Heritage, Museums and Churches in West Norfolk
History is easily found in West Norfolk with archaeological digs uncovering many notable discoveries over the years. One one well known location for such finds are found at the Sedgeford archaeological dig.
In West Norfolk, windmills still turn their sails and at some, flour is
still ground and the most delicious bread baked!A good example of this type
of attraction is Bircham Windmill
where they make their own cheeses. Here you can see for miles of Norfolk
countryside once you climb to the top of the mill.
Discover the
royal estate of
Sandringham
and its museum and, of course, Sandringham Church where The Royal Family
attend services when visiting the area.
Sandringham House is the charming country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen hidden in the heart of sixty acres of beautiful wooded gardens. Still maintained in the style of Edward and Alexandra, Prince and Princess of Wales (later King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra), all the main ground floor rooms used by The Royal Family, full of their treasured ornaments, portraits and furniture, are open to the public. The Ballroom of the House displays a different exhibition each year, each time showing part of the collections in the private rooms of the house not normally accessible to visitors. More family possessions are displayed in the Museum housed in the old stables and coach houses including vehicles ranging in date from the first car owned by a British monarch, a 1900 Daimler, to a half-scale Aston Martin used by Princes William and Harry. A display tells the mysterious tale of the Sandringham Company who fought and died at Gallipolli in 1915, a photographic exhibition in the Museum shows the history of Sandringham House from 1870 to the present day, and there is a fascinating collection of gifts given to Her Majesty The Queen by people from all over the world. The sixty-acre gardens include the formal North Garden, the Stream Walk and Queen Alexandra’s Summerhouse, perched above the lake; the formal planting of the Edwardian age has given way to great sweeping glades, bordered by splendid specimen trees and shrubs, to create an informal garden full of colour and interest throughout the year; a free Land Train from within the entrance will carry passengers less able to walk through the gardens to the House and back. Guided garden tours take place on Fridays and Saturdays. Sandringham Church is also well worth a visit, and there are six hundred acres of the Country Park open to all, with tractor tours running daily. There are restaurants, shops and a plant centre, all at the Visitor Centre, close to the coach and car parks. Sandringham’s welcoming country house atmosphere is commented on by almost every visitor, and the most common complaint is that people have not allowed enough time to see everything there is – at least 3 hours is necessary, and there is enough to fill a full day’s visit. Opening Times: Daily, Easter to late July and then early August to end October, 11am to 4.45pm (4pm in October).
Alternatively, visit the stately home of Holkham. Holkham Hall is the perfect place for a visit. Surrounded by acres of rolling parkland this magnificent Palladian building is a joy to discover, full of treasures in every room, from incredible architecture and stunning art, to original furniture and statuary. New Exhibition for 2012 – The Ostrich and The Crown Discover Holkham’s royal connections over 400 years of history with our special exhibition in the hall. In the Bygones Museum step back in time, relive memories and learn how people once lived, what they used and how inventive they were. Holkham Hall's 18th century walled gardens are in the third year of a five-year project to sensitively restore them to their former glory. A great chance for you to see the amazing restoration work in progress and buy a plant or two. The park is 3000 acres in size and a sanctuary for wildlife. The nature trail, signposted walks and bike hire are a great opportunity to see the flora and fauna and some of our landmarks of historical and architectural significance. Why not extend your visit to enjoy one of Holkham Hall's many events. The varied programme offers delights such as chamber music and opera in the Marble Hall and summer jazz and outdoor theatre in the courtyard.
or Houghton Hall which
is situated 5 miles east from Sandringham. Houghton Hall was built in the
1720s by Sir Robert Walpole with magnificently furnished staterooms,
award-winning 5-acre walled garden, a
Model Soldier Museum and much more.
Experience the rich and varied
maritime history in the magnificent
Kings Lynn Custom House. Enjoy the wealth of architecture or relax in
the peace of
the 'Walks', the town's central park and don't forget, King's Lynn is
now home to a brand new exhibition of the 4000 year old Seahenge discovered
on the nearby beach at Holme-next-the-Sea.
Find out all about
churches in
West Norfolk and enjoy many a day out reliving Norfolk's church history.
