Bloomin’ Marvellous; 8 beautiful and unique Norfolk gardens

From the traditional to the exotic, to the walled and the wild discover Barefoot’s favourite Norfolk garden for all the family to enjoy.

East Ruston Old Vicarage garden

Notably one of the most famous Norfolk gardens, owned by BBC Radio Norfolk’s ‘Garden Party’ contributor Alan Gray and husband Graham Robeson.  Between March and October, you can roam the 32 acre exotic grounds discovering the Mediterranean, Dutch and Catalpa gardens; Desert Wash; Woodland and King’s walks, Apple and Spring walks, wildlife pond, Orangery border, Green court and sunken rose garden to name but a few.   

Look out for the guided tours between March and September – early booking is essential and make sure you grab a coffee and slice of cake in either of the two onsite tea rooms.

East Runcton old Vicarage, East Runcton, Norfolk NR12 9HN

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National trust Felbrigg Hall Gardens & Estate

Felbrigg Hall is one of the largest National Trust properties, a 17th century Hall set in 520 acres of woodland with a beautiful working walled garden lined with fruit trees; vegetable beds and double flower borders.  

Don’t miss the second-hand book shop or The Squire’s Pantry for a cuppa and cake or homemade lunch with the whole family – a chance to taste some of the produce grown in their walled garden. 

Felbrigg Hall, Felbrigg, Norwich NR11 8PR

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Houghton Hall

Built in 1720 and set in extensive parkland Houghton Hall is a popular destination for art lovers with an impressive permanent collection of contemporary sculptures as well as temporary annual exhibits from famous artists including Damian Hurst and Sean Scully.  The award winning 5 acre walled garden has a breath-taking double-sided herbaceous border; an Italian garden; rose parterre; fruit and vegetable gardens; glass house and impressive collection of fountains and contemporary sculptures.  

Spend the day exploring the sculpture park, gardens, soldier museum, stables, and hall before taking a well-deserved tea break in the courtyard café.

Houghton Hall, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 6UE

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Holkham

Gather the family and spend the day exploring Holkham by foot or bike, discovering the rich and diverse landscape.  Visit Holkham Hall – the iconic stately home with decadent walled garden and secret garden, before experiencing the wonderful wildflowers, expansive beach, pine forests and parkland oozing with wildlife.  

With garden tours, open air cinemas, concerts, food and drink festivals, open days, and safaris there’s a fabulous programme of events to enjoy all year.

Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1AB

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Sandringham Estate

Open from April to October Sandringham Estate’s formal gardens are a popular destination and have long been enjoyed by the Royal family who established the grounds in 1863.  Wander through the 600 acre Royal Parkland all year or meander the meadow with ornamental stream, bustling with wildlife and take the shady woodland walk sheltered by a cluster of Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia trees.  The formal cottage style enclosed gardens are a haven for bees and butterflies and are best enjoyed in July.

With an impressive children’s play area, restaurant, and tea rooms there’s something for all the family, not to mention the jam packed all year calendar of events from illuminate to the inaugural Sandringham flower show.

Sandringham Estate, Sandringham PE35 6EN

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National Trust Blickling Hall Gardens

Set in 55 acres of formal garden Blickling Hall is a Jacobean mansion mentioned in the Domesday Book and the birth place of Anne Boleyn.  The Blickling Estate is surrounded by 4,600 acres of stunning historic parkland – ideal for exploring by foot or bike and enjoyed by dog walkers all year.  

Immerse yourselves in 300 years of planting with ancient yews, parterre, lake and kitchen garden before taking a tea break at the Stables and Muddy Boots café. Dogs welcome in the parkland however not permitted in the Hall and formal gardens. Look out for the annual concerts and events including an open-air Orchestra playing classic Ibiza songs, with live vocalists and DJs every August.

Blickling Hall, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6NF

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Pensthorpe Nature Reserve

Pensthorpe is a breath-taking conservation site for all the family to enjoy.  Wander the 700 acres of Nature Reserve, with five beautiful gardens scattered through the reserve alongside hides and aviaries with flamingos, herons, curlews, ducks, cranes, dragonflies, geese, and an abundance of wonderful wildlife.

Take a well earned rest and sit alfresco with a homemade cake or two and let the children run wild in the fabulous indoor and outdoor children’s play areas.

Pensthorpe Rd, Fakenham NR21 0LN

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Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

The house and formal gardens were once a convalescence home during World War two and today the grounds are open all year round for you to explore the 130 acres of natural cultivated garden which can be navigated by the woodland pathways.  Expect lots of colourful planting between May and June and an abundance of imported varieties from around the world, such as the Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton Americanus) from North America and Camellias and Rhododendrons from the Himalayas.

Take a guided boat ride out and enjoy the wildlife and conservation of the inner and outer Broad before indulging in home-made quiche and scones in the onsite tea rooms.  Four legged friends welcome on a lead.

Fairhaven, School Rd, South Walsham, Norwich NR13 6DZ

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