Oxburgh Estate
Oxburgh Estate things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Approx. 10 miles to the east of Downham Market, Oxburgh Hall, built in highly fashionable red brick, was completed in 1482 for Sir Edmund Bedingfield as a family home complete with a moat. The family have lived there ever since, surviving a Civil War, periods of near dereliction and, in the mid-20th century, the threat of demolition. Their unshakable Catholic faith and commitment to preserving the family history were pivotal to their initial success and subsequent demise. Due to outstanding rent and unpaid taxes, in 1951 Oxburgh was sold to an Insurance Company with the intention to resell it but because of a lack of interest, Oxburgh was sold back to the Bedingfield family. The following year Lady Bedingfield gave Oxburgh Estate to the National Trust. There is plenty to see in the Hall, including the Saloon, Drawing Room, Library, Dining Room and the grand King’s Room. Some of the wallpaper dates back to the mid-18th century. There is also an extensive collection of portraits. One of the highlights are the Oxburgh Hangings (also known as the Marian Hangings), needlework bed hangings made by Mary, Queen of Scots and Bess of Hardwick, during the period of Mary's captivity in England in the late 16th century. The Hall has recently undergone extensive repairs to the roof, chimneys, windows and medieval gatehouse façade costing around £6 million. Outdoors there is the kitchen garden, orchard and herbaceous border. For the younger ones there is the opportunity to make a den or play Pooh sticks. Food and drink are available at the Pantry Café and Courtyard tea room with picnic benches for those wishing to bring their own food. There is the customary giftshop and amazing second-hand bookshop. Dogs are welcomed in the eateries and both the shops with dog friendly ice cream also available.
Edward BullockEdward Bullock
00
Really nice place tucked away on side of pub in countryside. House got recently refitted roof and there is couple rooms available to walk through. They are furnished with mix of items from various period throughout the time. Library has extensive collection and couple funky features ie fake book doors on sideboard and full size door as well as hidden door access for servants, butler. There is plethora of paintings lots of them are of unknown people but you can still appreciate the art. Quite impressive is the leather wallpaper in the staircase. Building is made of fired brick and it's slightly smaller than modern brick which along the Italian feel of the buildings adds to the overall feel. While in the house you could see the moat that surrounds the building and adds feeling of movement to some it can evoke slight discomfort. There are two cafés one just on entry a outside and one in the house with added seating in courtyard. Standard items as sandwiches, sausage roll and some vegetarian option on menu with tea, coffee and cake. Surrounding grounds are easy to access and feature some wood sculptures not necessarily related to house but to nature such as owl, swan, otter etc. Spend there about 3 hours including coffee break.
martin memphismartin memphis
10
I visited here with my Mum and Grandma. We parked in the disabled car park right next to the entrance. We used their wheelchair which I would advise as the wheels are suitable for the gravel and building. This was free of charge to use and free parking with disabled badge. It was £10 per adult to enter. We went on a tour at 11am for an hour with a tour guide. There was a group of 12 of us. We were walking around with Jane. She was a wonderful guide very insightful and knowledgeable. We loved the tour as it put what we were seeing in perspective. The past, present and future really says it all about the tour. We then went in the Hall which is wheelchair friendly throughout. We had lunch at the cafe which was delicious. The hall itself is beautiful inside! Well worth the visit. We met a wonderful chap (a volunteer who was from Canda) He was approachable, friendly and full of knowledge. My Grandma thoroughly enjoyed chatting with him. My Grandma could not get upstairs due to her physical health but they have photos of what was upstairs so she did not miss out. We loved our outing here. Thank you to all the hard working volunteers to keep this place going!
Rebecca LouiseRebecca Louise
00
Oxburgh Hall, which was completed in 1482, now a National Trust site, is fascinating. Having been through the Civil War and survived the threat of being demolished in the 20th century. On my visit, parts of the hall were off-limits due to conservation work, and if I got it correct, part of the property is still lived in. There's a number of exhibits, including letters from royalty and jewellery. One thing I found fascinating is that some of the wallpaper was leather. On my visit, there was a Dad's Army stall and Jones van on display. 2 early episodes (in black and white) features Oxburgh Hall. There are toilets onsite. There was a queue when I went. The toilets are unisex (4 cubicles), and the one I used was clean. There is a disabled toilet in the hall. There's also a busy cafe. The grounds include a formal garden and a kitchen garden and extra toilets. The hall hasn't been adapted for wheelchair users (due to the nature of the site and its listing). The ground floor appears to be accessible. Staff were helpful and informative.
Paul SavagePaul Savage
00
Oxburgh estate is a great place to bring the family and enjoy history, architecture, and nature. We used a free national trust voucher, otherwise membership is the most economical way to visit. There are extensive walled gardens to explore first up, then you emerge into an open area with the grand house and its well kept moat. The house has undergone some expensive refurbishment and is looking in great condition. (£6 million later) The walk around the house is really interesting with helpful guides dotted about. There is a cafe and a shop in the central courtyard. We brought flask and a picnic to save on a cafe spend. The priests hole was a highlight. Then the 3rd part of the trip is a walk around the grounds. Although the house is incredible, the walk was my highlight because some of the trees are so amazing. There are very old well established varieties that we really enjoyed, then the walk is easy underfoot and as long as you would like to make it. Dogs welcome in any area outside.
Matthew CMatthew C
00
Absolutely stunning, beautiful building and estate. I'm glad we were able to see it without scaffolding. It is a magnificent piece of living history! Would have been 5 stars but for a couple of things... None of which would prevent me from visiting again, and hopefully they will be resolved fairly soon! 1. There was no gift shop. We love buying magnets for our fridge from the places we've visited, and we were unable to get one from Oxburgh Hall. 2. Maps of the property are available, and they have suggested walks. One of the start/end points of one of the walks was closed due to storm damage. An alternate route was suggested via a chalk board, but wasn't very clear and wasn't well signposted, so we got a little lost. All being told, I would highly recommend a visit. Particularly if you are a National Trust member. We had immense fun playing Garden Croquet, and practicing a little archery all guided by one of the fantastic volunteers that helps to keep this amazing building alive!
Richard LawsonRichard Lawson
80
Nearby Restaurants Of Oxburgh Estate
Bedingfeld Arms
Bedingfeld Arms
4.4
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Address
Oxborough, King's Lynn PE33 9PS, United Kingdom
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Phone
+44 1366 328258
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Website
nationaltrust.org.uk
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4.6
(1.7K reviews)$$
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Description
Oxburgh Hall is a moated country house in Oxborough, Norfolk, England. The hall was built for Sir Edmund Bedingfeld who obtained a licence to crenellate in 1482.
attractions: , restaurants: Bedingfeld Arms
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