Please click on the titles of each venue/section to visit the relevant website.
Built in 1870 by the Prince and Princess of Wales, later King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, Sandringham was once described as 'The most comfortable house in England'. It has been passed down as a private home through four generations of British monarchs and is now the country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. The gardens, furniture, architecture and history will not disappoint. The treasures that the house and gardens keep are without doubt “national” treasures but please before travelling ensure that the Queen is not in residence when for obvious reasons it is closed to the public.
This eighteenth century house and deer park whilst in itself spectacular is complimented by a wonderful museum and art gallery. Look out for the “obelisk” built in the 1730’s and the triumphant arch. It is now the residence of the Earl of Leicester, steeped in history and remaining open to the public through the good work of individuals. It now operates for the benefit of all and most certainly worth a visit. This is a super place to vist with the family and a lovely place to take a picnic to. However, as with all these types of venue please be sure to check on opening times to avoid any disappointment by clicking the title to vist their website.
Built in the early 17th century, Blickling is one of England's great Jacobean houses. The spectacular Long Gallery now houses one of the finest private collections of rare books in England. View fine Mortlake tapestries depicting the stories of Abraham, intricate plasterwork ceilings and a fine collection of furniture and paintings from various periods. Recently the 19th-century Hungerford Pollen painted ceiling was exposed and is undergoing conservation. There are 22 hectares (55 acres) of herbaceous borders, topiary yew hedges, lawns, wilderness, orangery, temple and lake. Spring bulbs, summer borders, autumn colours and winter walks – a garden for all seasons. The Hall is set in an historic park with many beautiful woodland and lakeside walks.
There are over 700 churches in Norfolk. Medieval and Saxon churches, picturesque thatched churches, and there are more round towers than in any other county. Some of these churches are to be found in the centre of towns and villages whilst others are in splendid isolation. The are many guides available which will guide you round these Historic Churches and help you ensure you visit those most intriguing. The area around the Hotel is absolutely abundant with churches and some of the most beautiful in the country, all are teeming with history and many have some fascinating history and tales to tell. Clicking this title will take you to the Churches of Norfolk guide which is an excellent resource of information.
Felbrigg Hall now ran by The National Trust is one of the finest 17th Century Houses in England. Here you will find the original 18th Century Furniture, libraries and paintings surrounded by a park and woods spanning a vast 500 acres. The Hall is renowned for its park where there are many “waymarked” walks, offering you the chance to discover its magnificent and aged trees. There are also regular exhibitions and displays ranging from books and china to glass. Again be sure to check opening times.
Cromer - Gem Of The Norfolk Coast
The streets of Cromer today are little removed from how they looked in the Victorian era. Most of the great landmarks, many of which were created by the well-to-do Victorian "summertimers", still stand, as familiar to the holidaymakers of today as they were to their counterparts a hundred years ago. Cromer is famous for its crabs, lifeboats and carnival. If you are visiting the area in July, then check the dates. It is second in size to only Notting Hill, London and is a fun packed week of events. A typical North Norfolk seaside town that also provides varying entertainment and amusement for children.The port of Wells retains its maritime feel and the quays are busy with yachts and fishing boats. From the town you can walk out along creeks and salt marshes teeming with bird life or catch the miniature railway to a vast beach beyond sand dunes. Seals can be seen along the coast and there is an excellent network of footpaths and cycleways as the main road hardly touches the coast at all. Inland lie quiet flint villages, characterful pubs, green lanes and the magnificent Holkham Estate with its deer park and stately Hall.
Holt - Antiques Capital Of Norfolk
A town traced back to Saxon ancestry, with its name being derived from the word “wood”. Indeed you will find a great deal of wood in Holt. Mostly in the buildings and antiques it is now famous for. The little side streets are littered with Antiques, Craft Shops and more. An hour spent browsing in Holt could easily turn out to be the whole afternoon or even day. So why not take time out hunting for that bargain and settle down in one of the tea shops and watch the world meander past.
