The picturesque market town of Diss is set on one of the deepest inland lakes in Britain. Shop for antiques in the town centre, relax in the lakeside park and climb aboard a historic steam train. From charming seaside towns to grand stately homes, Diss is a great base for day trips around South Norfolk.
Things to do in Diss
Walk around the historic centre and admire handsome Georgian townhouses, historic churches and charming timber-framed buildings. Hunt for prizes at antique stores and get up to speed on local history at the Diss Museum. From ancient Roman artefacts to a vintage doll’s house, it’s packed with treasures.
Board a narrow-gauge train and explore Bressingham Steam and Gardens. The gardens were laid out in the 1960s and feature thousands of plant species from around the world. Steam engines chug around the park and are the best way to enjoy the picturesque gardens and woodlands. Don’t leave without a spin on the vintage carousel built in the late 1800s.
Make friends with adorable farm animals at Trelawn Alpacas. Set in the Norfolk countryside, the sanctuary is home to a herd of friendly alpacas. Don’t forget to bring plenty of apples and carrots to feed to your favourites.
Use Diss as a launchpad to tour South Norfolk. It’s a great base to visit nearby market towns like Suffolk and Norfolk. You’re a stone’s throw from Aldeburgh, a lively seaside town fringed by a sandy beach and grass-covered dunes. Stroll along the seafront promenade and admire handsome holiday villas painted in a rainbow of pastels. Browse independent boutiques on the High Street before enjoying lunch at the famous fish and chip shop.
Getting around Diss
Diss is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while the train station is a 20-minute walk from the town centre. The city is in South Norfolk, a 40-minute drive from Norwich and Ipswich. Trains run between London and Diss in 1.5 hours. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore South Norfolk at your own pace and Heathrow Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away.