If you’re planning on visiting Holkham Hall in Norfolk this summer – and if you’re anywhere in the vicinity then why on earth would you not? – then check the website and make sure your visit coincides with a cricket fixture. What could be more gloriously British than sipping Pimms in the sunshine while chaps in white trousers gently and incomprehensibly work their way towards a draw just in time for tea.
But if cricket’s not your bag, here’s my top three things to see at Holkham Hall
1. The beach
Holkham’s beach is regularly voted the best in the country, and with good reason. In reality, it is part of a massive nature reserve, incorporating the beach, forest and marshes, and is the perfect place to marvel at that famous Norfolk light that photographers like to bore on about. The reason they do it? Because it’s not like anything else you’ll see in the country. There’s a great guide on the website to things that nature lovers can keep an eye out for.
2. The Walled Garden
The original garden dates back to the 1700s, and the owners of the Holkham Estate are currently working hard to restore it to its former glory. The variety of colours and smells is fantastic, and the garden mixes gorgeous flowers with rare fruit and veg varieties that are used in the on-site restaurant.
3. The deer
There are two types of deer at Holkham – Fallow and Red. They’re used to visitors so you can get pretty close to them without disturbing them grazing. There are lots of walking trails around the deer park that also take in the ice house – used to store ice in the 18th century – and the Coke Monument.
You can find loads of Norfolk travel ideas on my Pinterest board – head over here to follow it.
