Built in 1616 for Sir Henry Hobart, Blickling hall commands an impressive view over the vast estate. The beautiful rooms may not be open currently, but Muddy Boots’s Matilda recalls a recent trip to the site and the wealth of their beautiful grounds.
Blickling Estate is one of my favourite National Trust sites to visit in Norfolk. I first came here on holiday with my family as a little girl and the site’s grandeur and seemingly endless acres stuck with me even when I moved to Norfolk in 2018. I would estimate we make the pilgrimage to Blickling once a month, at least.
The grounds offer a range of walks, including a 6.4km multi-use track which is suitable for adapted wheelchair users, those with buggies, and even cyclists. (They also offer various disabled toilets across the site and specific parking spaces making sure that it is accessible to all)
Backpack ready, we decided to take to the Mausoleum route. This is a favourite to show to people who have never visited the site before, as it offers some brilliant views including the Hall reflecting in the lake. Straight out of the carpark and left, there is a short walk to some impressive white gates, these open up to a glorious site; rolling farmland littered with trees that fades into forests in the distance.
Taking the left-hand path there is a slight incline which continues up the hill, the previously mentioned multi-use trail bares off to the left and you will need to aim for the woods up ahead. At the top of the hill, left of the path and in the distance, you should be able to see the The Tower, a race stand which has been converted into a charming holiday cottage.
Turning right, away from the tower and into the woodland, you will begin the covered woodland part of the walk. This section lazily meanders through the coppiced woodland which is graced by beautiful bluebells in late April. As we exit the trees, I like to make any new visitors keep their view to the right so they can turn and see the grandeur of the mausoleum.
Built in 1793 to hold the remains of John Hobart, the 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire, the building is based on the tomb of Cestius in Rome. You can read more about the impressive building here.
From the Mausoleum follow the path straight ahead, back into the trees, this will join you back up with the multi-use track for the remainder of your journey. Head out from between the trees and get a brilliant view of the Norfolk countryside. At this point you can either continue the walk around the lake and the boundary of the Hall, or head back towards the car park.
We chose to walk back towards the car park as the view of the hall reflecting on the water is hard to pass on. Once back at your car there is a pub near the car park which serves lovely food but is often full.There is also the option of the two tearooms that the Hall has to offer, as well as a small outdoor area serviced by a limited menu.
The house itself is beautifully displayed, as are the ornate gardens which surround it. There is often children’s activities both around the grounds and within the property.
Parking is free for members or currently £10 per adult. The site is dog friendly, but as there is livestock managed in the parkland, they are to be kept on leads.
Have you been to Blickling Estate? What was your favourite part?