topping 80s band to headline Latitude Festival 2024

Eastern Daily Press: Festival Too is an annual free music festival in King's Lynn Picture: Ian WardFestival Too is an annual free music festival in King's Lynn Picture: Ian Ward (Image: Ian Ward)

3. Festival Too and other free events 

Festival Too, organised by a dedicated team of volunteers, brings chart-topping acts to the Tuesday Market Place every summer and it is completely free to attend.

In 2023, the headliners included Feeder and Liberty X and 2024 will no doubt bring an extra special line-up as it is the event's 40th anniversary. 

Other free events in King's Lynn include summer bandstand concerts in The Walks and the upcoming Christmas lights switch-on taking place on Sunday, November 26 at the Tuesday Market Place. 

Eastern Daily Press: Natalie and Andy Atkins in their new Octoputts Crazy Golf Centre in King's Lynn Picture: Sonya DuncanNatalie and Andy Atkins in their new Octoputts Crazy Golf Centre in King's Lynn Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

4. New Octoputts Crazy Golf Centre 

Octoputts Crazy Golf has just opened at the Hardwick Industrial Estate in King's Lynn at Unit 4 Berol Park, along Scania Way.

The centre boasts an 18-hole course with a range of underwater-themed obstacles and it can be enjoyed by both children and adults. 

It also has a street food courtyard, featuring local traders The Pizza Slice Guy and Reesey's Ice Cream & Desserts.

Owners Natalie and Andy Atkins also run the Little Sharks Soft Play Centre and Sensory Room at the industrial estate. 

READ MORE: Octoputts Crazy Golf with street food opens in King's Lynn

Eastern Daily Press: The Lynn Museum in King's Lynn Picture: Ian BurtThe Lynn Museum in King's Lynn Picture: Ian Burt

5. Brilliant museums and fascinating history

READ MORE: King's Lynn: Shakespeare's stage found in ancient guildhall

King's Lynn is a town rich in heritage and at Lynn Museum you can learn about everything from Seahenge to medieval wealth and civil war.

Oak floorboards dating back 600 years were recently uncovered during restoration work at St George's Guildhall, where Shakespeare himself may once have trod. 

As well as being the UK's oldest working theatre, records show that the Guildhall hosted performances by Shakespeare's company of actors in the late 16th century.