There are three major National Trust Estates, a Royal estate, a modern 32 acre garden and several privately owned historic houses to visit, most within thirty minutes drive from Hill Farmhouse.
Blickling Estate – National Trust
Blickling Hall is a stunning Jacobean stately home situated in 5,000 acres of parkland in a loop of the River Bure,with 55 acres of formal garden the result of three centuries of inspired planting, and a gently undulating historic parkland of 4,600 acres. Blickling Hall’s interior features elaborate plaster ceilings, ornate rooms, and furniture, offering views of its formal gardens. The house also houses remarkable artifacts and a significant book collection in the Long Room. Visitors can explore the house’s grand rooms, as well as the kitchens and service areas, which offer a glimpse into the lives of the servants.
Felbrigg Estate – National Trust
A 17th-century manor house with Jacobean architecture and a Georgian interior. It’s known for its walled garden, orangery, and vast estate, including Felbrigg Woods, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Felbrigg Hall boasts a rich interior, blending Jacobean architecture with fine Georgian additions. The house features intricate plaster ceilings, a library with a collection of approximately 5,000 books, and a dining room with Rococo plasterwork. A notable feature is the Cabinet Room, originally a drawing room, which houses a collection of art and objects acquired on a Grand Tour. The house is also known for its collection of family paintings
Sheringham Park – National Trust
A scenic, 1,000-acre estate in North Norfolk, designed by Humphry Repton and known for its stunning rhododendrons and azaleas. It offers a variety of habitats, including woodland, parkland, and coastal areas, with numerous walking trails for all ages and abilities. The park features impressive views of the coast and countryside.
Sandringham
Sandringham is the much-loved country retreat of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Including an organic farm, sawmill, residential and commercial properties, local parishes and communities nestled in the heart of The Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Sandringham House, the Norfolk country retreat of His Majesty the King, is set in 60 acres of beautiful gardens and open daily April until the end of October.Enjoy visiting the nine ground floor rooms inside Sandringham House, explore the charming parish church, 600 acres of Royal Parkland, Children’s playground, waymarked trails, Restaurants and Cafés and Shop.
East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden
A beautiful 32acres of modern garden, containing many garden rooms with herbaceous borders, gravel gardens, sub-tropical gardens, a box parterre, sunken rose garden, Mediterranean garden, Desert Wash and a large woodland garden. Look out for thehedge framed views of Happisburgh lighthouse and the church. There is a café providing freshly baked food and an area of plants for sale.
Mannington Hall
This is a picturesque moated medieval manor house with various gardens,a wide range of plants and trees. Includes scented, sensory, four elements and rose gardens plus a children’s garden with enchanted trail and playground. The wildlife area includes a boardwalk, bird hide, meadow and lakes. Tearooms provide homemade cakes plus local specialities and there is the Stable Gallery with art exhibitions.
Wolterton Hall
A grand palladian house fully restored in 150 acres landscape, not generally open to the public. However visits through Historic Houses or the website Arts & Culture events are bookable.
Holkham and Estate
This magnificent eighteenth-century palladian hall contains collections of ancient statuary, original furniture, tapestries and paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Gaspar Poussin and Gainsborough. The Holkham Stories Experience and is about the estate’s 400-year past, living present and innovative future. Outside you can explore acres of parkland, a tranquil walled garden,enjoy cycle hire, a high ropes course and woodland play area. It is close to Holkham and Wells beaches.
Houghton Estate
The Hall was constructed in the 1720s for Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. Itissurrounded by extensive parkland, is known for its iconic white fallow deer and features notable attractions, including an award-winning walled garden. Additionally, the Sculpture Park features an impressive permanent collection of world-class contemporary art and exhibitions by modern artists are held regularly.There is the world’s largest private collection of model soldiers in the Model Soldier Museum, and a charming Café and Gift Shop.