Stately Homes and Seaside Castles of Norfolk

We depart breakfast we depart for the Blickling Estate, a jaw-dropping Jacobean mansion surrounded by magnificent gardens, historic parklands and delightful meadows. Encompassing the main house, the formal gardens have been developed over three centuries with inspiring thoughtful planting and the wider parklands are gently rolling and are excellent for exploring on foot. Inside the mansion there is much to explore including the once principal room of many Jacobean houses, the Great Hall, which has since been converted to a grand entrance hall featuring a staircase by Sir John Hobart, 2^nd Earl of Buckinghamshire. We will see the featured reliefs of  Elizabeth I and Anne Boleyn which are said to have been inspired by the original hall’s design. The other rooms to discover include the Long Gallery, an exceptional room built by Sir Henry intended for social activities in the event of bad weather; the Peter the Great room designed to showcase the tapestry gifted to the 2^nd Earl by Catherine the Great of Russia and the State Bedroom, one of the best late 18^th-century rooms at the estate. Here, above the fireplace, we can see a portrait of Sir Henry Hobart that was painted in 1624.

Early this afternoon we take the short trip to Sheringham where we find the North Norfolk Railway and embark on a nostalgic trip aboard the heritage railway that runs from the Victorian seaside town of Sheringham to the charming Georgian town of Holt. This relaxing journey only takes only 25 minutes, but it is one that winds through the countryside embracing the slower pace of the Norfolk life.

Later we re-join our coach and head to the well-loved royal retreat of Sandringham which has been the private home to generations of British monarchs. On arrival we have a delightful and quintessentially British afternoon tea accompanied by a lovely glass of sparkling wine. Sandringham House was originally built in 1870 by the Prince and Princess of Wales, who later became King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and has been passed down through subsequent generations. The main ground floor is open to the public and the decor remains largely unchanged from Edwardian times. There is a vast collection of items to be seen all around Sandringham many of which have been gifts bought by members of Russian and European Royalty as well as many articles the previous monarchs have collected. There are numerous family portraits adorning the walls of Sandringham which also houses a fascinating collection of oriental arms and armour that was brought here from the Far East and India in 1876. We enjoy a private evening guided tour which concludes in the ballroom with a chance to sample a Sandringham Gin or apple juice, both of which are produced on the estate. Afterwards we will head back to the hotel for a light supper.

This morning we head to the grand Palladian-style mansion Holkham Hall, which has an enviable coastal position surrounded by lush rolling parklands abundant with wildlife. This magnificent house is the home of the Earls of Leicester and was originally constructed by the architect William Kent. We will enjoy a tour of the house showcasing the state rooms which have glorious collections of ancient statuary, original pieces of furniture and tapestries. There is also a vast collection of art on show including paintings by artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, Poussin and Gainsborough. We also have the chance to visit the Holkham Stories Experience which delves into more detail about the estates 400-year history, the present estate and future plans.

This afternoon we take the short journey to Hindringham Hall, a delectable little moated manor house that looks as though it has been plucked straight from a storybook. Surrounded by a medieval moat, fishponds, walled vegetable garden and delightful flowering borders this Tudor manor is a true picture of perfect country living. Although we are only able to view the house from the outside, we are treated to the beautiful gardens in which we can enjoy a private tour with lots of quaint corners to explore with the sweet smell of roses lingering in the air. We then head back to our hotel for the remainder of the evening with dinner served in the restaurant.

After breakfast which we depart for Hoveton Hall, which has been in the Buxton family since 1946 and is a much-loved family home. We have a tour of the house with the owner followed by some free time to explore the gardens and enjoy some light refreshments. The house itself is a fantastically preserved Regency house of Gault brick with a slate roof that was originally built by Humphrey Repton between 1809 and 1812. The house is set in an estate spanning over 620 acres and boasts a wonderfully colourful garden. In May, we should be able to see the azaleas and rhododendrons steal the limelight with a kaleidoscope of colours that has been referred to as one of the best to be found in Norfolk.

This afternoon we head to Wolterton Hall, set in over 150 acres of sculptured parkland designed by the notable Charles Bridgeman for Horatio Walpole. Wolterton Hall was designed by Thomas Ripley in which the rooms are set around two staircases and are lit by overhead lights. The rooms within the house are typically Palladian as is the enormous arched window in the Venetian Room. The state rooms are blessed with marble fireplaces carved by Richard Fisher of York as well as featuring intricately moulded cornices and ceilings. The American walnut that has been used in the doors was a gift to Horatio from Queen Caroline. The Saloon is double height and features Brussels 18^th century tapestries, Princess Mary’s Persian carpet, Osler Chandelier and luxurious gilt furniture. We have in depth tour of the house and the garden followed by some light refreshments in the Saloon.

This morning we depart for Mannington Hall, a charming moated medieval manor house and home to the Walpole family where we join Lady Walpole for a tour of her estate. Built in the mid-15^th century and later purchased by Horatio, diplomat brother of Sir Robert Walpole sometime in the 18^th century. It was later extended in the 1860s by the Earls of Orford and has remained within the family ever since. After our tour and some time to enjoy the gardens featuring themed borders, Victorian follies, a wildflower meadow and even a ruined church we enjoy a light lunch before we take to the road to return to our original joining points.