The splendid Palladian house built by Sir Robert Walpole, Britain's first prime minister, with magnificantly furnished state rooms designed by William Kent. 5-acre Walled garden; Contemporary Sculptures; model soldier museum; park; restaurant,giftshop.

Built in the 1720s by Britian's first prime minister, Robert Walpole, Houghton Hall is one of the grandest Palladian houses in England. Walpole created a magnificent showcase for the finest architects, craftesmen and painters of the Georgian Age. The work of architects James Gibbs and Colen Campbell was complemented by the superb interiors of William Kent and opulently furnished to reflect Walpole's status. The 7th Marques of Cholmondeley, whose family inherited the estate through marriage, continues to maintain many of the original features and furnishings of the Hall, allowing visitors the opportunity to step back in time and enjoy Houghton Hall much as it would have been in Walpole's day.

The Hall sits at the centre of a 450 acre Deer Park, home to over 600 famous white fallow deer and other smaller groups of exotic deer. The church is also in the park. Contemporary sculputes including a Sky Space by James Turrell; A Full Moon Circle by Richard Long, and Interior Space by Stephen Cox, are on display near the Hall.

The 5-acre walled garden re-designed in 1991, is laid out in a series of 'garden rooms' divided by clipped yew hedges interspersed with statues, including a rose parterre with old and new roses, sunken fountain. A stunning 120 yard double herbaceous border runs through the centre of the wall garden with a rustic temple at one end, and orchid glasshouse at the other end. There is a large mixed kitchen garden with a rustic fruit cage designed by Julian Bannerman. Visitors are invited to play croquet, as well as wonder through the Wisteria pergola and pleached limes.

The picnic and play area for children are situated next to the car park, although there is a licensed restaurant in the stable yard.


Houghton Hall is open from Sunday 23rd March - Sunday 28th September 2008. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. 11.00a.m.- 5.30 p.m. The Hall is open from 1.30-5.00 p.m. (Last admission 4.30)

Admission Charges: Adults £8 children £3 Family £20
Entry Everything but the house: Adults £5 Children £2 Family £12

Directions:

Off the A148 Fakenham/King's Lynn road at New Houghton - 10 miles East of Fakenham and 13 miles west of King's Lynn.

Facilities: