5 National Trust locations to visit in Norfolk

Blickling Estate

There are 4,600 acres to enjoy at Blickling and the gorgeous old house itself with glorious portraits, ancient tapestries, and stately rooms provide plenty of interest. Steve, from the travel blog, Weigh the Suitcase, has visited the estate and shares:

“Blickling Estate is a great attraction to visit and one I thoroughly enjoyed, mostly for its diversity of things to see and do. The estate has a number of activities that are suitable for all ages and abilities, and this is what makes it a great day out. Specifically, I loved the walking trails around the grounds. These trails run around the far reaches of the estate. From woodlands to meadows and into beautiful gardens, the estate has plenty to discover outdoors.

“Let’s not forget the hall either! This is very interesting to see from a historical point of view, with rooms kept in a clean and period state. The library was absolutely mesmerising! I should also mention that there are plenty of facilities in the estate as well. There’s even a pub on the edge of the grounds!”

Blicking Hall definitely has a bit of everything, and in terms of access for those with limited mobility who would like to visit, there is an accessible car park, accessible toilets, and a lift to the second floor of the hall. You can read the full access statement for Blickling Estate here.

Horsey Windpump

Sheree, from the travel blog Winging the World, has been to Horsey Windpump and spoke about what she enjoyed about visiting: “Although the whole county is beautiful, Horsey Windpump is the focal point of a quintessentially Norfolk landscape. Located on the Broads, the windpump can be seen on several scenic walks around the area, offering picture-perfect views. The whole area makes for a wonderful day out and in winter, it is possible to see grey seals with their pups on the beach. Horsey and the neighbouring village of Winterton are two of the best spots in the country to see these cute fluffy pups and are well worth a visit.”

Dogs are welcome at Horsey Windpump, there’s a wildlife garden, and a tearoom serving a range of hot and cold snacks, helping to make for a complete day out. Disabled visitors can take advantage of accessible car parking spaces but should be aware that only the ground floor of the windpump is accessible to wheelchair users.

You can read the full access statement for Horsey Windpump here.

Felbrigg Hall

Lyndsey, from the blog Me, Him, the Dog, and a Baby, has shared what she enjoyed about Felbrigg Hall: “One of the main reasons why we love visiting Felbrigg Hall is because there’s something for everyone. If you fancy doing something active you can go on one of the walks around the estate and you can always finish off by sitting in the courtyard with tea and cake from the cafe. If you’re visiting with children there are smaller walks to do or you could explore the walled gardens, my personal favourite area especially on a nice day.”

Felbrigg Hall also offers a tearoom and a shop to go along with the gardens, parkland walks, and hall itself. In terms of access, there is disabled parking available, an accessible toilet, and all-terrain vehicles available to explore the estate.

You can read the full access statement for Felbrigg Hall here.

Blakeney National Nature Reserve

Norfolk has a stunning stretch of coastline, providing plenty of things to see and do throughout the year. Part of the Norfolk coast is Blakeney National Nature Reserve, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring lovely wide-open spaces, wildlife, and spectacular coastal views.

Setting the scene, Lucy, from the lifestyle and travel blog Absolutely Lucy, shares: “Blakeney National Nature Reserve is a place that holds many fond childhood memories for me, but to this day remains a highlight for those visiting the area. Located on the coast near Morston, did you know it’s home to England’s largest grey seal colony? Take a boat trip and see them in their natural habitat on a sandbank just off the Norfolk shoreline. It’s also a perfect place to enjoy long walks around the nature reserve to spot Terns, nesting shorebirds and maybe even a Great Snipe. It’s one of many incredible Norfolk nature reserves to explore.”

Visitors can look forward to enjoying a relaxing stroll along its footpaths, exploring a vast, open expanse of pristine salt marshes, and if you want to pay a visit to the seals, you can do so via a boat trip from Morston Quay. Seal spotting is something that Deeptha, from the travel blog The Globe Trotter, singles out as a highlight at Blakeney National Nature Reserve:

“It makes for a great day out because there is so much to see and do. One can explore the Norfolk coast on foot or spend time birdwatching or going seal spotting. What we enjoyed the most about Blakeney National Nature Reserve was heading out on a ferry trip to see the seals. Blakeney Point has a mixed colony of harbour and grey seals numbering in the hundreds and if one visits between the months of June and August, they can spot the seal pups. It is a fantastic experience and not to be missed if you are visiting northern Norfolk.”

It should be noted that Blakeney National Nature Reserve features natural surfaces which can make access difficult but there is an accessible toilet at Morston Quay and you can read the full access statement here.

Oxburgh Hall

When it comes to accessibility, Oxburgh Hall has disabled parking available, wheelchair hire, and the house tour is accessible as the four rooms open to the public are on the ground floor, and the garden route is also accessible.

You can read the full access statement for Oxburgh Hall here.

National Trust locations to visit in Norfolk

• Blickling Estate
• Horsey Windpump
• Felbrigg Hall
• Blakeney National Nature Reserve
• Oxburgh Hall

As you can see, there are some fantastic National Trust locations to enjoy in Norfolk. Whether you want to explore a beautiful old mansion, uncover some history, or enjoy a day in the great outdoors, Norfolk has you covered.

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