The Stately Homes & Historic Halls of Royal Norfolk

Check in to the Best Western Knights Hill Hotel, King’s Lynn in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

We make our way to Holkham Hall, an elegant 18th-century country mansion constructed in the Palladian style for Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester. Set in a vast landscaped park, the hall is currently home to the 8th Earl of Leicester and his family. The spectacular Marble Hall, with its splendid colonnade and breathtaking 50ft domed ceiling, was inspired by the Temple of Fortuna Virilis and the Pantheon in Rome. At the same time, the magnificent state rooms boast superb collections of ancient statuary, original furniture and tapestries plus works of art from the likes of Rubens, Van Dyck and Gainsborough. We discover more on our private guided tour.

Later, we visit Clifton House, a medieval merchant’s house with incredible interiors dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries, showcasing the transformation of the building throughout the years. This Grade I listed building features a vaulted undercroft and a five-storey Elizabethan tower, added in the early years of Elizabeth I’s reign. It continues to be a privately owned home and we enjoy a guided tour by the owner and refreshments.

King’s Lynn, founded in the 12th century, was known as Bishop’s Lynn until 1537, with both names representing the market town’s prosperous growth. We have time to explore this old town’s historical landmarks such as St. Margaret’s church, while a guided tour offers a glimpse into its past, led by the owners of Clifton House. As we wander well-preserved merchant houses along cobbled streets, we discover more about the town’s history and maritime heritage.

We visit Hindringham Hall, one of Norfolk’s hidden gems. The picturesque Tudor manor house was built by Martin Hastings, a courtier to Henry VII’s illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy, using stone taken from the local monasteries which were then being dissolved. We enjoy a guided tour, where we learn more about the house, from its inhabitants over the last 500 years to the four acres of impressive gardens on either side of the 13th-century moat surrounding the house. There is also time to discover the highlights including the working walled vegetable and fruit garden, Victorian greenhouse, water garden, wild garden and medieval fishponds.

Afterwards, we head to charming Walsingham for lunch (not included) before discovering Walsingham Abbey, famous for the spectacular remains of a medieval priory. A place of pilgrimage since the 11th century, the priory was destroyed during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries. We enjoy a guided tour, learning more about the abbey’s rich history and taking in the beautiful stained glass windows by Michael Cole plus David Begbie’s unique CRUCIFIX sculpture in the nearby Anglican Shrine. There’s also time to explore the unspoilt woodland and landscape parkland, accessed over an ancient packhorse bridge.

Our first visit is to Houghton Hall, one of England’s finest Palladian houses, where we enjoy a guided tour. Built during the 1720s by Great Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, the Hall boasts sumptuous staterooms lavishly endowed with pictures, statuary and fine furniture, while outside there is an award-winning, five-acre garden and contemporary sculpture park.

Next, we head to the house, gardens and museum of Sandringham, the countryside retreat of the Royal Family. There’s free time for lunch here (not included) before we explore the estate. Built in 1870, Sandringham has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs. The interiors feature astonishing exhibits such as a historical collection of arms and armour brought back from the Far East and India in 1876, while the walls are hung with family portraits by leading contemporary court painters. The mostly informal gardens include woodland walks, rockeries, magnificent sweeping lawns, lakes and the more formal North Garden. The museum, housed in the former coach houses and stable block, holds extraordinary collections of royal vehicles, rare ceramics, photographs and memorabilia.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.

Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change and guided tours are subject to availability.