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

Built in the 1720s by Britain'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, craftsmen 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 vibrant agricultural estate. Closer to the Hall is the Deer Park, home to herd of white fallow deer and other smaller groups of exotic deer. The church is also in the park. Throughout the grounds there are several contemporary sculptures by artists of world renown: Sky Space by James Turrell; Full Moon Circle by Richard Long, Interior Space and Flask by Stephen Cox and Anya Gallaccio's Sybil Beech Hedge.

The 5-acre award winning garden is laid out in a series of 'rooms' divided by clipped yew hedges interspersed with statues. The rose parterre has over 150 English roses set around a sunken fountain. The stunning 120 yard double herbaceous border runs through the centre of the wall garden with a rustic temple at one end, and glasshouse at the other end. There is a large mixed kitchen garden with a rustic fruit cage designed by Julian and Isobel Bannerman. The most recent addition is Jeppe Hein's 'Waterflame' feature. Visitors are invited to play croquet, as well as wonder through the Wisteria pergola and pleached limes.

The Model Soldier Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive collections in the world. The 20,000 models are displayed in various battle formations, complemented by a selection of individual models.

The picnic and play area for children are situated next to the car park. The licensed restaurant and Gift Shop are in The Stable Square.

Houghton Hall is open from Sunday 4th April - Thursday 30th September 2010. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. 11.30a.m.- 5.30 p.m. The Hall is open from 1.30-5.00 p.m. (Last admission 4.30)

Admission charges:
Garden, Park, Museum: Adult £6.00 Child (5-16yrs) £2.50 Family (2+3) £15.
House, Garden, Park, Museum: Adult £8.80 Child (5-16yr) £3.50 Family (2+3) £22
(Party discounts for groups 20+)

Special Events 2010
May 27-30 The Subaru Houghton International Horse Trials
www.houghtoninternational.co.uk

August 22 - Houghton by Candlelight - Details: 01458 528569

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: