Holkham Hall

Holkham Hall is a stately home located in Norfolk, England. It is the seat of the Earls of Leicester and is set within a 25,000-acre estate, known for its picturesque parkland, gardens, and proximity to the North Norfolk coast. The Hall itself is an impressive example of classical architecture, designed by the architect William Kent and built in the mid-18th century. The estate is also home to a large herd of fallow deer and features a stunning lake, woodlands, and the Holkham National Nature Reserve.

Where is Holkham Hall?

Holkham Hall is located near the village of Holkham, about 4 miles west of Wells-next-the-Sea, which is a popular seaside town. It's a popular tourist attraction for those interested in history, architecture, and nature.

Who owns Holkham Hall?

Holkham Hall is owned by the Coke family, specifically the current Earl of Leicester, who is Thomas Coke. The Coke family has owned the estate since it was built in the 18th century. They are still actively involved in managing the estate, which includes farming, forestry, and maintaining the Hall and its grounds for public visits. The family also continues to have a strong connection to the local community and Norfolk heritage.

How much does entry to Holkham Hall cost?

Holkham Hall is currently closed and will reopen in Spring 2025. Prices and opening times may change so check the Holkham Hall website for up to date prices and opening times before you visit.

During its open season (spring to autumn), admission prices are as follows:

Holkham Hall, Walled Garden, and Holkham Stories Experience:

Adult: £24
Child (ages 5-15): £2.50

Walled Garden and Holkham Stories Experience:

Adult: £10
Child (ages 5-15): £1.50

Walled Garden Only:

Adult: £7
Child (ages 5-15): £1

Additionally, there is a parking charge of £6 per day, which is redeemable on purchases of £35 or more in the gift shop.

Please note that these prices are subject to change. For the most current information, it's always advisable to check the official Holkham Hall website before planning your visit.

When visiting Holkham Hall, there are a few great options for dining:

The Courtyard Café: Located within the grounds of Holkham Hall, this café offers a variety of light meals, homemade cakes, and hot drinks. It’s a lovely spot to relax after exploring the Hall and gardens.
Holkham Beach Café: If you're visiting the nearby Holkham Beach, the dog friendly beach café offers a selection of snacks, sandwiches, and hot drinks to take away with views of the coast. It is located next to the beach car park at the Wells Next The Sea end of Holkham beach.
The Victoria Inn: Located next to the entrance to Holkham Hall in the nearby village of Holkham, this traditional inn which is owned by the Holkham estate, serves hearty meals made from locally sourced ingredients. It’s a wonderful cosy North Norfolk Gastro pub perfect for lunch or dinner, that gives you a real taste of North Norfolk food at its best.

The Victoria Inn in Holkham is a charming, traditional pub located just a short distance from Holkham Hall. It offers a welcoming atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great spot for dining after exploring the area.

Dog-Friendliness:

The Victoria Inn is very dog-friendly, with dogs allowed in the bar area and some of the outdoor seating. It's a perfect stop if you're visiting with your furry companion, as they’re welcome to join you while you enjoy your meal or drink. The staff is known for being accommodating to pets, offering a relaxed environment for dog owners.

Food:

The Victoria Inn offers a menu that focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. They serve classic pub fare with a modern twist, including:
- Fresh seafood: Perfect for those craving coastal dishes, such as fish and chips or grilled fish.
- Hearty pub classics: Dishes like pies, burgers, and hearty stews.
- Vegetarian and vegan options: A selection of meat-free dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
- Daily specials: Often featuring local produce and fresh catches from nearby waters.
The pub also offers a variety of drinks, including local ales and wines, making it a great spot to unwind. Whether you're looking for a full meal or just a drink with your dog by your side, The Victoria Inn is a wonderful place to visit.
Wells-next-the-Sea: A short drive away, Wells-next-the-Sea offers many options, including The Crown Hotel and The Albatross Café, both offering delicious meals and a great atmosphere.

French's Fish and Chips in Wells-next-the-Sea is our favourite spot for delicious, freshly fried fish and chips. It’s well-known for its generous portions, crispy batter, and high-quality fish. You can eat in but as we are usually with our dogs and the cafe is not dog friendly we prefer to eat our fish and chips sat on the quay at Wells looking at the wonderful view of the harbour. If you're in the area, it’s a great place to enjoy some classic fish and chips with views of the coast nearby!

Two Magpies Bakery and Wells Deli, both located on Wells Quay, are also excellent choices if you're looking for a dog-friendly spot in the area.
1. Two Magpies Bakery: This charming bakery is known for its delicious handmade pastries, cakes, and breads. It's a lovely place to grab a coffee and a treat, with a cosy atmosphere. They welcome dogs, so you can enjoy your snacks while sitting outside with your furry friend. It's a great stop if you're in the mood for something sweet or savoury.
2. Wells Deli: Wells Deli is a fantastic spot for freshly prepared food, including sandwiches, salads, and local produce. They offer a range of artisan products, perfect for a picnic or takeaway. Like Two Magpies, Wells Deli is dog-friendly, and their outdoor seating area makes it easy for you and your dog to relax while enjoying a delicious meal.
Both locations are wonderful for a casual, dog-friendly bite by the water, with great food and a welcoming atmosphere.

