Where the sky meets the sea
www.holkham.co.uk
A VERY
WARM WELCOME
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. This spectacular destination is a part of the
nation’s heritage which my family is privileged to have in its care.
We willingly share it with our visitors.
A dynamic working estate like Holkham has evolved over the centuries
and is no different today. This year we are building new and improved
facilities for visitors as part of a major redevelopment project underway
in the courtyard. The result will see a new exhibition telling the story
of Holkham’s unique farming history, a new café, a larger shop and
a much-needed indoor events venue. While the work is taking place,
we have ensured you can still enjoy your visit by locating the ticket
office, café and gift shop in temporary facilities in the park.
New in the hall is our exhibition ‘Behind Closed Doors: A Year in the
Life of a Working Estate’, which centres on the work of renowned
Magnum photographer Chris Steele-Perkins.You’ll get a glimpse behind
the scenes and learn what really goes into running a large estate in
the 21st century.
As always our main aim is to make all our visitors feel valued and
welcome. This level of service is only possible thanks to the dedication
of the team here, who work tirelessly to make sure every visitor
leaves Holkham happy and inspired.
Viscount Coke
Photographs in this leaflet © Fisheye Images, Rod Edwards, Holkham Estate, Paul Macro Photography, Peter Mallett, Chris Steele-Perkins, Ian Watts, James Willis.
AMAZING
LANDSCAPES
& WILDLIFE
BRING A BUCKET AND SPADE
Golden sands combined with warm, shallow pools make for that
perfect day at the beach. Follow the boardwalk through the
sweet-scented pinewoods to reach the spot where the sand, sky
and sea stretch for miles.
PEDALS, PADDLES AND OARS
Get pedalling with ‘Holkham byCycle’ to explore the parkland.
We’ve got cycles for hire on high days and holidays. Or there’s
‘Norfolk Adventure’ to help you discover Holkham’s watery world
with a choice of rowing boats, canoes, kayaks and even water zorbing
to really get your heart racing. For something more leisurely, sit back
and enjoy a relaxing lake cruise.
ADVENTURES IN THE TREES… TIME FOR TODDLERS TOO
Children, test your head for heights with our woodland adventure
play area. There’s a tree house, high level walkways, rope ladders and
zip wire. We’ve made changes too with a new stepping stone bridge,
crawl tunnel, amazing split-level tower, plus a special new area just for
toddlers. Entry is free once you’ve paid for parking so it’s a perfect
place to play in the fresh air.
A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
The sweeping coastal landscapes around Holkham are a precious
sanctuary for all kinds of wildlife. Part wilderness and part working
landscape, it’s a magical mixture of coast and country and a delight
to explore. Join us on one of our guided walks or set off yourself
following waymarked trails.
LET US TAKE YOU ON A JOURNEY
Follow our nature trail around the lake and you’ll be amazed at how
many different plants, birds and animals you’ll find. Pick up a quiz
sheet, take your time and nature will reward you with many lovely
sights and sounds. There are also some magnificent historical
landmarks to be found and we’ll tell you about these too.
EXHIBITION FOR 2015
A MAGNIFICENT
FAMILY HOME
AN 18TH CENTURY MASTERPIECE
Holkham Hall is an unforgettable part of any visit with its incredible
architecture, stunning art, original furniture and classical statuary.
It’s an amazing treasure trove and, above all, still very much a lived-in
family home. Let our room stewards share with you the secrets and
stories of Holkham’s residents past and present.
A COASTAL TREASURE
Holkham Hall is proud to be one of the ten Treasure Houses
of England – they include Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley,
Chatsworth, Castle Howard, Harewood House, Hatfield House,
Leeds Castle and Woburn Abbey. Visit Holkham Hall and you’ll
receive vouchers to visit the other houses on a two for one basis.
www.treasurehouses.co.uk
Behind Closed Doors: A Year in the Life of a Working Estate
For one year, Viscount and Viscountess Coke gave renowned
Magnum photographer Chris Steele-Perkins unrestricted access to
their home and the estate. The result is a collection of stunning and
intimate photographs that portray the reality of working and living
on a working estate. The exhibition reveals aspects of the estate that
are rarely visible to visitors; a glimpse into a world that is both
familiar and extraordinary, portraying how a young family, over 200
employees and 21 different businesses live and work together in
one of England’s most beautiful landscapes.
