Local Attractions
Blickling Estate
National Trust
Blickling Hall sits at the heart of a magnificent garden and historic park in the beautiful Bure meadows.
Surrounding the house, the formal garden is the result of three centuries of inspired planting, and the gently undulating historic parkland is great for exploring on foot or by bike.
Grab a map of the way-marked walks from visitor reception and enjoy discovering intriguing landmarks, stunning views and wildlife.
There are over 4,600 acres of stunning parkland to explore at Blickling, including ancient woodland, the Tower (now let as a holiday cottage) and the striking pyramid Mausoleum, not to mention the sweeping views over the lake.
Blickling’s parkland is the perfect place to take your four-legged friend for a walk.
The Tudor house that once stood at Blickling is widely believed to have been the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, one of the six wives of King Henry VIII
House
Jacobean mansion with Long Gallery, featuring a nationally important collection of books.
Garden
55 acres of formal garden, the result of three centuries of planting, with ancient yews, parterre, lake and productive walled kitchen garden.
Parkland
Over 4,600 acres of woodland, parkland and farmland, which sit at the heart of Norfolk’s beautiful Bure meadows.
Eating
The Stables and Muddy Boots cafés offer hot and cold drinks, light meals, snacks and cakes, with indoor and outdoor seating.
Shopping
Shop with gifts, homeware, books, gardening accessories and potted plants. Second-hand bookshop stocked with thousands of pre-loved books. Stamp shop with a wide range of global stamps for the avid philatelist.
RAF Oulton Museum
Royal Air Force Oulton on the Blickling Estate undertook vital work during the second world war. Explore the museum and see the collection of objects and documents donated by families whose relatives served here.
The Blickling Estate garden has something for every season. Take a stroll to the Temple, before looking back to admire spectacular views of the house and Parterre; wander the wilderness, discover the produce growing in the Walled Garden or take time out by the lake.
Spring garden highlights at Blickling:
Daffodils
Golden daffodils line the pathways in the garden as well as the grass bank near to the Temple. They can be seen from March to April.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons
These can best be found on the walk up to the temple. Marvel at the beautiful colours and enjoy their different scents. They are at their best in May.
Magnolia
Watch the soft pinks and whites of the magnolia trees dotted around the garden flourish into their spring beauty.
Bluebells
Stunning carpets of blue fill the garden and great wood from mid-April. These delicate flowers grow in two different varieties on the estate and can be enjoyed come rain or shine.
Year round garden highlights at Blickling:
The Acre and Parade
Take a stroll on the Acre and enjoy spectacular views across the lake, home to an abundance of wildlife. The lime trees and turkey oak are highlights, with twisting branches and unique character. The Parade is a perfect spot to sit and read a book or enjoy a picnic.
The Parterre
The planting of the Parterre was radically simplified in 1932, retaining the yew hedge topiary but replacing the intricacies of the Victorian planting with four large herbaceous plots in cool and hot colours, surrounded by beds of roses and catmint.
The Temple
This building was first mentioned in 1738 but was probably built 10 years before. The Temple was built in the Doric style and is the highlight of an impressive vista down to the house.
The Orangery
In 1793 it contained large, young and dwarf orange trees, but as it’s now unheated it houses much hardier citrus trees. The statue of Hercules is probably a Nicholas Stone figure.
Topiary and Yew Hedges
The yew hedges line the front drive leading to the house. The annual trimming begins in August with the topiary in the Parterre, followed by the ancient yew hedges.
Wilderness
The concept of the ‘wilderness’ is much more structured than its name implies, and dates from the earliest Jacobean garden.
The Walled Garden
With fruit, vegetables and herbs growing in abundance, visitors can not only explore the Walled Garden, but also enjoy eating much of its produce in the National Trust cafés.
Enjoy a fun walk or cycle around the perimeter of Blickling Park.
The multi-use trail is perfect for walkers, pushchairs, adapted wheelchair users and cyclists, and is ideal for all-weather use with a hard surface, taking you through woods and open land. Visit the Tower, Great Wood and Mausoleum as you explore.
The trail distance is 4 miles, dog-friendly, and there are marker posts all along the route.
The Stables Café
Serves a variety of hot and cold food, from homemade soups and one-pots to sandwiches, ice creams and cake. With ample seating both inside and out, it’s the perfect spot for a mid-morning snack, lunch or an afternoon cream tea.
Dogs can take a well-earned rest in The Farmyard, however, they aren’t allowed on the front drive or in the restaurant area.
You can always pop up to Muddy Boots instead, where dogs are very welcome.
Muddy Boots
Grab something before you start your walk, or reward yourself at the end. From bacon rolls and croissants to cream teas and cakes, Muddy Boots offers a selection of light bites and tasty treats to enjoy both inside and out.
The Bucks Arms
You’ll find this 17th-century pub and former coaching inn on the walk down from the main car park to the house.
Whether you’re treating yourself or looking for that perfect present, you’ll find unique gifts in the National Trust shop.
For food lovers
Discover an array of kitchen accessories and homeware gifts, or choose from a selection of jams, chutneys and biscuits to make your own hamper.
For book lovers
The shop features a range of cookery, history, gardening, nature and children’s books, as well as local history books about Blickling Estate.
For garden lovers
Discover beautiful peat-free blooms on the front drive, furniture, accessories and gardening essentials.
Second-hand bookshop
Run by volunteers who are always willing to help, the second-hand bookshop is full of treasures.
Stamp Shop
Blickling is home to the only National Trust Stamp Shop. Feel free to visit and have a browse. Limited opening hours.
Dogs under close control are welcome on most of the parkland walks. Please keep them on a lead in car parks and on the lake walk.
Dogs on short leads are welcome in the farmyard, the bookshop, on the front drive, in the estate barn and Muddy Boots café.
Only Assistance Dogs are allowed in the house, formal garden and East Wing.
There are four car parks across the Blickling Estate operating on a pay and display basis with a charge of £5 – coins only – for non-members. If you want to pay by card for your car parking, please pop into the Estate Barn visitors reception. Members can scan their card to obtain a ticket.
