Most people are surprised when visiting the small hamlet of Burnham Thorpe that it retains its off the beaten track atmosphere, unlike its neighbour Burnham Market, which always seems to be bustling. This tranquil setting is even more surprising when you consider its connections with the illustrious Horatio Nelson who was born in the village.

Unfortunately, Nelsons birthplace was demolished just after his father's death and replaced by the present rectory. Now only a roadside plaque marks the place where the old rectory stood and where Nelson grew up.

The village has a wide green overlooked by brick and flint Georgian houses. In the church there is a marble bust of the hero above his father's tomb. The church was restored in Nelson's honour in the 19th century. A cross in the chancel arch and a lectern are both made from timbers taken from HMS Victory.

The Lord Nelson was the only pub in the village Horatio Nelson used to frequent, which in his day was known as the Plough. In fact he gave a dinner to the young men of the village here before he left to take up his command of the Agamemnon. Two years after Nelson’s death the inn changed its name to the Lord Nelson. It’s full of Nelson memorabilia and interesting oldie worldly rooms and in winter has roaring log fires. 

Burnham Market has an attractive range of unusual shops gathered around its village green.  Inland is the village of North Creake where on its outskirts are to be found the remains of Creake Abbey, founded in about 1206, by Sir Robert de Narford. Originally an almshouse for the poor in 1231 it was given the status of an Abbey of the Augustinian

Holkham Hall around 5 miles away has been home to the Earls of Leicester for over two hundred and fifty years.  The house is set in a Deer park with a scenic lake.  Also attached to the estate are miles of unspoilt beach and woodland. The hall is open to visitors from the end of May until the end of September. There also a Bygones Museum, a Pottery and Cafe and Nursery Gardens. 

On the church door is a notice - "All who enter of your charity pray latch these doors lest a bird enter and die of thirst"