SEE HOW THE GARDENS GROW
Restoring the six and a half acre walled gardens continues apace as we
return the gardens to their former glory. Enjoy the sights and fragrances,
from the blossom in early spring, the brilliant colours of summer flowers,
through to the golden shades of autumn.These impressive gardens also
play host to our September Plant Fair, bringing regional nurseries together,
a great event for gardening enthusiasts or the budding beginner.
OUR FOODIE FAMILY
& RETAIL THERAPY
CHANGE IS AFOOT
FABULOUS FOOD
If you love your food this is great news, because we do too!
We source amazing produce that’s locally made, grown or reared
close by. Then we match it with terrific chefs, combine it with a great
atmosphere and serve it with a smile.
BUILDERS AT WORK IN THE COURTYARD
You’ll find that we have been very busy over the winter with
exciting, new development projects starting at Holkham. At the
heart of this activity is the redevelopment of the courtyard, which
will result in a much improved welcome for visitors in 2016 with
a new café, larger gift shop and a new exhibition telling the story
of Holkham’s unique farming heritage. The former pottery building
will become a stylish venue for weddings, dinners, conferences and
events. During this transformation our shop and ticket office will
have a temporary home in the park, the Bygones Museum has
closed, our education room will move to the walled gardens and
our café will be relocated to a beautiful setting near the hall.
BEACH CAFÉ, NEXT TO WELLS BEACH
This café is a coastal gem and a perfect place for a light breakfast,
beach bites, ice cream, excellent coffee and ice-cold drinks. Your
dogs will love stopping here too as we make a point of welcoming
them – which is why we are proud winners of the Kennel Club’s
‘Be Dog Friendly’ award.
POP-UP CAFÉ IN THE PARK
Take a seat in our pop-up café overlooking the lake and cricket pitch for
a lazy lunch, quick snack or relaxing drink. Choose from a variety of tasty
snacks and sandwiches and treat yourself to mouth-watering cakes and
scones. Everything is homemade with local produce or comes from
local suppliers.
THE VICTORIA, ON THE COAST ROAD
Just outside the north gates to Holkham park, you’ll find a relaxed
blend of style and comfort at ‘The Vic’. It’s a great place for a refreshing
drink, hearty breakfast, brunch or evening meal and a chance to
enjoy delicious, locally sourced, seasonal food, much of it grown and
raised on the Holkham Estate, with a bold emphasis on freshness,
simplicity and value.
BEAUTIFUL THINGS FOR KEEPS
Discover an eclectic blend of gifts or find that perfect memento
of your visit in our pop-up shop in the park. We also have plenty
of seaside goods at the Beach Café in Wells. In Holkham village, just
off the coast road, you can stroll between several specialist shops,
all offering great browsing opportunities and lovely products.
© Alan Batley
STAY
FOR A WHILE
THE VICTORIA
Just outside the north gates of Holkham park you’ll find comfort
and quality at ‘The Vic’. With its enviable location opposite the golden
sands and panoramic vista of Holkham beach and nature reserve,
The Victoria offers perfect accommodation for anyone looking for
a relaxing coastal break, keen bird-watchers or families wishing for
a memorable holiday. This traditional inn just oozes style with its elegant,
individually-designed bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms and we’ve
even got a bed for your four-legged friend too.
DISCOVER NORTH NORFOLK
Whether you’re looking to take your time to explore this beautiful
coastline, joining us for one of our many seasonal events, or you just
don’t want to rush off after a day’s fun, we’ve got the perfect base
for you.
