Where is Diss, Norfolk?
Diss is an ancient market town located near South Norfolk, near the Suffolk border. This town is almost one and a half hours away from London. The name Diss originates from the Saxon term Dice or Disce meaning a lake or puddle of standing water, referring to Diss’ Mere. Mere is a lovely six-acre lake, with a hilly ancient town with historic structures, and 14th Century church. Visiting diss has never been easier. You can park your car easily and explore the town on foot.
Things to do in Diss
Diss is a perfect destination when visiting diss for enjoying nature with a historical and modern touch. The scenic market town of Diss possesses ancient architecture like timber-framed buildings and Georgian/Edwardian facades adding charm and character to the town. Diss is a market town renowned for its vintage markets, it acts as a base to explore nearby Norfolk Broads, the coastal area of Suffolk, and North Norfolk.
Start exploring from old Diss town and stroll up to St Nicholas Street.
As you walk through the lovely Diss Yards, explore independent shops and eateries, from vintage theme sweet shops to arts and crafts, and natural and nutritious food stores. A pro tip: visit the Designer Makers 21 studio and gallery, which is huge with its multiple rooms, displays, and courtyard built in a retired factory.
Diss Mere
Mere is a beautiful lake located in the middle of Diss town. It is the deepest natural lake in the UK with a depth of 60 feet. It is speculated that Mere Lake was formed as a cavity after an extinct volcano, but it is a natural basin formed by crumpled chalk bedrock after the ice age.
Mere is an ideal spot to take leisure walks, sit and enjoy the scenic view and wildlife, and feed the ducks in the lake. There is a park adjacent to the lake, where children and play while adults relax. There is a refreshment centre where you can buy some snacks and enjoy.
You can park your car easily, explore the market town, and then sit beside the lake to relax, and enjoy your time surrounded by nature. It’s one of the best looking places in the whole of Norfolk. There’s no better excuse to visiting diss
Diss Swimming Pool
Visiting diss swimming pool that’s situated in the town and offers the best sports and leisure activities. If you want to swim, head towards Diss Swimming Pool and enjoy swimming as booking prior is not mandatory. It is great to be involved in physical activities that keep you healthy and make your day better. Diss Leisure Centre has a learner and central pool, perfect for all ages and abilities. Here you will find a lot of activities including lane swimming, sauna, steam room, and family fun sessions. Other facilities include changing rooms (mixed and private), showers, and lockers.
Jump Warehouse
A beautiful town and leisure club are not the only fun places in Diss town. Jump Warehouse is an amusement centre in Diss town for children. At Jump Warehouse you will find a trampoline park, multi-zone soft play attraction, and a cafeteria serving delicious food and drinks. This is an ideal spot for families who want dedicated activities for children in a healthy and safe environment. Jump Warehouse is an excellent zone to let your children enjoy hours of vigorous, wholesome entertainment. The staff at Jump Warehouse is cooperative and provides a wholesome family experience. You can also celebrate birthday parties for children or company events. Make sure to add Jump Warehouse to your list when visiting diss, and let the kids release some energy
The Corn Hall
Don’t forget to pay a visit to The Corn Hall when visiting diss, especially if you are interested in arts, entertainment, and heritage. Well, anyone can come, The Corn Hall is a dynamic place that brings people together. It is located in the Diss market town, having an impressive Grade II listed building. The Corn Hall is a booming arts forum presenting a wide spectrum of excellent entertainment. Run by Diss Corn Hall Trust, and is widely popular, it was selected for the Norfolk Arts Awards People’s Choice Best Venue. From art exhibitions to shows and food, The Corn Hall will not disappoint you.
Knettishall Heath
https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/knettishallheath
Knettishall Heath is over 430 acres of land with a huge variety of woodland, large heath, and riverside meadows. This place is an absolute delight for nature lovers and people who find leisure in the wild.
This is an exceptional place for walking, and watching animals and birds in their natural habitat. You can bring dogs but make sure to keep them on lead and not go near animals. At Knettishall Heath you will find grassland, lowland heath, and woodland habitats and spot species including White admiral, Skylark, Buzzard, and Heather. Knettishall Heath is designated as a hotspot of England’s biodiversity as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Make sure you are familiar with all the rules and follow them.
Restaurants in Diss For All Budgets
Diss is a town surrounded by nature and most of the time you will be walking around and exploring. You need some great food to keep you energized and make your trip memorable. Based on your budget, we have compiled a list of the best restaurants when visiting Diss to help you sort it out.
Waterfront Inn – Budget Friendly
A lovely place to enjoy local flavours, classic British, pub, bar, vegan, and vegetarian-friendly options. The food served is of great quality and at a very reasonable price. You can fish and chips or try burgers, but you won’t be disappointed in the food, services, and ambiance.
Cappadocia – MID RANGE
Enjoy the flavours of Turkish cuisine at Cappadocia Restaurant Diss. You can enjoy all traditional Turkish breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Great quality food, fresh and flavourful, with good service and ambiance. They offer vegan and vegetarian-friendly options too.
The Yaxley Bull at The Auberge – Best Dining When Visiting Diss
Experience the finest dining experience at The Yaxley Bull at The Auberge. It is a destination for townies and tourists alike. You will get European and British cuisine with options for vegetarian, and gluten-free choices. Using the best local produce, and our garden to cultivate components of our dishes. The Yaxley Bull presents a portion of heritage by offering modern, fine dining cuisine. The Yaxley Bull modify their menus seasonally, so check their website for all the details.
Hotels In Diss For All Budgets
Finding a place to stay that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable is always risky. Don’t worry we have your back. Here we share with you the best options for accommodation in Diss. These options are made keeping budget and facilities in mind.
Best Western – Budget
The Park Hotel, by Best Western, is situated within range of the town centre of Diss and a great choice when visiting diss. It offers exceptional room and hotel services and offers great food. The restaurant is open all day for both locals and non-residents. Enjoy food at the bar, while you relax in the hotel or arrange corporate meetings. The hotel offers parking, Wi-Fi, dog friendly, TV, Coffee/tea maker, ironing, and other facilities.
Scole Inn Diss – Mid range
Scole Inn retaining the vintage charm and blending it with modern style welcomes you for a memorable experience. The rooms have clean and old aesthetics, and a restaurant with a comprehensive menu utilizing only the finest of local fresh produce. Other facilities are a lounge and Public Bar offering a menu with a more casual ambiance and beautiful log fires.
Scole Inn provides free parking, WiFi, baggage storage, a bar/lounge, a game room, pet-friendly, conference facilities, and much more.
Thornham Hall – High End
Thornham Hall is known for its stylish rooms surrounded by nature, making your dream holiday possible. Thornham Hall is not a hotel, it is a countryside estate owned by Lesley Henniker. It has been awarded the best accommodation award 5 stars by The AA. The Thornham Hall offers Wi-Fi, free breakfast, free parking, Kid-friendly, and smoke-free environment.
Bressingham Steam & Gardens – Bonus content
Towards the west of Diss in Norfolk, you will find Bressingham Steam & Gardens Diss. Bressingham is a charity trust conserving Steam Transport of all sorts in a garden backdrop for the entire family to enjoy. As part of the trust’s mission, moving steam-powered exhibits will be provided rather than a motionless exhibition, so anticipate some smoke, soot, oil, and functional exhibits. Make sure to spend some time here to make your trip to Diss absolutely memorable.
If you’re planning on staying in Norfolk any longer, check out all our other guides for things to do in Norfolk
