Hanseatic King's Lynn is brimful with historic buildings, streets and courtyards.  One of England's most important ports since the 12th Century, King's Lynn's maritime past is featured throughout the town. The magnificent Custom House overlooks the medieval harbour and the area was a hot spot for smugglers bringing in their goods. Recently restored, the South Quay and Purfleet form an attractive space. There's a ferry across to the west bank, where visitors can enjoy an outstanding view of King's Lynn's townscape. You can see England's only surviving Hanseatic Warehouse and the most famous monument to maritime prosperity, the Custom House, built by Henry Bell in 1683.