NEW BEDROOMS FOR 2015
We’re ready to welcome more guests. Just across the road from
The Victoria, the Ancient House, one of the oldest buildings on the
estate, has been converted to provide ten additional bedrooms,
including four spacious family rooms. The sympathetic refurbishment
has retained many of the building’s original features, combining
authentic charm with luxurious modernity.
PINEWOODS HOLIDAY PARK
Wide open skies, the beach on its doorstep and the bustling port
of Wells as its neighbour, what better location for a coastal holiday
than Pinewoods. Book a caravan or a wooden lodge or pitch your
tourer – it’s time to relax.
EVENTS
AT HOLKHAM
We have an exciting, seasonal calendar of events and the following is
a selection of what we have planned. A full list with further information
and opportunities to book online is available at www.holkham.co.uk.
SPECIAL INTEREST
Discover your creative side, explore behind the scenes and sample
fine local produce.
29th March to 31st October
Sundays, Mondays & Thursdays,
12-4pm
Behind Closed Doors: A Year in the Life
of a Working Estate
A special exhibition in the hall of
photographs by renowned Magnum
photographer Chris Steele-Perkins,
taken during a year spent at Holkham.
Wednesday 8th July, 10am-4pm
Macro Photography Workshop
Plants Up Close
Zoom in on the beautiful, colourful
flora in the walled gardens.
Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th
September, 10am-5pm
North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival
Within the walled gardens meet
local producers and try their
delicious food and drink.
Wednesday 16th September,
10am-4pm
Photography Workshop – Coastal Nature
Capture the stunning landscape
and wildlife of the National
Nature Reserve.
MAGICAL MUSIC
Open-air concerts, chamber music and opera, all in a perfect setting.
Saturday 25th April, 7pm
Chamber Music – Laura Samuel, violin,
Simon Rowland-Jones, viola, Alasdair
Tait, cello and Carole Presland, piano
Programme includes music
by Beethoven, Bridge, Mozart
and Schumann.
Saturday 23rd May, 7pm
Chamber Music – Christian
Blackshaw, piano
Performing works by Mozart,
Schubert, Liszt and Chopin.
Saturday 6th June, 7pm
Chamber Music – Cavaleri Quartet
A performance of string quartets by
Mozart, Shostakovich and Brahms.
Friday 31st July, 7pm
Diva Opera – Le Nozze di Figaro
Tickets will not be released for sale
until 11th May. To register interest
please contact Holkham Ticket Office.
Saturday 1st August, 7pm
Diva Opera – Lucia di Lammermoor
Tickets will not be released for sale
until 11th May. To register interest
please contact Holkham Ticket Office.
Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August
Open-Air Concert, evening
Music alfresco in Holkham park.
Artists to be announced.
Friday 23rd October, 7pm
Chamber Music – Elizabeth Watts,
soprano and Julius Drake, piano
Programme includes songs by
Debussy, Liszt, Britten and Bridge.
Sunday 15th November, 3pm
Chamber Music – Doric String Quartet
Talk and concert including works by
Bartók, Rowland-Jones and Beethoven.
Friday 4th and Saturday 5th
December, 7pm
Diva Opera – The Night
Before Christmas
A sparkling evening of song, perfect
to get you into the festive spirit.
FOR GARDENING ENTHUSIASTS
Holkham has a passion for gardening on a grand scale.
Sunday 24th May, 11am, 1pm & 3pm
Spring Tours of the Private Gardens
A wonderful opportunity to view the
private gardens surrounding the hall.
Sunday 19th July, 11am, 1pm & 3pm
Summer Tours of the Private Gardens
See the private gardens surrounding
the hall in their summer glory.
Wednesday 27th May, Mondays
27th July, 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th
August, 10am & 1pm
Walled Gardens Discovery Day
Explore the gardens and the wildlife
that lives in this unique habitat.
Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th
September, 10am-5pm
Plant Fair in the Walled Gardens
A wide range of regional nurseries
display all sorts of plants and
gardening essentials to tempt you.
Thursdays 2nd and 16th July and
3rd September, 10.30am, 12noon,
2pm & 3.30pm
Walled Gardens Ramble
Let our landscape team show
you the ‘seen and unseen’ areas
of the gardens.
