Find your space in Norfolk’s and Suffolk’s country estates

Norfolk and Suffolk have an eclectic collection of country estates to immerse yourself in. Visit stately homes but take time to explore the multiple acres of parkland and gardens that surround them where you’ll find calm and space.

Until the agricultural depressions of the 1870s, country estates and their farms provided owners with incomes but also provided invaluable employment for local villages.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were the swansong of the traditional English country estate. Increased taxation and the effects of the First World War led to the demolition of hundreds of houses. Those that remained had to adapt to survive, either becoming visitor attractions or donating to the National Trust – and that’s why we can enjoy them ourselves today.

Here’s the best estates to visit in Norfolk and Suffolk with recommendations for places to stay nearby.

Blickling Hall and Estate

Take a tranquil stroll around Blickling's Lake and Park, looking for the Blickling Church, an architectural delight, and the two-centuries-old Mausoleum, a pyramid that is Blickling’s most iconic landmark, constructed of 190,000 Portland stone blocks, made on the estate.

Blickling was the first complete working estate to be gifted to the National Trust in 1940.

The Ironmongers Aylsham Windmill

Plan your stay on the Norfolk Coast

Felbrigg Hall and Estate

Explore the widely renowned Walled Garden at Felbrigg, as well as the West Garden, which is home to the 18th-century Orangery, before enjoying the 17th-century country house, noted for its Jacobean architecture and fine Georgian interior. Most of the grounds are part of Felbrigg Woods, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Links Park Country Hotel Crabpot Cottages The Grove The Grove Glamping Virginia Court

Plan your stay on the Norfolk Coast

Helmingham Hall and Estate

This breathtaking historic estate, with its stunning moated Tudor house, has award-winning Grade 1 listed landscaped gardens that are some of the most spectacular in the country.  Explore extensive parkland, a walled kitchen garden, classic parterre and an intricate herb and knot garden. Helmingham is also one of the UK’s most diverse sites for wildlife across the seasons.

Retreat East Mirror Houses at Pound Farm Ufford Park Partridge Lodge Seckford Hall

Plan your stay in the Heart of Suffolk

Holkham Hall and Estate

Hire a cycle to explore the corners of Holkham estate, visit the walled garden, take a tour to experience the Autumn stag rutting. Visit the museum and enjoy refreshments in the restaurant. Walk along Lady Anne’s Drive to The Lookout, then along the boardwalks to Holkham beach, often voted one of the best in the UK.

The Victoria The Globe The Crown Hoste Arms

Plan your stay in Royal Norfolk and King's Lynn

Houghton Hall and Gardens

Houghton Hall is a majestic hall designed for Sir Robert Walpole, the first Prime Minister of Great Britain, serving from 1721 to 1742. At the time there were a group of Ministers, but Sir Robert was so self-assured, critics came to say, ‘He thinks he’s the prime minister’. Maybe apocryphal, but it stuck.

Enjoy the Walled Garden and stroll around the parkland where you'll find unexpected sculptural delights.

Houghton has a pedigree of putting contemporary art in its gardens. Currently it’s Lynn Chadwick.

Congham Hall Houghton West Lodge Houghton Washmere Cottages

Plan your stay in Royal Norfolk and King's Lynn

Ickworth

At Ickworth, take a stroll through magical areas: the winding Albana Woodland, the gently curving Erskine's and Geraldine's Walks, the immaculate Italianate garden which encircles the Rotunda. The Rotunda has the ‘wow’ factor.

The walled garden has had many different identities since it was first created, from 18th-century leisure gardens to 20th-century working kitchen gardens. Set on a five-and-a-half-acre site, it’s one of the largest of its kind in the East of England.

The Ickworth Hotel The Angel Hotel The Packhorse Inn

Plan your stay in the Heart of Suffolk

Kentwell Hall and Estate

One of England’s earliest brick-built houses surrounded by a moat, with a perfect Tudor interior, Kentwell has over 30 acres of impressive organic gardens and grounds. Explore the grounds for tranquil water features and more recent landscaping that offer year-round visual displays. Interesting sculptures give the garden a magical feel. Look out for historical re-creations and for Halloween visit Scaresville – The Haunted Village.

The Black Lion Hotel The Mill The Swan at Lavenham Cavendish Hall

Plan your stay in the Heart of Suffolk

Oxburgh Hall and Estate

This impressive, moated 15th century manor house with crenelations has picturesque gardens and parkland to explore. In the house, look out for the priest hole for Catholic preachers to hide and the false walls which hide corridors for servants to get around unseen.

Methwold Old Vicarage Hanks Ranch Elveden Inn Aqua Sana Forest Spa

Plan your stay in the Brecks, East Anglia

Sandringham Hall and Estate

King Charles III has invested time developing the 60 acres of gardens. The 60 acres of formal Gardens are open for visitors to enjoy from March to October.

In the house, find the jigsaw that Queen Elizabeth II never completed.

Sandringham House and Estate: your questions answered

Knights Hill Hotel & Spa Congham Hall Watatunga Safari Stays

Plan your stay in Royal Norfolk and King's Lynn

Sheringham Park

Designed by Humphry Repton in the early 19th century, Sheringham Park has around 1000 acres of woodland and parkland to explore along signposted walking trails. The Wild Garden at Sheringham Park covers 50 acres and includes a nationally important collection of rhododendrons. Look out for Britain’s smallest bird, the fire crest, and the largest mammal, the red deer.

The highlight though, is the incredible view along the coast from the gazebo, close to the temple.

The Dales Country House Hotel The Two Lifeboats The Maltings

Plan your stay on the Norfolk Coast