It is just a couple of miles up the road from the pretty Georgian market town of Aylsham to the village of Blickling, but the short journey takes the visitor back two centuries. Blickling is a small village, just 136 people living there when the last census was taken, but it has one of the most magnificent stately homes in the country, with an equally splendid history. The surrounding countryside is that gentle landscape of shallow valleys and woodland areas typical of the strip of Norfolk between Norwich and the far more rugged coastline. It’s a good place for quiet contemplation. The village itself has some pretty cottages, and a sturdy late 19th-century church, St Andrew’s, though it does reveal some lovely medieval brasses to those who go inside. There is also a good village inn for refreshment and a moment’s repose, The Buckinghamshire Arms, though that repose it seems could be interrupted by spirits of a non-bottled variety if the stories about it being haunted are true. But the great reason for visiting Blickling is its Hall. Though later occupants are far more readily associated with it, the Hall in its earliest incarnation was owned by Harold Godwinson, future king of England and one of the first to prove that the eternal motherly cry of “you could put somebody’s eye out with that” sometimes comes true. The estate is extensive, with some wonderful gardens and bosky corners, and as well as most of the village and of course the Hall, it contains a charming watermill, owned like the Hall by the National Trust. The Hall was also owned by Sir John Fastolfe, transformed by Shakespeare into the comic Sir John Falstaff. Sir John’s ghost is said to keep company with Anne Boleyn, who appears on the anniversary of her death driving up the approach to the Hall in a vehicle manned, as tradition demands, by a headless coachman, Anne herself being physically challenged above the shoulders in some versions. The Hall was certainly owned by the Boleyn family, but as she was almost certainly born after they left for Hever castle, her knowledge of the place would have been limited to visits. Blickling Hall is certainly worth visiting for its own beauty, the current version being built in the early 17th century, incorporating elements of the previous structure. The frontage is breath-taking, and later elements like the 18th-century orangery are in harmony with the Jacobean splendour designed by Robert Lyminge. Within the Hall the library is one of the great treasures of Britain, and the artworks on display add to the aura of opulent magnificence.
Restaurant
Self-Catering
Places to Stay near Blickling
National Trust Cottages (1.66 miles)
This delightful and comfortable semi-detached cottage stands in a large garden in the middle of this tiny Norfolk hamlet, almost on the edge of the Blickling Park's Bluebell Wood. A small paved seating area overlooking ... More
Saracen's Head (2.29 miles)
Now well into our twentieth year, The Saracen's contiues to delight with scrumptious food and a relaxing, arty country house feel The Blackboard changes daily as Robert and his team cook up many a ... More | visit website
Plough Inn (3.05 miles)
A warm welcome awaits you at this attractive inn, offering spacious en-suite rooms with newly refurbished, modern bathrooms. Ideally situated in the beautiful Norfolk countryside, convenient for the North Norfolk ... More
Pond House B&B (3.05 miles)
The White Hart (3.20 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
Once a country inn, and now beautifully renovated to retain fine original features and timber beams throughout, this extremely spacious and very comfortable property is perfect for ... More
Aldborough Hall (3.91 miles)
Approached via a secluded driveway leading to our lovely Georgian Country House close to the lovely village of Aldborough.The first thing to strike you is the intensity of the silence ... More
Gullane House (5.15 miles)
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This unique property, part of a converted, timber beamed 16th century flour mill, stands in lovely, willow bordered gardens leading down to the river that meanders beneath ... More
Marsham Arms Inn (5.31 miles)
Welcome to one of Norfolk's best loved inns noted for its quiet rooms, country setting, wines & ales and freshly prepared food. The Inn has eleven rooms. They are all ... More
Elderton Lodge Hotel & Restaurant (5.44 miles)
Elderton Lodge nestles into its own six acres of naturally wooded grounds, beautifully aspected over looking on to 800 acres of Deer park. The 200 year old building, formally the shooting ... More | visit website
Briarwood at Thorpewood Cottages (5.94 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
Within 5 miles of sandy beaches on the beautiful north Norfolk coast, these charming, single storey and south facing cottages offer newly renovated and very comfortable accommodation. ... More
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