Visit North Norfolks Historic Homes & Gardens This Autumn.
As autumn casts its golden glow over North Norfolk, the region's stately homes and gardens offer a perfect blend of history, beauty, and seasonal charm. Read on for our curated guide to some of the most enchanting destinations worth visiting this fall.
Nestled in the peaceful village of Ringstead, Flock Cottage is perfectly placed for guests who love to wander through grand gardens, breathe in floral scents, and stroll under ancient trees.
Sandringham Estate Gardens – 20 minutes from Flock Cottage
A firm favourite with Flock Cottage guests, the gardens at Sandringham are part of the Royal Family’s private retreat. Open to the public when the house isn’t in royal use, the beautifully maintained 60-acre gardens feature sweeping lawns, charming woodland walks, and ornamental lakes. Each season brings its own magic. During October half term visitors can enjoy pumpkin picking.
Don’t miss: The children’s woodland play area and the local ice cream near the café.
Houghton Hall Gardens – 25 minutes from the cottage
Houghton Hall is home to award-winning formal gardens, a contemporary sculpture trail, and a spectacular walled garden. Designed to delight in every season, these gardens are a must for lovers of symmetry, structure, and floral colour. While to hall is closed to visitors until Spring 2026 the parkland remains open.
Good to know: Houghton Hall also hosts outdoor art exhibitions and family-friendly events.
Holkham Hall Walled Garden – 30 minutes away
Holkham’s vast estate is impressive, but its 6-acre walled garden is a hidden treasure. Currently undergoing thoughtful restoration, this peaceful space offers a peek into traditional gardening techniques and heritage varieties of plants and produce. Enjoy the scent of lavender, wander through ancient greenhouses, and finish your visit with a walk around the stunning parkland.
Top tip: Combine your garden visit with a stroll along Holkham Beach named one of the most beautiful in the UK.
Blickling Estate
A Jacobean mansion believed to be the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, Blickling Estate offers a rich tapestry of history and nature. Autumn highlights include vibrant foliage, family-friendly trails, and the 'Garden of Lights' event in December, illuminating the estate's gardens with festive displays.
Felbrigg Hall
Nestled within 520 acres of parkland, Felbrigg Hall is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Autumn transforms the estate with brilliant fall colors, and visitors can explore waymarked trails, buggy-friendly paths, and the historic walled gardens.
Oxburgh Hall
A moated manor house with a rich Catholic heritage, Oxburgh Hall offers a unique glimpse into Norfolk's past. The estate's parkland and gardens are particularly stunning in autumn, providing a picturesque setting for leisurely walks.
Mannington Hall
A hidden gem, Mannington Hall is a privately owned estate with beautiful gardens and woodlands. Autumn brings a burst of color to the landscape, and the estate's peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for reflection and relaxation.Mannington Estate Gardens – around 45 minutes away
For those looking to travel a little further, Mannington offers a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience. This romantic garden surrounds a medieval moated manor house and includes themed areas like the Sensory Garden and Heritage Rose Garden. It’s a peaceful haven, often less crowded than the larger estates.