Sandringham House, country retreat of the Royals
Palladian Splendour of Houghton Hall
Holkham Hall and Estate
Jacobean mansion of Blickling Hall
These quintessentially English royal and aristocratic houses give a wonderful insight into the grand lifestyles of the past, all nestled into the beautiful landscape of East Anglia. Visits on the tour include Sandrigham House, Houghton Hall, Blickling Hall and Holkham Hall.
Available Departures |
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| 11 - June - 2025 | £ 669.00 | Travel Info Book Now |
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Provisional Timings |
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive independently at the Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel, Norwich from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and a talk by host Mike Stone – ‘Norfolk’s Grand Houses’.
Day 2: Houghton Hall and Sandringham House
Our first visit of the tour is to Houghton Hall, built by Britain's first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole in 1720, we are able to view its unique, lavishly decorated interior and award winning five acre garden. After lunch (not included) we visit Sandringham House, the country retreat of the Royal Family since 1862 when it was purchased by Queen Victoria. Today’s neo-Jacobean building was built for the Prince of Wales in the same year. Sandringham is still privately owned by the Queen today. Tonight there will be dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 3: Holkham Hall and Blickling Hall
This morning we will visit Holkham Hall, a masterpiece of the Palladian revival style, built by Sir Thomas Coke, Earl of Leicester, a descendent of Sir Edward. The magnificent interiors were designed by William Kent but were unfinished on his death, and remained incomplete for another five years due to large debts. After lunch (not included) we travel to the Jacobean mansion of Blickling Hall, where we will have a look around the principal rooms, including the long gallery, often described at the grandest of its period in England. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30.
NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion
Please note: Post tour Extra nights are available at a supplement.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 48 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel, Norwich
The four-star Sprowston Manor Hotel is located in the city of Norwich within grounds sheltered by ancient oak trees and excudes a historic charm combined with modern touches. Facilities at the hotel include two bars, restaurant, indoor pool, and comfortable bedrooms with private bath/shower, TV, telephone and hairdryer. Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel.
Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel Website
Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.
You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.
The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 7pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
We love to receive feedback from our customers. Their views help us to keep improving the ours we offer. If you have been on this tour and would like to submit a review, please log in to our client area here and fill in the short form.
incorrect road directions -wrong road no.Felt rushed. More info re furniture(ignored by tour guide).Enjoyable. Tour guide concentrated on his own speciality.
Review by Mr Michael Parlett who travelled 21-August-2015
A very enjoyable tour. It would be nice if the time spent in travelling in the coach could be reduced but I understand the limited accommodation in the area prevents this.
Review by Mr John Crowe who travelled 21-August-2015
Review by Mrs Veronica Skates who travelled 21-August-2015
Impressive trip with excellent support from Mike Stone.
Review by Mr Nigel Vines who travelled 21-August-2015
A well organised and enjoyable tour of some very interesting and impressive houses in Norfolk. It was a pleasure to meet our fellow travellers and explore areas we have not been to before, despite living relatively locally.
Review by Mr Philip Johnson who travelled 21-August-2015
Sandringham and Holkam were excellent but Blickling and Houghton were not so impressive. Extra time at Sandringham would have been appreciated and time at Holkam to be taken to the coast which is only two miles away would have been nice. Overall though a well planned and conducted tour. We have two more booked in September and October!
Review by Mr Kenneth Gore who travelled 21-August-2015
Review by who travelled 21-August-2015
Our tour leader was very caring and helpful. Fitting in the visits perhaps another day would allow a little more time at houses and their gardens for more exploration. We did start at 8.15 and 8.30 am because we had to arrive early for conducted tours. I understand that Norfolk roads are not always easy.
Review by Ms Angela Higson who travelled 01-August-2014
Mike's knowledge & experience of archaeology was of great benefit at Castle Acre Priory. His historical knowledge was an inspiration for the whole week-end.
Review by Mr Alan Wheeler who travelled 01-August-2014
Tours very good, but too long days and coach journeys
Review by Mr Philip Ashton who travelled 01-August-2014
Interesting & informative Considerate towards disability Private tours were fab (wish seating for tourists in Sandringham rooms - there was none) Other tours v. gd Mike & wife excellent guides A marvellous experience . See you again!
Review by Mrs Susan Dossetter who travelled 01-August-2014
A most enjoyable tour with a well balanced itinerary.
Review by Mr John Kerr who travelled 06-June-2014
Review by Dr John Rawlins who travelled 06-June-2014
Excellent tour! Mike Stone a first rate guide who loves to impart knowledge. If possible a hotel nearer to the various houses i.e. further North, would have cut out long tedious drives each day.
Review by Mr Anthony Merry who travelled 06-June-2014
