If there’s one thing Norfolk does exceptionally well, it’s grand country houses set in huge, beautiful landscapes. From sweeping parkland and deer-filled estates to moats, lakes, and perfectly manicured gardens, this county is packed with stately homes that feel straight out of a period drama.
As someone who grew up here, I’ve been visiting these places my whole life — on school trips, family days out, lazy Sunday walks, and spontaneous afternoon adventures. They’re the places I return to again and again when I want fresh air, history, and a reminder of just how lucky we are to have so much beauty right on our doorstep.
Whether you’re planning a Norfolk staycation, a weekend escape, or simply looking for somewhere special to explore, these stately homes offer the perfect mix of culture, countryside, and calm. Many have wide open spaces, peaceful walking routes, and family-friendly facilities, making them ideal if you want to avoid crowds while still enjoying something truly memorable.
In this guide, I’m sharing the 8 best Norfolk stately homes and estates to visit — including famous favourites and underrated gems — with my personal tips on what makes each one special.
In This Guide: The best Norfolk stately homes to explore
This insider guide to Norfolk’s best stately homes and country estates will help you:
- Discover the most beautiful historic houses and gardens in Norfolk
- Find the best estates for long walks, picnics, and family days out
- Explore royal residences, moated manors, and grand country halls
- Learn where to go for deer parks, lakes, and woodland trails
- Plan relaxed, crowd-free days during your Norfolk staycation
- Get practical tips on access, parking, and visiting times
Whether you love history, architecture, gardening, or simply wandering through peaceful countryside, this guide shows you where to experience the very best of Norfolk’s heritage.
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8 of the best Norfolk stately homes to explore:
- Holkham Hall & Estate (Best All-Round Experience)
- Felbrigg Hall (Best for Woodland Walks)
- Sandringham House (Best for Royal History)
- Houghton Hall (Best for Art & Sculpture)
- Blickling Hall (Best Historic Library)
- Oxburgh Hall (Best Moated Manor)
- Mannington Hall (Best for Families)
- Hindringham Hall (Best Hidden Gem)
The best Norfolk stately homes to visit:
Having visited all of these estates multiple times over the years — in every season, from frosty winter walks to sunny summer afternoons — this list is based on real experiences, not rushed visits. These are the places I genuinely recommend to friends and visitors who want to see the best of Norfolk.
Before visiting any Norfolk stately home or estate, always check the official website for the latest information on opening times, admission prices, parking, and booking requirements.
Some properties require advance booking during busy periods, and in quieter seasons only the grounds may be open. Events, exhibitions, and guided tours also change throughout the year, so it’s worth checking ahead if there’s something specific you’d like to see.
You might want to check out my blog on 10 Best Glamping Sites in Norfolk or 8 of the best Norfolk stately homes to explore to help plan your trip. Don't miss Festival Too King’s Lynn and 23 Wild Swimming Spots in Norfolk & Suffolk for a true glimpse into Norfolk life. If you’re planning a longer stay, I’d also recommend reading my guide to Why Norfolk Holidays Should Be on Your UK Bucket List — it will help you plan the perfect outdoorsy escape.
One of my favourite unique experiences in Norfolk is The Norfolk Coasthopper Pub Crawl: A Day Trip Guide – my guide will also help you plan a day out along the Norfolk Coast using only public transport.
What to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Waterproof jacket
- Picnic blanket
- Refillable water bottle
- Camera (you’ll want it!)
1. Holkham Hall & Estate (Best All-Round Experience)
Expect rolling fields and woodland surrounding Holkham Hall, with stunning views across the lake. Trails and paths criss-cross around the lake, with a walled garden, obelisk and a church to visit, plus a huge cricket pitch. You can also hire bikes to cycle the estate, explore the children's play area or gift shop. Don't forget to look for the deer! Holkham Hall is known for it's deer park and you will see a huge herd of deer grazing throughout the summer days. Parking costs just £4 for the day which gives you freedom across the whole park except the walled garden which has an additional cost. They also host a Saturday afternoon street food market which still allows for social distancing. Always check their events list before you visit.
Holkham Hall & Estate is truly spectacular – the epitome of Norfolk stately homes, it looks like a scene from a movie! Actually it is a scene from a movie – it was the location for parts of Keira Knightly movie, The Duchess, and TV drama All The King's Men, starring David Jason. If you later wander down to Holkham Beach, you'll also see where Gwyneth Paltrow's character washes up on the beach at the end of Shakespeare in Love.
2. Felbrigg Hall (Best for Woodland Walks)
This hidden gem is located just slightly inland of Sheringham and is a National Trust property which boasts 520 acres of ancient woodland. Dating back to the mid-15th century, I actually visited on a Tudors school trip when I was little. You'll find rolling parkland, a lake and lots of buggy-friendly trails to explore with the family. There are beautiful gardens including the Walled Garden and West Garden which is home to the stunning 18th century Orangery. The inside of Felbrigg Hall is absolutely stunning, filled with rich, opulent decoration and a fascinating history. Felbrigg Hall is also home to one of the largest collections in the National Trust which includes architectural drawings, historic wallpaper, Boulle furniture and historic paintings.
3. Sandringham House (Best for Royal History)
Get a taste for royalty and visit Sandringham House this summer. The Royal family's private home and country house which has housed four generations of British monarchs since 1862. Ever since I was born my family have been taking me to the Sandringham Estate. Just a short 20 minute drive from my home, it's a perfect place for a woodland walk. There are lots of coloured trails through the woods for you to follow, plus an enormous children's play area and loads of open space for you to enjoy picnics. Normally you can take tours of Sandringham house and gardens but right now these won't be available. However, there is also a little shop, cafe, ice cream stall and plant shop to check out.
Visit Sandringham Estate
4. Houghton Hall (Best for Art & Sculpture)
One of my favourite Norfolk stately homes in the area – I've previously attended two music and arts festivals here. It's a fabulous building dating back to the 1720's and the current owner is a direct descendent of Britain's first prime minister, Sir Robert Walpole, who built the hall. It regularly hosts art exhibitions and events, including summer fairs. The grounds include a walled garden, an impressive collection of contemporary outdoor sculpture, a church, stables and a model soldier museum. There is also a deer park and lots of woodland to explore. They currently have an exhibition running by the celebrated British sculptor Anish Kapoor – it includes 24 sculptures and various smaller works. Pre-booked tickets are available online.
5. Blickling Hall (Best Historic Library)
Head to Norfolk's Bure Meadows where you will find the breathtaking Blickling Hall. This beautiful mansion sits on a sprawling 55 acre estate which includes a Partarre, temple, orangery, lake and kitchen garden. There are lots of walks and trails, including those suitable for adapted wheelchair users. Built in 1616, the Jacobean hall is known for it's impressive history and 18th century Long Gallery Library which contains over 12,500 volumes. The Blickling Estate was also the birthplace of Anne Boleyn and is now a National Trust property. 1945 movie The Wicked Lady starring James Mason and Margaret Lockwood was also filmed here.
6. Oxburgh Hall (Best Moated Manor)
Another National Trust property, Oxburgh Hall has been home to the Bedingfeld family for 500 years. It comes with a fascinating history and reveals one family's unshakeable Catholic faith. Again, it was another school trip favourite – this time covering everything from Medieval times through to neo-Gothic Victorian. The building has a rich history which includes the survival of a fierce fire during the Civil War which almost destroyed it. There were times when it faced dereliction and demolition but survived all to tell its tale.
From Oxburgh Hall you get panoramic views across the Victorian French parterre, walled garden, kitchen garden and Catholic chapel. The hall is great for visiting families, with children getting access to trails, quizzes and dressing up clothes to try on, plus a woodland den building and camp area. Upon arrival, you make your way along the drive with the spectacular Oxburgh Hall surrounded by a moat in the distance. Please note that in 2020, there are currently ongoing conservation and reconstruction works. At the time of writing the hall was covered in scaffolding – you can still visit the gardens. Check the website for updates.
7. Mannington Hall (Best for Families)
This moated medieval country house was first constructed in the 15th century and boasts stunning motif chimneys and gothic windows. Explore the Heritage and Modern Rose Gardens, or head to the South Lawn where a classic temple and Sensory Garden with a water feature can be found. You will also find a small chapel and folly garden dating back to the 18th century. Children will love exploring the special children's garden, playground and fairy nature trail. For families, Mannington Hall usually hosts a range of educational and children's activities. In the past these have included walks, nature games and quizzes and creative activities using natural materials. Find the latest events via the website.
8. Hindringham Hall (Best Hidden Gem)
A little moated manor house that has received great acclaim. It has just been shortlisted for the Historic Houses 2020 Garden of the Year award. Previous winners of the award include Blenheim Palace, Houghton and Newby Hall. Like something from a story-book, Hindringham Hall features a medieval moat, fishponds plus beautiful floral borders surrounding the Tudor hall, and a walled vegetable garden. The gardens are open to the public during summer on Wednesdays and Sundays. They normally offer guided tours of the moat, garden and ground floor of the hall. They also have 4 & 5* self-catering holiday cottages available to let by the week.
Norfolk’s stately homes are so much more than historic buildings — they’re living landscapes filled with stories, wildlife, and quiet corners to explore. Whether you’re wandering through deer parks, picnicking by lakes, or discovering centuries-old libraries, each estate offers something completely unique.
This year has reminded me just how lucky we are to have so many beautiful places right here in the UK. While I’ll always love travelling further afield, there’s something special about slowing down and exploring your own back garden properly.
If you’re planning a Norfolk staycation, I hope this guide inspires you to visit at least one of these incredible estates — and maybe fall in love with them the way I have.
And if you’ve found a hidden gem I’ve missed, let me know — I’m always adding to my list.
