Welcome to Helhoughton
A Traditional Norfolk Village
Nestled in the heart of the North Norfolk countryside, Helhoughton is a picturesque rural village located approximately four miles south-west of Fakenham and around 29 miles north-west of Norwich.
Surrounded by rolling farmland and open countryside, the village has retained its traditional Norfolk character, with a mix of historic cottages, period homes and attractive rural landscapes. Residents enjoy the peace and tranquillity of village life while benefiting from easy access to the shops, services and schools in nearby Fakenham, as well as the beautiful North Norfolk coast.
Our Parish
Helhoughton Parish is bordered by:
- North: Tattersett
- South: Raynham
- West: West Rudham
- East: Dunton
Part of the eastern parish boundary follows the course of the River Wensum, with the historic parkland surrounding Raynham Hall lying on the opposite bank. The River Tat, a tributary of the Wensum, also flows through the northern edge of the parish.
Our History
Helhoughton has a history spanning more than a thousand years. The village is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a substantial settlement of around 73 households, making it one of the larger communities in Norfolk at the time.
The Domesday survey records several landowners, including William the Conqueror, and describes a prosperous agricultural settlement with extensive farmland, woodland, mills, fisheries and livestock. These records highlight the importance of Helhoughton within medieval Norfolk and its long-standing connection with farming and the surrounding countryside.
To the west of the village once stood the small hamlet of Painston, shown on Faden’s map of 1797. Although the settlement has now disappeared, its history survives through Painswhin Farm, an 18th-century farmhouse occupying the site of the former hamlet.
Helhoughton Today
Today, Helhoughton remains a welcoming and friendly rural community that successfully blends its rich heritage with modern village life. Its peaceful setting, strong sense of community and beautiful surroundings continue to make it an attractive place to live and visit.
Community Assets
The Parish Council is responsible for:
- Children’s outdoor play area
- Parish cemetery
- Churchyard maintenance
- Street lighting
- Dog waste bins
- Litter bins
Cemetery
The Parish Council manages the parish cemetery and provides information on:
- Cemetery fees
- Burial regulations
- Memorial applications
- Cemetery rules
Please visit the Cemetery section of this website for further information.
Report a Street Lighting Fault
If you notice a street light that is not working, please report it to the Parish Council so that arrangements can be made for repair.
Get in Touch
Whether you are a resident, a visitor or new to the village, we hope you find this website useful.
Here you will find Parish Council news, meeting information, local services, community updates and useful information about life in Helhoughton.
