Living & Working in King's Lynn

Boasting a rich maritime history and a thriving arts scene, King’s Lynn is a port and market town situated in the borough of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. Founded in 1204, King’s Lynn  is awash with cobbled lanes, grand architecture, and a number of heritage attractions to visit. Today the popular market town offers an enticing shopping and entertainment experience with a number of independent businesses including pubs, cafes, restaurants, vintage and antique shops, as well as a regular market in its town square, making it a lovely place to live and work.

Considering a role at King Edward VII Academy and thinking about living in the town or its surrounding areas? Here’s a little insight into what you can expect from a life in King’s Lynn…

History 

Originally named ‘Bishop’s Lynn’ in 1204, King Henry VIII granted it two charters in 1524 and in 1537, the latter renaming it King's Lynn. King’s Lynn is best known for its long-standing maritime history, much of which is still evident today, from its functioning fishing ports to the impressive architecture, including The Custom House and The Purfleet, both of which take pride of place along the riverside. 

King’s Lynn was recognised for its unique maritime historical links, its docks being chosen to feature in the 2020 Lionsgate blockbuster film, The Personal History of David Copperfield.

As you enter the town via car, you are welcomed by the impressive 15th Century South Gate. This is what remains of the old wall which stood as a defence fortification, surrounded by a moat back in 1437.

One of the most iconic buildings in King’s Lynn is said to be the beautiful town hall and adjacent Trinity Guildhall. Dating back to the 15th Century, the building’s exterior is uniquely decorated in checkerboard knapped Flint and stonework. Today, the town hall is a county council building, however Stories of Lynn offer tours around the building as well as the impressive adjoining Georgian Assembly Room and Card Room should you want to take a closer look.

Directly opposite sits King’s Lynn Minster which dates back to the 12th century and is recognised as one of the largest town churches in England. The Minster is open daily to visitors and we recommend taking some time to enjoy its ornate decorative carvings and elaborate stained glass windows. They are truly stunning!
 

Arts and Culture

King’s Lynn has a flourishing arts scene, with several galleries [GroundWork Gallery, Fermoy Gallery and Lynn Museum], two independent cinemas [Majestic Cinema and Lynn Corn Exchange Cinema] and two theatres [Lynn Corn Exchange Theatre and The Workshop] providing regular opportunities for entertainment. Tuesday Market Place hosts regular live music events and King’s Lynn Music Festival takes place annually, offering a wide variety of genres to enjoy.

Across the town there are plenty of activities for children with King’s Lynn playing host to an array of leisure centres [LynnSport, St James’ Pool], soft play centres [Planet Zoom and Little Sharks] and National Trust sites [Oxborough Hall and Guildhall]. 

While football fans have King’s Lynn Town F.C (The Linnets) to support and the opportunity to join the American Football team (King’s Lynn Patriots), if they fancy.  

Travel and Transport Links

King’s Lynn is located just off the A47, a main road that runs from Suffolk to Birmingham. The town also has regular bus and train routes to the nearby city of Norwich, as well as Hunstanton, Cambridge and London.

With close proximity to the coastal town of Hunstanton, a day out at the beach is just a 30 minute car journey, while Sandringham Estate is a 15 minute drive away and offers pleasant rural walks, as well as a number of events, including an annual light show.

House Prices (Rightmove - APRIL 2024)

In 2024, properties in King's Lynn had an overall average price of £219,707 over the last year. Over the course of the last year, terraced properties sold for an average price of £174,355, semi-detached properties for an average of £223,360, and detached properties for £337,762.

Want to know more about our school? We’re happy to have a chat - give us a call at 01502 525300. Take a look at our latest vacancies here.