Overview

Nestled in the Norfolk countryside, Blickling is one of England's most stunning Jacobean properties.

The estate is steeped in history, with connections to prominent families and historical figures. Spanning over 4500 acres of picturesque parkland, gardens and woodland, Blickling Estate is a popular destination for both history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families who want to spend a great day out.

Top Tips

A single entry to the property can be quite pricey, especially if going as a whole family. Consider purchasing a National Trust membership, which gives you unlimited access to all of their managed properties for a whole year!

Website

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/blickling-estate

Garden

The garden at Blickling consists of 55 acres of well kept trees and hedges, adjacent to the house.

The result of three centuries of planting, with ancient yews and other trees, make the garden a great place to stroll around.

Within the garden, there is a parterre, lake, and also a working kitchen garden, which still actively provides produce for the on-site restaurant, letting customers savour fresh and delicious local produce.

Parkland

There are over 4500 acres of woodland, parkland and farmland in the estate, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty and historic harm.

Situated on Norfolk's beautiful Bure meadows, the parkland is crisscrossed with trails that lead through dense woodlands, alongside quiet streams, making it an ideal place for a relaxing walk and spotting wildlife.

Seasonal blooms of flowers, such as bluebells during spring, add colour to the landscape, and consequently a variety of bird species can also be seen in the area.

The House

The house stands as one of the finest examples of the Jacobean architectural style in England. Built in the early 17th century, the red brick mansion is instantly recognisable by the gables, turrets and chimneys.

The house and estate is famously associated with the Boleyn family, and it is rumoured that Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII was born here.

Inside the house, it is populated with period furnishings, fine art and intricate tapestries. One of the most impressive rooms is the long library, which houses one of the larges collections of rare books owned by the National Trust.

The Great Hall also contains various drawing rooms, displaying exquisite plasterwork, wooden panelling and portraits that tell the story of the estate's past.

RAF Oulton Museum

One of the two museums located within the estate is the RAF Oulton Museum. It is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of RAF Oulton, an important airbase during WWII.

It offers a fascinating insight into the lives of servicemen and women who served at the base, as well as the impact on the local community.

Displays of artifacts, uniforms, photographs and personal stories, will let you learn deeply about the history of the airbase.

Norwich Printing Museum

Also located within the estate is the Norwich Printing Museum. It is a unique institution dedicated to the history and craft of printing in the area. It showcases the evolution of printing technology and its impact on communication and society.

It houses an impressive collection of printing presses, type cases and equipment, with some dating back many centuries.

The museum also offers hands on activities, giving you a chance to try with your own hands the historic printing methods.

Christmas at Blickling

Every year, National Trust will decorate the garden with lights, so that during the evenings, visitors can wander and enjoy the colourful decorations and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Additional ticket applies. See website for details.

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