Welcome to Hockwold cum Wilton
Hockwold cum Wilton is an English civil parish within the district of King's Lynn and West Norfolk and the county of Norfolk
Hockwold cum Wilton is an English civil parish within the district of King's Lynn and West Norfolk and the county of Norfolk
Hockwold cum Wilton, meaning “wood of mallows and farmstead of willow trees,” is a small rural parish about ten miles west of Thetford on the Norfolk and Suffolk border. The village sits within the borough of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, with a population of just over 1,300.
Life here is shaped by its unique location on the edge of two landscapes: the sandy, wooded Breckland and the wide, flat Fens. This mix of environments gives the area its character, with forests, heathland, and waterways.
The village has a long history. Archaeological finds tell us that the area was significant during Roman times, with a temple and treasures discovered locally. Hockwold was also recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, forming part of William de Warenne’s estates. Today, the village still carries echoes of its past through its churches and historic landmarks. St James’ Church remains in use, while the older St Peter’s Church is now cared for by the the Friends of St Peter’s and the Churches Conservation Trust.
Hockwold cum Wilton has all the essentials of a thriving village. There is a primary school which is part of the Iceni Academy, a village club, cricket and bowls clubs, a post office, shop, pub, petrol station, playing field, and a village hall. Alongside these facilities, many community-led groups add to the opportunities for residents and newcomers alike to take part in village life, whether through sport, social events, volunteering, or local projects.
The countryside around the village is rich in wildlife. Just a short distance away is Lakenheath Fen nature reserve, where reedbeds and wetlands are home to rare birds such as the bittern. With its mix of farmland, woodland, and fenland, the parish is a peaceful and scenic place to live or visit.
Hockwold cum Wilton is a village with deep roots and a strong sense of community. From its ancient past to its lively present, it continues to be a place where history, nature, and village life are woven closely together.
Contact Info
Forthcoming Meetings
Annual Parish Meeting-12th May 2026
Committee: Annual Parish
News
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13 June 2025 - Funding
Residents Who Recycle to Win Prizes (West Norfolk)
Information about recycling
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12 June 2025 - Funding
West Norfolk Leader
A new funding scheme that brings money into the area to support rural businesses and organisations
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Quick Links
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Past Council Meetings
See the most recent full council meetings including agendas, minutes and supporting documents
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Finance
Find documents published by the council, including financial accounts.
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Governance & Policies
Find documents published by the council, including data policies, statutory documents and more.
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Services
Discover the services that we provide to residents, as well as signposting to local groups, societies and local events.
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Report an Issue (King's Lynn and West Norfolk District Council)
Submit issues to the relevant local authority, such as missed bin collections and more.
- Norfolk County Council
People
Area Information
Stats
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Population Estimate
1340
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District
King's Lynn and West Norfolk
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County
Norfolk
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Region
Eastern
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Country
England
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Postcode District
PE38, IP26, IP27
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Dialling Code
01842
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Police Force
Norfolk Police Force
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Fire Authority
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service
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Health Area
NHS Norfolk and Waveney CCG