Aire & Wharfe NT Asc Norfolk 2025

INCLUDED IN THIS WONDERFUL HOLIDAY :

 

Taking in some of the many highlights of the beautiful county of Norfolk

 

 

Blickling Hall  

Nobody ever forgets their first sight of Blickling. The breath-taking Jacobean mansion and ancient yew hedges sit 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 our way-marked walks from visitor reception and enjoy discovering intriguing landmarks, stunning views and wildlife.

 

 

Peckover House and Gardens 

Peckover House is a secret gem, an oasis hidden away in an urban environment. A classic Georgian merchant's town house, it was lived in by the Peckover family for 150 years. The Peckovers were staunch Quakers, which meant they had a very simple lifestyle - yet at the same time they ran a successful private bank. Both facets of their life can be seen as you explore the house and as you wander the gardens. The gardens themselves are outstanding - 0.8 hectares (2 acres) of sensory delight, complete with orangery, summer-houses, croquet lawn and rose garden with a variety of species of rose.

 

 

Oxburgh Hall 

It’s hard not to fall in love with Oxburgh Estate, when you catch your first glimpse of the imposing brick manor house reflected in the tranquil moat.

Built by the Bedingfeld family in 1482 as a statement of power, Oxburgh and the family have endured turbulent times. Through religious persecution, Civil War devastation, near dereliction and threatened demolition, Oxburgh’s story is one of survival.

Step inside to discover the legacy of the 6th Baronet who created much of what you see today, from the Victorian Gothic interiors to the ornate architectural additions that reflect a romantic view of Oxburgh's medieval past.

Outside, the gardens are a mixture of formal and wilderness, with the kitchen garden, orchard and herbaceous border adding colour and seasonal interest. And for those wanting to explore further, you can follow one of the estate walks through woodland, along the River Gadder, and out into open meadows.

 

 

Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate - 

One of the most elegant country houses in East Anglia, Felbrigg Hall is a place of surprises and delights. It is a mixture of opulence and homeliness where each room reflects Felbrigg’s vibrant history, from the stained-glass windows in the Great Hall to Queen Mary's teapot in the Drawing Room. The Chinese Bedroom showcases Felbrigg’s rich global collections, including luxury exports traded by the East India Company, and the eclectic displays in the Cabinet Room show collections amassed on a European ‘Grand Tour’.

Outside, the decorative and productive walled garden is a gardener's delight. Flowers from the garden decorate the Hall, whilst allotments in the walled garden provide fruit and vegetables for the Squire's Pantry. You can enjoy watching the hens pecking wherever they wish, with only the sound of the busy bees in the flowers.

The rolling landscape park with a lake, woods and waymarked trails is a great place to explore nature and wildlife on this bountiful estate.  

 

 

Octavia Hill's Birthplace House & Museum  was built in about 1740 on Wisbech’s South Brink. As a Grade II* listed building, it is particularly important as a building of outstanding architectural or historic interest. In 1885, Octavia Hill, Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley worked together to raise public awareness of the railway developments threatening the Lake District. This collaboration led to the foundation of The National Trust for the Preservation of Historic Buildings and Natural Beauty, to hold land and buildings in perpetuity “for ever, for everyone”.

The house was home to James and Caroline Hill as they undertook the social reform activities on which their daughter’s life work was based. It was divided soon after the family left Wisbech. In 1994, the Octavia Hill Birthplace Museum Trust purchased part of the house, opening a museum entirely run by volunteers. It attracts visitors from all over the world. Later, the Trust purchased the rest of Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House.

A visit to Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House is an opportunity to discover the remarkable story of Octavia Hill’s life’s work and her influence on many spheres of modern life.

 

 

The East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden  An exotic garden in an exposed prairie landscape by the North Norfolk coast

A beautiful, 32 acre modern garden containing many garden rooms with herbaceous borders, gravel gardens, sub-tropical gardens, a box parterre, sunken rose garden, Mediterranean garden, Desert Wash and a large woodland garden — there really is so much to explore. One of our great joys is to see the pleasure that the garden can bring to many of the visitors and that everybody seems to find some part of it that is special to them.

 

The National Trust's Textile Conservation Studio -  The NT's only conservation treatment facility. They only take 6 groups per year. The tour is an opportunity to see the Trust's textile conservation studio in action, taking a really close look at the challenges involved in the intricate conservation work, required for historic textiles. The team of professional conservators is happy to answer questions on how to use a combination of sophisticated modern technology and old fashioned needlework skills to bring textiles back to life.

 

 

The Historic Port of King's Lynn -  which is brim-full with historic buildings, streets and courtyards. One of England’s most important ports since the 12th Century, King’s Lynn’s maritime past is featured throughout the town, with fine old merchants’ houses stretching down to the river between cobbled lanes, and the elegant Custom House overlooking the original medieval harbour. The town has so many fascinating secrets to discover – the Robinson Cruso family have a ledger stone in St. Nicholas Chapel; the unique tide clock on the King’s Lynn Minster and the opportunity to see three different ‘clocks’ on the Saturday Market Place; and the carving of the ‘witch’s heart’ on one of the buildings in the magnificent Georgian Tuesday Market Place, one of England’s grandest town squares. We take a guided walk.

 

 

Snettisham Park to take a Red Deer Safari  -  A WI group considered it had been a highlight of their holiday. The tractor and covered trailer ride is a magical experience not to be missed. During the 45 minute round trip you will meet and be able to feed the spectacular herd of red deer with over 60 hinds and 2 stags. You can be sure to get an amazing close encounter with the Deer, all of which are more than happy to feed from your hands. During the calving month of June you will be able to see the beautiful spotted calves. During this time the Stags will be growing their new antlers in time for the rutting season towards the end of September. The knowledgeable and friendly deer park rangers commentate throughout the safari, to help you get the most from your experience among these magnificent animals.

 

 

Norfolk Lavender-  Founded in 1932, it is England’s premier lavender farm, set amongst beautiful gardens. Home to the national collection of Lavenders andrenowned worldwide with nearly 100 acres of lavender. It has a great shop!

 

 

 

Knight's Hill Hotel, King's Lynn- This restored farm complex is set in 11 acres of parkland and garden, close to historic King’s Lynn and the coast. At this lovely hotel, you will find facilities to suit all, from the rustic charm of the Farmers Arms, a traditional pub serving real ales, to the pool and exercise areas in the Health and Leisure Club. All spacious ensuite bedrooms are well equipped. The hotel doesn't have a lift but there are some ground floor rooms. Some rooms with walk in shower are situated in the courtyard. www.knightshillhotel.co.uk

 

Half Board and Thursday High Tea

 

 

Travel in Style  Luxury coach from Shipley & Menston

Fully Escorted by a Hanson Exclusives’ Tour Manager

 

We strongly recommend that you take out a policy of insurance to cover you in case of cancellation because of illness.

Some rooms with walk in shower are in the courtyard

 

National Trust