National Trust - Felbrigg Hall, Gardens & Estate — Attraction in North Norfolk

We really enjoyed the Fellbrigg, Hall. It is one of the best National trust properties we’ve been to in recent years.

The gardens are absolutely immaculate and so well maintained. There’s lots of metal sculpture, thoughtful signage and information boards around the place. They haven’t used pesticides for 16 years and have various strategies to keep the garden ecologically sound and wildlife friendly, including a few bantams and their chicks happily roaming to keep on top of pests.

Outside of the wall garden are beautiful woodland and lake walks which vary from a mile and a half to 5 miles in length. When you enter the car park you can buy a ticket there and get a really well designed map.

The park doesn’t open until 10 am so be mindful of that and the house opens at 12. We were offered a guided tour of the cellars and attics which on listening to a guide inside the house we regretted turning down. The cellars sound fascinating.

The house itself is very well maintained and has a wealth of history. We always enjoy seeing the servants areas as it provides an extra dimension but not every house gives you access to this – Felbrigg Hall does.

The open courtyard is home to a small takeout café, bookshop, gift shop, toilets and larger café, with plenty of courtyard seating inside the courtyard and also plant sales. Everything was tiptop and the food and service great.

Special mention must go to the volunteers and staff throughout the hall and gardens who were always super friendly, helpful and ready to offer advice and information without being OTT.

We used the Pod Point EV charger at the hall, which was right next to the ticket hut in the car park. There is a space for two electric vehicles. Apparently National trust chargers used to be free but they are now 45p per kWh, which, as new EV drivers, we think very reasonable for a public charger (actually the cheapest we’ve found in the area having paid between 56 - 75p per kWh) . It’s a slower 7 kW charger but we still got a decent charge during our visit there and were pleased to find it empty when we arrived.

As with any EV, because it was the first time we used it, we had to download and sign up to the PodPoint app; the signal for us was pretty poor on EE, and non-existent on Three so my advice would be to sign up to Pod Point whilst you’re on Wi-Fi and add your card details/credit funds to the account before you leave. Once you’ve done that it was an absolute doddle to use on site.

We spent four hours at Fellbrigg and could’ve spent...

Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk. Unusually the house opens at 12:00 but luckily the grounds open at 10:00 so we were able to explore the walled garden. It is probably the best walled garden I’ve seen with incredibly healthy plants thriving in the soil. As well as flowers and shrubs there was also a vegetable section which made me very envious and they had some of the best herbs I’ve seen. As well as statues dotted around they also had free range chickens pecking away and a dovecot with beautiful white doves. Well worth a visit.

Like most houses Felbrigg Hall has changed over time. There was a house in this spot recorded in the Domesday Book and the existing building was build on top of a Tudor one. Unusually we were given a guided tour of the cellars and attics. Fascinating stuff as nothing was thrown away. An ice box from the 1700’s was to impress guests - ice from the lake (the UK was going through a mini ice age) could last for 2 years in the icehouse. A Tudor cellar was discovered- bricked up and going under the front of the house. Oil lamps were used to light the house - the oil used was whale oil. Those lamps now reside on a shelf in the cellar. Nothing was thrown away so the flotsam and jetsam of the last 400 years is still stored. One of the saddest things was the early death of two sisters, very talented artists, writers etc. their favourite room had striped wallpaper in their favourite Paris Green. To get this colour arsenic was used and both women died with the symptoms of arsenic poisoning. We always try and go on guided tours - you learn so much.

Felbrigg Hall is unusual in as much as the contents have really not changed much as the house changed hands. When gifted to the National Trust one stipulation was that nothing left the house and nothing was brought into the house. Physically the house has changed as owners built or adapted it to suit their needs and finances. Some of the original textiles and wallpapers are...

Felbrigg Hall, Gardens, and Estate – A Norfolk Gem

Felbrigg Hall is a true treasure tucked away in the Norfolk countryside. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the charm of this elegant 17th-century country house and its stunning grounds. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful day out, Felbrigg has something for everyone.

The house itself is a delight to explore. Each room is beautifully preserved, with fascinating collections of art, furniture, and books that give you a real sense of the people who once lived there. The friendly National Trust volunteers are always happy to share stories and answer questions, which really brings the place to life.

The gardens are a highlight—especially the walled garden, which bursts with color and fragrance through the seasons. There’s something magical about wandering through the orchard, kitchen garden, and herbaceous borders, all carefully tended and full of life.

If you love a good walk, Felbrigg’s parkland is perfect. There are miles of scenic trails through ancient woodland, past lakes, and along rolling fields. You’ll likely spot plenty of wildlife along the way, from deer to birds of prey.

When it’s time for a break, the café is a treat, offering delicious homemade cakes, soups, and light lunches. There’s also a lovely little shop for gifts and local goodies.

Felbrigg is the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again—a peaceful, beautiful spot that feels like a step back in time and a breath of fresh air...