Blickling

Foragers Rest Camp Site,
The Goodmans, 23 Aug 2025

Discover Blickling

Blickling and Blickling Hall

Blickling is a village and civil parish in the English county of Norfolk, located about 12 miles (19 km) north of Norwich. It is best known for Blickling Hall, one of England’s most iconic stately homes.

Blickling Hall

Blickling Hall is a Jacobean-style country house in Norfolk, managed by the National Trust and celebrated for its architectural distinction and layered history. Constructed between 1616 and 1627, it replaced an earlier medieval manor house and stands as a refined example of early 17th-century design. The estate carries notable historical associations, most prominently with Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII. Local tradition claims she was born at Blickling, although most historians place her birth at Hever Castle in Kent. Her father, Thomas Boleyn, did own the estate in the early 1500s, anchoring the property firmly within Tudor history.

Among the hall’s interior treasures is its library, regarded as one of England’s finest private collections with over 13,000 volumes. Many of these were assembled in the 18th century by Sir Richard Elwes, reflecting centuries of literary and intellectual heritage. The surrounding landscape further enhances the estate’s appeal. Parts of the parkland were shaped by the renowned landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, featuring formal gardens, a symmetrical parterre, a serene lake, and miles of woodland walks that invite exploration across the seasons.

During the Second World War, Blickling’s grounds took on a military role as RAF Oulton, a satellite airfield supporting Bomber Command operations. This contrast between tranquil estate and wartime function adds another dimension to its historical narrative.

Ownership of Blickling passed through several prominent families. After the Boleyns, the estate moved to the Coles and then the Hobarts before coming under the control of the Earls of Buckinghamshire in the 18th century. In 1940, Philip Kerr, 11th Marquess of Lothian, bequeathed the property to the National Trust through the Country Houses Scheme, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Places to Eat & Drink

When visiting Blickling Hall, you’ll find a few pleasant options for refreshments both on the estate and in the surrounding area. Inside the grounds of Blickling Hall itself, the Orangery Restaurant offers light lunches, afternoon teas, and seasonal dishes made with local ingredients. It’s set within elegant surroundings overlooking the formal gardens and is open during the National Trust’s usual visiting season, typically from March through October. While booking isn’t usually necessary for lunch, it’s advisable to reserve ahead if you’re planning to enjoy a traditional cream tea.

Just outside the main entrance to the estate, on the A140, you’ll find the Buckinghamshire Arms—a friendly country pub that serves classic British fare such as hearty pies, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts. It has a welcoming atmosphere, outdoor seating, and is popular with visitors after a walk around the hall’s grounds or a tour of the house. Dogs are welcome too, making it a convenient stop for those exploring with pets.

For more dining variety, the nearby market town of Aylsham is only about three miles away and well worth the short drive. There you’ll find The Black Boys Inn, a historic coaching inn offering modern British cuisine in a characterful setting, along with comfortable rooms if you’d like to extend your stay. Café 9, located right on Aylsham’s marketplace, is an independent café known for its excellent coffee, homemade soups, quiches, and generous slices of cake—plus plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices.

Things to Do

Today, Blickling Hall welcomes visitors seasonally, typically from March to October. Guests can enjoy guided tours of the house, temporary exhibitions, the Orangery restaurant, and a calendar of events spanning garden workshops to historical reenactments. The estate has also gained recognition as a filming location for productions such as The Crown and Midsomer Murders, and remains a sought-after venue for weddings and private functions.

Blickling Hall endures as a compelling fusion of architectural elegance, literary legacy, and royal connection—a cornerstone of Norfolk’s cultural and historical landscape.

Getting Around

Blickling is a small rural village in Norfolk with limited public transport connections, making private transport the most practical way to reach and explore the area. The estate sits just off the A140, approximately 12 miles north of Norwich, with clear signage directing visitors to the National Trust car park—charges apply for non-members. There is no train station in Blickling itself; the nearest mainline station is in Norwich, from where taxis or pre-booked transport are necessary for the onward journey. Local bus services are infrequent and do not stop directly at the hall entrance, requiring a walk of up to a mile along country lanes. Once on the estate, the grounds are best explored on foot via a network of well-maintained paths that connect the hall, gardens, lake, and woodland walks. Cycling is permitted on designated routes, and bike racks are available near the entrance. Taxis from Norwich or Aylsham can be arranged for return journeys, though advance booking is advisable given the area’s limited connectivity. For those without a vehicle, combining a visit with nearby Aylsham—reachable by bus from Norwich—offers a more accessible base with additional amenities before taking a short taxi ride to the hall.

Aylsham

Blickling

Buxton

Cromer

Felbrigg

Horsey

Ludham

Norwich

Wroxham

Locally:

Being in the middle of the Norfolk countryside has its perks… foodies can flock to the market town of Aylsham (10 minutes’ drive) beside the River Bure for lush local produce and ‘slow food’ concept eateries. Blickling Hall (15 minutes), a Jacobean stately home, is easily combined into one trip.

From Aylsham, there’s a footpath to Wroxham (20 minutes). There, board the Bure Valley Railway for a steam train journey back to Buxton (by your new base).

Towards the Norfolk coast and right on the edge of The Broads, Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens (40 minutes) has a small zoo or, for adventurous types, a treetop adventure course.

But of course, those Broads and the gorgeous Norfolk coast must somehow feature in your itinerary. The seaside at Mundesley (25 minutes) was just as popular in the Victorian era as it is now. Wroxham (20 minutes), set on the River Yare, has a riverside park and boats available for hire.

Must See:

Blickling Hall, Gardens and Park 5.8 mi

BeWILDerwood 6.2 mi

Norwich Cathedral 7.7 mi

Colman’s Mustard Shop and Museum 7.9 mi

Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery 7.9 mi

…

National Trust

Blickling Hall, Gardens and Park 5.8 mi

Felbrigg Hall, Garden and Park 11.5 mi

Horsey Windpump 13.7 mi

Sheringham Park 13.7 mi

Elizabethan House Museum 19.7 mi