DESTINATION:
Norfolk
The wide, open spaces of present day East Anglia give little indication of the region’s rich past, a time when Norfolk was one of England’s most densely populated and wealthiest areas. During the Middle Ages, a vibrant economy based on trade and farming resulted in the creation of beautiful churches and fine buildings in the towns. Wealth and power went hand in hand as the centuries passed, and politics also loomed large in East Anglia. For those at the top of the political tree, in many cases men from merchant backgrounds, the system of patronage enabled the building of personal power statements in the form of some of the country’s most magnificent country houses, each with its own glorious architectural embellishments and splendid art collections.
Recommended duration - 4 nights/5 days
KEY VISITS (Recommended)
- NORWICH CATHEDRAL – founded in 1096 by Bishop Losinga, the cathedral boasts the second tallest spire in England. Built from white stone shipped in from Normandy, the surviving cloister is the most extensive in the country.
- ST PETER MANCROFT – the largest church in Norwich built in the mid-1400s.
- CASTLE MUSEUM – based in Norwich Castle, the art gallery displays works by the Norwich School of Painters, including John Crome, whom many compare with Constable and John Sell Cotman, known for his watercolours.
- SAINSBURY CENTRE FOR VISUAL ARTS – located in the University of East Anglia, it was designed by Sir Norman Foster to house one of the most stimulating collections formed in Europe in the 20th century, combining modern western art with art from Africa, the Pacific, Americas and more. The collection is particularly well known for its works by Francis Bacon and Henry Moore.
- HOUGHTON HALL – built in the 18th century by Sir Robert Walpole to designs by Colen Campbell, this is regarded as one of the finest examples of Palladian architecture in England.
- SANDRINGHAM HOUSE – hidden in the heart of 60 acres of beautiful wooded grounds, Her Majesty the Queen’s charming country retreat displays treasured family ornaments, portraits and furniture, while the old stable-block now houses a Museum.
- HOLKHAM HALL – one of England’s finest Palladian country houses and renowned for its fabulous collection of art – classical Greek and Roman statuary, paintings by Van Dyck, Rubens, Claude, Poussin and Gainsborough, and original furniture. The 3,000-acre park, with its mile-long lake, was landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown in 1762, and the formal terraces were laid out by Nesfield in 1854.
ALTERNATIVE VISITS
- OXBURGH HALL (King’s Lynn) – a spectacular moated manor house, home to the Bedingfeld family. Originally built in 1482 it retains a great sense of the glory of the medieval due mainly to the magnificent gatehouse which rises above the moat, and also to the turrets and battlements.
- BLICKLING HALL (Aylesham) – a Jacobean house dating from the early 17th century. The State Rooms include the Peter the Great Room with fine Russian tapestry, a 123ft Long Gallery with exceptional Jacobean plaster ceiling and the State Bedroom. The formal garden dates from 1729 with a temple, an orangery, a park and a lake. The original manor house of Blickling is recorded in the Domesday Book, and was the birthplace of Anne Boleyn.
- EAST RUSTON OLD VICARAGE GARDENS – gardens laid out by Alan Gray and Graham Robeson around their Arts and Crafts Vicarage more than fifteen years ago, covering a site area of 32 acres.
- ELY CATHEDRAL – originally founded by St. Etheldrada, a Saxon Princess, is today a wonderful example of Romanesque architecture. Recently the project of major restoration, the Octagon and Lady Chapel are of special interest. This is a good visit to include en route to or from Norfolk.
- LAVENDER FIELDS AT HEACHAM – Caley Mill was originally a water mill for grinding corn but today it is set in a garden of lavender with over 100 different lavenders to see and smell.
- BLAKENEY – the departure point for a boat trip to Blakeney Point, one of the most important sites for migrating birds in Europe, and home to a colony of around 500 Grey and Common seals.
- SOMERLEYTON HALL and GARDENS – an early Victorian mansion built by Sir Morton Peto. The Hall was constructed with lavish architectural features and excellent carved stonework. In addition to the fine staterooms there are paintings by Landseer, and woodcarvings by Wilcox of Warwick.