Hanse House

The Hanse House sits right in King's Lynn, a sturdy brick building that tells you everything about the town's medieval wool trade in one glance. It's the sort of place that rewards a proper look - timber framing, jettied upper storeys, the works - but you won't need hours here. Twenty minutes to half an hour gets you the full picture, unless you're the type who reads every interpretive panel.

This is fundamentally a history building. If you care about how Norfolk got rich, about the Hanseatic League and merchant networks that span half of Europe, you'll find it absorbing. Anyone else might feel a bit stranded - it's not interactive or flashy, just solid historical architecture. Kids will tolerate it briefly before getting restless.

The real value is that it's free and it's on your way round King's Lynn anyway. Pair it with the nearby riverside walks and the Friday Market Square, and you've got a decent town day sorted. If you're staying at Kings Lynn Caravan & Camping Park just down the road, it's an easy pop into town without feeling like a proper expedition.

Timing matters less than finding the tourist office or calling ahead - opening hours aren't fixed, and there's not much online. Worth a look if medieval commerce fascinates you, but don't reroute your holiday to see it.