Aylsham had no visitor centre before the Heritage Centre opened in 2011 and it is now a focal point to explain the history of the Town and a valuable part of the community. It helps tell the story of this Town of great historical interest - dating from 500AD, recorded in the Domesday Book and owned by John of Gaunt. In addition, it provides schools with unique access to local history material. The number of visitors has grown steadily since it opened (until the pandemic!) and last year totalled 2,200.

The Heritage Centre is part of the Aylsham Community Partnership (ACP) and it leased the Parish Rooms from the Diocese in 2008 to convert this preserved Grade II listed building to house the new Heritage Centre. It raised about £172,000 from local organisations and charities, including the Heritage Lottery Fund, BIFFA, Aylsham Town Council, Broadland District Council and the John Jarrold Trust to create the Heritage Centre. ACP Gained charitable status in April 2016.