These spots should provide a variety of options depending on whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a more leisurely meal.

Historical significance of Holkham Hall

Holkham Hall is a masterpiece of Georgian architecture, designed by the renowned architect William Kent and completed in the mid-18th century. The Hall has been the seat of the Coke family since it was built, and their legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of the estate. Thomas Coke, the first Earl of Leicester, was instrumental in developing the estate, including pioneering agricultural methods that transformed the land. The Hall is often considered one of the finest examples of classical architecture in Britain. Its opulent interiors, including the Marble Hall and the magnificent library, are a testament to the wealth and influence of the family throughout the centuries. Holkham Hall has also been a backdrop for various historical events, including visits by royal figures and hosting numerous high-profile guests over the years.

Events at Holkham Hall

Throughout the year, Holkham Hall hosts a range of special events, exhibitions, and activities. Some of the highlights include:

Christmas at Holkham: During the winter season, the Hall is beautifully decorated for Christmas, with festive events such as carol singing, a Christmas market, and special guided tours of the Hall.
Outdoor Theatre Performances: Holkham’s stunning parkland and gardens provide a picturesque setting for outdoor theatre productions, including performances of Shakespeare’s plays and other classic productions.
Holkham Garden Festival: The estate hosts an annual garden festival, showcasing local horticultural talent, garden designs, and providing visitors with tips for creating their own beautiful outdoor spaces.
Special Exhibitions: Temporary exhibitions, often related to the estate’s history or collections, are displayed throughout the year. These exhibitions offer an in-depth look at the art, architecture, and stories of Holkham.

Holkham Estate and nature reserve

The Holkham Estate spans over 25,000 acres of land, offering a mix of lush parkland, woodland, and natural reserves. One of the most notable features of the estate is the Holkham National Nature Reserve, which is one of the most important coastal reserves in the UK. The reserve is a haven for wildlife, including bird species such as redshanks and oystercatchers. Visitors can explore miles of nature trails, enjoy a peaceful walk through woodlands, or head to the Holkham Bay, which boasts stunning views over the North Norfolk coastline. It's an ideal spot for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and those looking to escape into nature. The reserve is also a popular spot for walking, birdwatching, and photography.

Accessibility:

Holkham Hall and its surrounding estate are committed to ensuring their attractions are accessible to all visitors. The Hall is wheelchair accessible, with designated ramps and lifts to assist visitors in accessing key parts of the building, including the ground floor. The parkland and gardens are also accessible, with paths suitable for wheelchair and stroller use. Additionally, the estate offers mobility scooters for hire, allowing visitors with limited mobility to explore the grounds more easily. It’s always a good idea to check the Holkham Hall website for the latest information on accessibility services and any special arrangements for visitors with additional needs.

Family-Friendly Information

Holkham Hall is a fantastic family-friendly destination with activities and facilities designed to keep children entertained. The Holkham Children’s Adventure Playground provides a great outdoor space for kids to burn off energy. Additionally, family trails are available to help little ones explore the grounds while learning about nature, history, and the estate’s fascinating past. The Hall also offers interactive displays and hands-on activities in the exhibitions, making it an engaging experience for children of all ages. In the summer months, outdoor events like family picnics, treasure hunts, and themed days further enhance the family-friendly vibe of the estate.

Shopping at Holkham Hall

The Holkham Hall Gift Shop is the perfect place to find unique gifts and souvenirs, including locally made artisan products, handcrafted jewellery, homewares, and a selection of books and cards related to the estate’s history and heritage. If you're looking for something special, the shop also sells a curated selection of gourmet food items, like local preserves, Norfolk cheeses, and artisan biscuits. For a truly local experience, you can pick up a piece of Holkham-branded merchandise, or some of the estate’s organic products, such as honey or produce grown on the estate itself. Don't forget, there’s a parking charge that can be redeemed in the gift shop if you spend over £35.

Photography tips for visiting Holkham Hall

Holkham Hall and its stunning surroundings are a photographer’s paradise. To get the best shots, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the soft light of sunrise or sunset illuminates the Hall and gardens beautifully. The Marble Hall, with its grandeur, offers excellent interior photo opportunities, though be mindful of photography restrictions in certain areas. The parkland is particularly stunning, especially when the deer are grazing or during seasonal changes, such as the golden hues of autumn or the lush greenery of spring. The estate’s expansive grounds offer plenty of opportunities for dramatic landscape shots, and the beach offers stunning views across the Norfolk coastline, especially during low tide when the sandy shores are exposed.