Sunday 18th October,
11am, 1pm & 3pm
Autumn Tours of the Private Gardens
Enjoy the autumnal tones of
Holkham Hall’s private gardens.
FAMILY FUN
Fun for all in true Holkham style.
THEATRICAL ENTERTAINMENT
Rip-roaring theatre productions.
Wednesday 22nd July, 7pm
Outdoor Theatre – The Importance
of Being Earnest
Oscar Wilde’s ‘trivial comedy for
serious people’.
Sunday 29th March to Sunday
12th April, 10am-4pm
Get Growing
Use your ‘green fingers’ to plant
a broad bean to take home. How
big will it grow?
Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April,
10am-5pm
Easter Fun
Hop along – join us for some great
family fun and an egg-citing time!
Saturday 2nd to Monday 4th May
Pedal Norfolk Cycling Festival
Get on your bike for three days
of events for all levels and ages.
Sunday 7th June, 10am-5pm
Open Farm Sunday
A national event and a chance to
learn all about farming at Holkham.
Wednesday 19th August, 7pm
Outdoor Theatre – Twelfth Night
Shakespeare’s comic tale of disguise,
romance and mistaken identity.
Wednesday 5th August, 6.15pm
Outdoor Theatre – The Three Musketeers
Join d’Artagnan as he tries to gain his
place among the gallant musketeers.
Wednesday 26th August, 6.15pm
Outdoor Theatre – Robin Hood
The Musical
Will Robin and his Merry Men
thwart the Sheriff of Nottingham?
Wednesday 12th August, 6.15pm
Outdoor Theatre – The Secret Garden
The beautiful story of orphan Mary’s
discovery of a hidden garden and
its secrets within.
Saturday 12th and Sunday
13th December
Christmas Theatre in the Marble Hall
Perfect festive entertainment for
young and old.
Saturday 25th and Sunday
26th July, 9am-6pm
Holkham Country Fair
A country lover’s delight and fun
for all ages.
Sunday 25th to Saturday 31st
October, 10am-5pm
Halloween at Holkham
Ghoulish adventures, fun and
frights to set your heart racing!
Friday 18th to Monday 21st
December
An Audience with Father Christmas
Meet the bringer of festive magic
and our cheeky elves too, with
their infectious Christmas spirit.
IN TOUCH WITH NATURE
Explore Holkham’s stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Every third Tuesday April
to October inclusive, 10am
National Nature Reserve Guided Walks
A guided walk will open your eyes
to the spectacular wildlife and
seasonal highlights.
Tuesday 26th and Thursdays 28th May,
23rd and 30th July, and 6th, 13th,
20th and 27th August, 10am & 1pm
Park Discovery Day – Pond Dipping
Hands-on fun exploring Holkham lake.
Wednesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and
24th June, 7th and 14th October,
11am & 2pm
Deer Discovery Walks
Fascinating tours to learn about the
deer herd that makes Holkham park
its home.
Tuesday 11th August, 11am-4pm
Gamekeeper Discovery Day
Meet our gamekeepers and find
out about the work of a modern day
gamekeeper on the Holkham Estate.
Tuesday 25th and Thursday 27th
August, 7.30pm, Tuesday 1st
September, 7pm
Bat Discovery Walks
Learn about British bats using
detectors to listen for the species
which can be found in Holkham park.
Saturdays 10th and 24th October,
11am & 2pm
Deer Safari
A chance to explore the park and
see our deer herd up close. Great
for all the family.
For full terms and conditions see our website. Details are correct
at time of going to print and may be subject to change.
VISITOR
INFORMATION
OPENING TIMES – 29th March to 31st October 2015
Holkham Hall
12-4pm Sunday, Monday & Thursday, plus Good Friday & Easter Saturday.
Walled Gardens, Play Area, Café & Gift Shop
10am-5pm every day.
Holkham Park
9am-5pm every day.
