This sweeping Norfolk estate is rich in history, architecture and wildlife from its Palladian Hall and deer-strewn parkland to its paradisical beach and family-friendly cafe.
What is it…
Holkham is a thriving 25,000-acre estate hugging the Norfolk coast. At its centre lies the elegant 18th-century Palladian-style Hall; originally built by Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester, the mansion may be open to visitors, but it is still very much lived-in, home to Thomas Coke, the 8th Earl of Leicester, and his family. The deer-strewn park and woodland are wonderful for exploring by foot or by bike, and there’s a restored walled garden, where you must visit the Samuel Wyatt Vinery, a Victorian glasshouse which is home to an interesting collection of vines and tender plants. There’s also a museum, gift shop, café, pub, playground, high ropes course… you get the idea. And that’s before we’ve even mentioned the endless beauty of the nature reserve and the beach. You need a day here, at least.
What can I do?
Let’s start with the house. As you walk in, the Marble Hall sets the tone, with its sweeping staircase leading up to the state rooms, the walls of which are adorned with masterpieces by the likes of Rubens, Poussin and Gainsborough. The Parrot Bedroom, which takes its name from a painting by Frans Snyders of parrots and macaws, is a highlight, as is the private chapel. Afterwards, pop into the Holkham Stories Experience, an interactive exhibition that tells the story of the estate’s 400-year heritage and its plans for a “better tomorrow”, from sustainable food production to renewable energy. The grounds offer up every manner of entertainment: you could rent a bike from the Cycle Centre, jump on a tractor trailer tour for a deer and wildlife safari (the park is home to a resident herd of fallow deer), row across the lake… Plus, of course, there’s the endless beauty of Holkham beach (you might recognise it from the closing scenes of Shakespeare in Love, or the All
Saints video for Pure Shores) and nature reserve. There’s also nearby Wells beach, also part of the Holkham estate, and its glorious pinewoods and Beach Café.
Will the kids love it?
Absolutely, there’s so much to do. The outdoor wooden play area will keep little ones amused for hours with its high-level walkways, treehouses and swings. The adjacent high ropes woodland adventure course is also recommended, allowing you to see the Hall from a completely new perspective while tackling wobbly crossings, swinging bridges and zip wires.
Can I bring the dog?
Dogs are welcome in the park on leads (due to the deer), as well as in various indoor areas but not the Hall. They’re also allowed on the beach, though there are some clearly signed restrictions in place in certain areas to protect wildlife.
Is there somewhere we can eat?
The Courtyard Café, with its indoor/outdoor seating, is light, bright and an ideal pitstop for coffee and cake or a light lunch. Sandwiches, sausage rolls, salads… and you can even have a beer here. Make sure you browse the gift shop afterwards. It’s very well curated with everything from artwork, stationery and skincare products to books, games and foodie bits, much crafted by local creators and producers. The Victoria is a pub-restaurant at the gates of the park serving a fresh, local, seasonal menu – booking is recommended. If you’re hitting the beach, The Lookout at the top of Lady Anne’s Drive is a unique, circular wooden structure that is built around a water fountain which supplies free drinking water for walkers and their four-legged friends. You can also buy refreshments here. As with elsewhere on the estate, single-use plastic is nowhere to be seen; visitors can purchase a ‘cup for life’ with their locally roasted coffee and even the ice lollies are wrapper-free.
If you do one thing…
Holkham lays on every manner of event from open-air cinema to huge concerts (past performers have included Sir Elton John and Lionel Richie) – but visiting in the festive season is particularly special. While Father Christmas’s visits are legendary and the canine carol concert memorable, the Holkham Hall by Candlelight tour takes yuletide to a whole new level. Every year the state rooms are transformed into a glittering, gleaming winter wonderland with different sets and themes all enhanced by twinkling candlelight. With a glass of bubbly and a mince pie thrown in, it’s the most magical time of the year.
When’s a good time to visit?
Holkham is a stunner whatever the weather. The park, playground, cafe and shop are open daily all year round (except Christmas Day) – and the beach is open 365 days; Holkham Hall is open for general admission from April to October – and for selected days in December for the candlelight tours. For all other attractions within the park, check the website and don’t forget to book your luxury Norfolk cottage with us today.
Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1AB; holkham.co.uk
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