Accommodation near Holkham Hall

While Holkham Hall itself doesn’t offer direct accommodation on-site, there are plenty of options in the nearby area. For those wanting a taste of the Holkham estate countryside charm, there are numerous holiday cottages available in and around the estate, many of which are pet-friendly and perfect for longer stays. Wells-next-the-Sea, just a short drive away, offers a range of accommodation, from cosy bed and breakfasts, pretty holiday cottages and boutique hotels. For a more luxurious experience, consider booking a stay at a nearby country house hotel, such as The Crown at Wells or The Ship Hotel. These accommodations offer easy access to both the estate and the stunning Norfolk coast.

Staying at Gardeners Cottage in Blakeney offers the perfect base for exploring Holkham Hall and the stunning Norfolk coast. Our charming holiday let is just a short drive from Holkham, providing a peaceful and comfortable retreat after a day of sightseeing. Whether you're exploring the magnificent estate, birdwatching at nearby reserves, or enjoying the local attractions, Gardeners Cottage in the pretty coastal village of Blakeney, offers a cosy and relaxing home away from home. With its family and dog friendly atmosphere, it’s ideal for families or groups seeking a memorable stay on the North Norfolk coast. For more details and to book your stay, visit the Gardeners Cottage website.

Sustainability and environmental efforts

Holkham Hall is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The estate actively engages in organic farming practices, including maintaining wildlife-friendly fields and forests, as well as promoting biodiversity through various conservation efforts. The Holkham Nature Reserve plays a key role in these efforts, and the Hall is deeply involved in preserving its natural heritage. The estate has also worked to improve its energy efficiency by making upgrades to the Hall’s heating and lighting systems. Visitors can learn more about these sustainability practices through educational displays at the Hall and during special events that focus on conservation.

Local attractions

If you have some extra time during your visit, there are plenty of other attractions to explore near Holkham Hall. The charming town of Wells-next-the-Sea is just a short drive away, with its quaint shops, traditional seafood restaurants, and beautiful beach. The Norfolk Coast Path offers stunning walking routes along the coastline, ideal for those wanting to experience more of the area’s natural beauty. Other nearby attractions include Blakeney Point, known for its seal colonies, and Sandringham House, the Norfolk estate that is the Queen’s country residence.

Nature lovers can also explore Cley marshes, a popular spot for birdwatching. The Norfolk Wildlife Trust at Cley-next-the-Sea is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts. Spanning over 400 acres of wetlands, reed beds, and salt marshes, the reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds and rare species. Visitors can enjoy scenic walking trails, bird hides, and breathtaking views of the North Norfolk coastline. The Cley Marshes Visitor Centre offers informative displays, a great café with wonderful views over the marshes with binoculars supplied, and a gift shop, making it a great spot to learn more about the area's wildlife. The reserve is dog-friendly, though dogs must be kept on a lead.

Holkham Hall FAQs:

What are the opening hours for Holkham Hall?
- Holkham Hall is generally open from spring to autumn. Exact dates and times vary, so check the official website before planning your visit.
How much does it cost to visit Holkham Hall?
- Adult tickets range from £10 to £24, depending on whether you are visiting just the Walled Garden or the full estate, including the Hall and Holkham Stories Experience.
Is Holkham Hall dog-friendly?
- Dogs are welcome in the parkland and grounds, but not inside the Hall or certain indoor areas. Make sure to check specific rules if you're planning to bring your dog.
Is there parking available at Holkham Hall?
- Yes, there is parking available at Holkham Hall, with a £6 charge per day. This charge can be redeemed in the gift shop with purchases over £35.
Can I visit the gardens at Holkham Hall?
- Yes, Holkham's beautiful gardens, including the Walled Garden, are open to visitors. Admission for the gardens alone is available.
Are there guided tours available at Holkham Hall?
- Yes, guided tours are available, providing a deeper insight into the history and architecture of the Hall. Pre-booking may be required.

Food & Dining FAQs:

Where can I eat near Holkham Hall?
- Nearby dining options include The Courtyard Café at Holkham Hall, The Victoria Inn in Holkham, French’s Fish and Chips, and Wells Deli on Wells Quay.
Is The Victoria Inn dog-friendly?
- Yes, The Victoria Inn is dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome in the bar area and outdoor seating, making it a great spot for dog owners.
Can I bring my dog to the cafes in Wells?
- Yes, both Two Magpies Bakery and Wells Deli on Wells Quay are dog-friendly, with outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.
Are there vegan or vegetarian options available at The Victoria Inn?
- Yes, The Victoria Inn offers a range of vegetarian and vegan options on its menu, in addition to traditional pub fare.
Can I get takeout from Wells Deli?
- Yes, Wells Deli offers takeaway options, including sandwiches and freshly prepared meals, ideal for a picnic by the beach or nearby areas.

We hope these FAQs should help answer common questions you may have when planning a trip to Holkham Hall and the surrounding areas.