Holkham Hall

A great eighteenth century house and deer park with herd of Fallow deer. The park was designed by William Kent (his drawings are here). The triumphal arch and the obelisk were built in the 1730s. Kent's walled garden, linked to the lake by a serpentine river, has gone. Originally, the lake was an inlet from the sea. Lancelot Brown was employed in 1762 but made few changes. The park wall and shelterbelt were nineteenth century additions, as were the formal Victorian parterres beside the house, designed by W A Nesfield in 1854. The old kitchen garden at Holkham is in the process of refurbishment.

Head Gardener's Comment

Holkham is a beautiful place rich in wildlife, history and architecture. It is set in an epic landscape, combining unspoilt coastline, big skies and open countryside. The evergreen oaks (Quercus ilex) that are such a feature of the Park, are Mediterranean in origin and were brought to Holkham from Italy.Take in a spot of culture and visit the magnificent 18th century hall and explore the six acres of walled garden which were originally laid out by Samuel Wyatt during the late 1700s and are part of an exciting rejuvenation project. Visit the Holkham Stories Experience and find out all about the estate's 400-year past, living present and innovative future. Aimed at both adults and children alike, there's plenty to keep you occupied. Dress up in a Holkham tweed jacket and bowler hat, let our 'talking tools' tell you what they were used for, sit back, relax and enjoy our 'Holkham Year' film. Learn how the very bricks used to build Holkham Hall were made here on the estate. Enjoy our interactive tabletop game as you learn all about how your food gets from the field to your fork!

Children will enjoy our Woodland Adventure Play Area, with its tree house, high level walkways, rope ladders and zip wire, plus a special area just for toddlers. On high days and holidays explore further with cycle hire or discover Holkham’s watery world by rowing boat. Take to the trees with our high ropes course and see Holkham like never before!

Finish off your visit by treating yourself in our Courtyard Café, where we serve only the best, locally-sourced food and our gift shop, showcasing the work of local artisan suppliers.

Throughout the year we run a fantastic programme of events including outdoor theatre, open air cinema, tractor trailer rides, pond dipping, deer walks, specialist workshops, concerts and opera, nature reserve walks, talks and guided tours, special seasonal events during half terms, Easter, Halloween and Christmas.