The struggling UK market town named one of the 'worst' in England

A popular social media duo has rated one UK market town among the worst places they've visited. Towntickers, a TikTok and Instagram account that reviews towns across the country, gave the town just four out of seven in a video posted to their growing following.

Fakenham in Norfolk was the focus of their latest stop, and the pair said it left them underwhelmed. They described the town centre as "dead" and claimed there was "zero atmosphere" during their visit. The video shows them walking through the high street on a quiet day. One of the duo said: "There's really no one here, so don't come if you're feeling chatty. The high street offers nothing and the buildings are tatty."

They also criticised the town's hospitality options, saying: "You can tell that there are no good pubs, by the fact that we chose a Spoons."

The review sparked a flurry of responses online, many of which came from residents defending the town.

One person said: "Fakenham comes alive on Thursday, when the market and auction room are open. They went on the wrong day."

Another commented: "It's not usually this quiet. Cannot judge on one visit. Come on a Thursday, it's brilliant." A third wrote: "You picked the wrong day. Try again."

Despite the criticism, the reviewers did mention some positives. They praised the Town Trail, which follows a series of plaques through the centre sharing facts about Fakenham's history.

They also highlighted the riverside section near the River Wensum, noting that flooding and damage had previously made parts of it difficult to access.

In 2021, the riverside route was restored by Fakenham Ramblers and Norfolk Area Ramblers after years of neglect.

It had previously fallen into disrepair after a boardwalk collapsed and heavy rain made the path impassable during the winter.

The reviewers also acknowledged some of the town's entertainment options, including a bowling alley and a cinema, before closing the video with a final comment: "So it's a four for Fakenham, cause there are nicer towns to see."

The post ranks Fakenham second from the bottom on their Norfolk list, ahead of only Watton.

But many in the community say the town has far more to offer than what was shown in the short clip.

One resident said: "It's a proper working town with a really good market, nice countryside, and proper people. The video didn't show any of that."

Another added: "They clearly came at the wrong time. Go on a race day or a market day, it's buzzing."

Visit North Norfolk also defended the town and highlighted its location and outdoor attractions.

The tourism site said: "Just ten miles from the coast, Fakenham is a traditional working market town and is one of the largest towns in north Norfolk.

"Surrounded by beautiful countryside and sitting along the River Wensum, Fakenham is an ideal destination for enjoying the coast and countryside."

It continued: "Fakenham is ideally situated for enjoying the outdoors. Sitting on the National Cycle Network, and just a few miles away from the coast, Fakenham's gentle countryside makes it an attractive location for cycling and walking with some interesting routes.

"There is award-winning Pensthorpe Natural Park, where you will find one of Europe's finest collections of endangered and exotic water birds as well as Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, nationally and internationally recognised as important for its wildlife.

"The town is also well known for Fakenham Racecourse, one of the finest rural national hunt horse racecourses in the country which holds several race meetings during the year."