Martin Brookes Oakham: Norfolk

Showing posts with label Norfolk. Show all posts

Saturday, October 07, 2023

A Sunny Day Trip to Diss, Norfolk

A Sunny Day Trip to Diss, Norfolk

Sinclair C5

Diss is a picturesque market town in Norfolk, England, located on the border with Suffolk. It is a popular day trip destination for visitors from all over the UK, thanks to its attractive historic centre, beautiful countryside, and abundance of things to see and do.

A Brief History of Diss

The name Diss comes from the Old English word "dic," meaning ditch or embankment. The town is thought to have been founded by the Saxons in the 5th or 6th century. Diss was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, and was granted a market charter by King Richard I in 1189.

Diss grew and prospered in the Middle Ages, thanks to its location on a major trading route. The town was also a centre for the wool trade. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Diss became a centre for the brewing and milling industries.

Attractions to See in Diss

Diss has a number of attractions to offer visitors, including:

Diss Mere: This natural lake is the deepest inland lake in Norfolk, and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Bressingham Steam Museum: This museum houses a collection of over 50 steam engines, as well as other vehicles and machinery from the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

The 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum: This museum tells the story of the 100th Bomb Group, an American bomber unit that was stationed in Diss during World War II.

Diss Museum: This museum tells the story of Diss and the surrounding area, from its prehistoric past to the present day.

Wingfield Barns: This arts and crafts centre features a number of independent shops and galleries, as well as a café and restaurant.

The Grange Musical Collection: This museum houses a collection of over 5,000 musical instruments from all over the world.

In addition to these attractions, Diss also has a number of historic buildings to admire, including the 14th-century Church of St Mary and the 18th-century Corn Hall.

My Day Trip to Diss

I recently had the opportunity to visit Diss on a sunny day. I started my day by visiting Diss Mere, where I took a walk around the lake and enjoyed the views.

After lunch, I visited Diss Museum, where I learned more about the history of Diss and the surrounding area.

Overall, I had a wonderful day trip to Diss. The town is a beautiful place to visit, with a lot to offer visitors of all ages. I would highly recommend Diss to anyone looking for a day trip destination in Norfolk.

Fredricks Fine Foods

Aldi

Old Natwest Bank Post Box

ordinally National Provincial Bank

former Woolworths building now former Poundland.

National Provincial Bank Ghost Sign

Jet Premium Petrol Pump

Lloyds Bank Diss

Post Office Diss

Diss Publishing Book Shop

St Mary's Church Tower Diss

Diss town sign

HSBC Bank Railings

Myhills Pet and Garden Shop

Old Lloyds Bank

Saracens Head Inn

St. Mary's Church Diss and Diss War Memorial

The Corn Hall Diss

The Greyhound Diss

The United Reform Church Diss

The Card Factory in Diss is a popular and well-regarded store. Customers appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the wide selection of cards and gifts at affordable prices.

There are plenty of good places to shop, eat and drink in Diss.

A Sunny Day at the Mere, Diss, Norfolk

A Sunny Day at the Mere, Diss, Norfolk

The Mere is a large natural lake in the heart of the town of Diss, Norfolk, England. It is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a variety of activities to enjoy, including fishing, boating, and simply relaxing by the water's edge.

On a recent sunny day, I had the pleasure of visiting the Mere for the first time. I was immediately struck by its beauty. The clear blue water sparkled in the sunlight, and the surrounding trees and meadows were lush and green.

One of the things that makes the Mere so special is its large population of jumping fish. These fish, known as roach, are known for their ability to leap out of the water to catch insects. As I walked along the shore, I was constantly entertained by the sight of roach soaring through the air and landing back in the water with a splash.

Another attraction at the Mere is the Rotary Fountain. This fountain was donated to the town by the Rotary Club of Diss in 1988. It is located in the centre of the lake.

I spent a few hours relaxing at the Mere on that sunny day. I enjoyed watching the jumping fish, listening to the birds singing, and simply taking in the peaceful atmosphere. It was the perfect way to spend a sunny day.

A Brief History of the Mere

The Mere is thought to have been formed by a glacier retreat at the end of the last Ice Age. It is one of the deepest natural inland lakes in England, with a depth of over 60 feet.

The Mere has a long history of human use. In the Saxon era, it was a popular fishing spot. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was used for ice skating and even cricket matches. Today, the Mere is a popular spot for recreation and tourism.

The Suicidal Eels

One of the more unusual aspects of the Mere is its population of suicidal eels. These eels are native to the lake, but they have a strange habit of swimming out of the water and onto the shore, where they die.

There is no scientific explanation for why the eels do this. Some people believe that they are attracted to the lights of the town, while others believe that they are trying to escape from the lake's predators. Whatever the reason, the suicidal eels are a unique and fascinating part of the Mere's ecosystem.

Conclusion

The Mere is a beautiful and unique natural attraction. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors on a sunny day. If you are visiting Norfolk, I highly recommend a visit to the Mere. You won't be disappointed.