Blickling Estate (NT)

Blickling Estate (NT)

 

You’ll never forget your first sight of Blickling...The breath-taking Jacobean mansion comes into view, flanked by ancient yew hedging and encircled by its historic park. Blickling’s owners have used the estate as a place of quiet refuge for centuries, while playing their part on the world’s political stage. The Blickling Estate is one of Norfolk's top visitor attractions and is just a short drive from the county's famous sandy beaches. The estate was once the home of the Boleyn family, and now encompasses nearly 5000 acres, with an impressive Jacobean house, a garden you'll want to try to recreate at home, and the Trusts most significant book collection.

 

The House

The present house was built from 1616-25 by Robert Lyminge (the architect of Hatfield) for Sir Henry Hobart, 1st Baronet, Lord Chief Justice to James 1. You can explore above and below stairs in the imposing turreted red-brick mansion (lift to first floor). Stroll through the Long Gallery, which houses the finest book collection in the care of the National Trust.

 

What not to miss...

Enjoy the magnificence of the Great Hall and find out who graces the 23 paintings on display.

Marvel at the great fireplace in the dining room

Visit the kitchens and get a feel for life below stairs. You may even find the cook recreating recipes from the 1930s!

 

The Garden

Four centuries of good husbandry have made Blickling’s garden one of the greatest in England. It changes through the seasons and has evolved over the centuries to reflect different fashions. Take a stroll through the newly restored walled garden and its peaceful avenues and maybe take home some seasonal produce (subject to availability).

 

With avenues brimming with over 100,000 daffodils, Blickling is one of the top spots to see spring flowers.

 

The Estate

The estate covers around 4,600 acres, and includes 950 acres of woodland and parkland, and 3,500 acres of farmland. Visitors have access to much of this land and you can explore four waymarked routes of between two and five miles. Discover some interesting buildings on your walk, including the pyramid-shaped mausoleum and the ruins of Lady’s Cottage.

 

The RAF Oulton Museum - (subject to volunteer availability)

RAF Oulton was a bomber base created on the Blickling Estate in 1939. The station was instrumental in winning the war, as documented by the Luftwaffe themselves. Discover the amazing bravery of the aircrews that flew from RAF Oulton during WWII. Read the accounts from RAF men and women, stationed at RAF Oulton, as well as letters home to loved ones, describing their lives during the war.

 

Tuesday 15 April 2025

Pick ups: Route A2

 

£45 per person

£15 NT member discount

 

Price includes:

Admission to Blickling Hall & Gardens

Return Coach Travel

 

 

National Trust Blickling