Cycle Hire, Lake Cruise & Boat Hire
For availability and rates please visit our website.
Please note: Holkham Hall and the walled gardens will be closed for the
Holkham Country Fair on the last weekend in July.
BUILDING WORK – PLEASE NOTE
During 2015 the courtyard is shut and our ticket office, gift shop and café
have a temporary home in the park.The Bygones Museum has closed.
ACCESSIBILITY
The ground floor of the hall is accessible, as is the first floor for most
manually operated wheelchairs using our stair climber. The café, gift
shop, ticket office and walled gardens are reached via road, gravel
paths and parkland. Transport to the walled gardens is available. A full
access statement can be found on our website at www.holkham.co.uk
CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES
Join in the celebrations with concerts, theatre and ‘An Audience with
Father Christmas’ over three weekends in December (see our events pages).
LAVATORIES
Lavatories, including accessible facilities, plus baby changing, are all located
in the park. Lavatories can also be found in the hall and walled gardens.
TICKET PRICES 2015
Available from our ticket office in the park.
Hall & Walled Gardens:
Group Rate: (20+) 10% discount,
Adult £12, Child (5-16yrs) £6,
free entry for group organiser,
Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) £33 café voucher for coach driver.
Walled Gardens:
Pre-booking required.
Adult £2.50, Child (5-16yrs) £1
Private Guided Tours: Minimum
Car Parking: £2.50 per day
12 people, price per person £20.
redeemable on purchases of £10
Please contact us for details.
or more from our gift shop or café.
Historic Houses Association:
Additional charges may apply for
Free standard admission for
special events.
members on production of
Woodland Play Area: Free entry.
a valid membership card.
Car parking charge applies.
English Heritage: 20% discount off
Book Online: Save 10% on your
standard admission for members on
tickets. Visit our website for details.
production of a valid membership card.
DOGS ARE WELCOME
Dogs need to be on a lead at all times and are allowed in the ticket
office and shop. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the hall and café.
During warm weather please do not leave your dog in your vehicle.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographs of the hall and grounds can be taken for personal use
only. Commercial photographers must obtain written consent.
HOW TO FIND US
The main entrance for the public is via the north gates of the Holkham
Estate – sat nav NR23 1RH. The Coasthopper bus service stops in
Holkham village www.coasthopper.co.uk. Coach access is via the B1105,
follow ‘Holkham Hall Coaches’ signs and enter through the south gates.
B1153
48
A1
A149
A1
48
The Park
New
Holkham
The Park
B1105
Fakenham
A
NO 1067
RW
ICH
A1065
Swaffham
NO 1067
RW
ICH
Sheringham
A149
Holt
B1105
55
A148
Fakenham Hillington
KING'S LYNN
A
A1065
Swaffham
A47
Market
Wells
B13
55
on
155
B1Holt
Sandringham
B13
148
B1105
5
Wells
Burnham
Market
Brancaster
Sheringham
A149
Burnham
Coaches enter via south gates
New
Holkham
B1105
Hunstanton
r
Coaches enter via south gates
Holkham
Holkham
GET IN TOUCH
For full details on the contents of this leaflet, visit our website www.holkham.co.uk
Holkham Hall, Walled Gardens, Play Area, Café & Gift Shop
E: [email protected] T: 01328 713111
Groups/Private Tour Bookings E: [email protected] T: 01328 713105
Beach Café E: [email protected] T: 01328 713055
Pinewoods Holiday Park E: [email protected] T: 01328 710439
The Victoria E: [email protected] T: 01328 711008
Details in this leaflet are correct at time of printing.
“A JEWEL IN
NORFOLK’S
CROWN.
DISCOVER A SUPERB
PALLADIAN HALL,
EXPLORE BEAUTIFUL
PARKLAND,
INDULGE IN SOME
FABULOUS
FOOD,
ENJOY THE MANY
ATTRACTIONS &
EVENTS...
AND THE
BEST BEACH
IN ENGLAND.”
Holkham Estate, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1AB
www.holkham.co.uk