Norfolk


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heritage-amp-horticultural-hotspots">HERITAGE &amp; HORTICULTURAL HOTSPOTS</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-east-ruston-old-vicarage"><a href="https://eastrustonoldvicarage.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Ruston Old Vicarage</a> </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/East-Ruston-Old-Vicarage.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35517" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/East-Ruston-Old-Vicarage.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/East-Ruston-Old-Vicarage-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/East-Ruston-Old-Vicarage-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/East-Ruston-Old-Vicarage-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>October is the last month of the year that you can visit the magical&nbsp;East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden&nbsp;and its lovely tea room, which both close on <strong>Thu 31 Oct</strong> having been open since early spring. The beautiful, 32 acre grounds contain many ‘garden rooms’ to explore – our favourite is the Winter Garden (above) with its view of Happisburgh Lighthouse through a porthole cut in trees. Open Wednesdays to Sundays.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.hovetonhallestate.co.uk">Hoveton Hall Estate</a>, near Wroxham</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/07/Hoveton-Hall-Gardens-cinema.jpg" alt="Hoveton Hall Gardens" class="wp-image-42979" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/07/Hoveton-Hall-Gardens-cinema.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/07/Hoveton-Hall-Gardens-cinema-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/07/Hoveton-Hall-Gardens-cinema-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/07/Hoveton-Hall-Gardens-cinema-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Hoveton Hall is a lived-in family home which opens the surrounding estate to visitors from spring. It closes for winter this year on <strong>Mon 30 Sep</strong>. There’s something for everyone in the 15-acre gardens, from lakeside walks and a walled Spider Garden (relax, arachnophobes, the name comes from a wrought-iron Spider’s Web gate) to the Old Kitchen Garden. After, grab a caffeine boost (or something stronger – it’s licensed) and tuck into local produce at the <a href="https://www.thegardenkitchencafe.co.uk">Garden Kitchen Café</a>, which remains open until December.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.hindringhamhall.org/gardens/">Hindringham Hall</a>, near Fakenham</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/01/Hindringham-Hall.jpeg" alt="Hindringham Hall" class="wp-image-31644" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/01/Hindringham-Hall.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/01/Hindringham-Hall-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/01/Hindringham-Hall-720x480.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/01/Hindringham-Hall-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/01/Hindringham-Hall-787x525.jpeg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>North Norfolk&#8217;s&nbsp;Hindringham Hall&nbsp;is home to mediaeval fish ponds and one of the only complete moats in Norfolk, as well as a tea room overlooking the garden, serving coffee, tea and cake in pretty bone china. It currently opens on Sunday afternoons and Wednesday mornings, but will close for the season from <strong>Wed 9 Oct</strong>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raveningham-gardens-near-norwich"><a href="http://raveningham.com/gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raveningham Gardens</a>, near Norwich</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="536" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-07-at-15.23.43.png" alt="" class="wp-image-56689" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-07-at-15.23.43.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-07-at-15.23.43-800x429.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-07-at-15.23.43-768x412.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Raveningham Estate is owned by former President of the Royal Horticultural Society, Sir Nicholas Bacon, so expect to be impressed!  Catch late summer flowering as you explore the large herbaceous borders, Victorian walled kitchen garden with glasshouse, herb garden, time garden, arboretum and Millennium lake, with sculptures by Susan Bacon dotted throughout. During the final month of opening, September (closing for 2024 on<strong> Fri 27 Sep</strong>), the gardens are open Wednesdays, Thursday and Fridays, 11am to 4pm, with the outdoor Tea Hut open to serve takeaway drinks, cakes and light bites. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exhibtions">EXHIBTIONS</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-houghton-hall-near-king-s-lynn"><a href="https://www.houghtonhall.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houghton Hall</a>, near King&#8217;s Lynn</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/antony-gormley-houghton-hall-norfolk.jpg" alt="Antony Gormley Houghton Hall" class="wp-image-50853" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/antony-gormley-houghton-hall-norfolk.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/antony-gormley-houghton-hall-norfolk-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/antony-gormley-houghton-hall-norfolk-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A stately home with cool art credentials, Houghton Hall has hosted blockbuster exhibitions by the likes of Anish Kapoor, Richard Long and Damien Hirst in its glorious grounds and historic interiors.&nbsp;This year&#8217;s treat for art lovers has been a double whammy, with ceramist <a href="https://www.houghtonhall.com/whats-on/dame-magdalene-odundo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dame Magdalene Odundo</a> showcasing new work (until <strong>Sun 29 Sep</strong>) and <a href="https://www.houghtonhall.com/whats-on/antony-gormleys-time-horizon">Anthony Gormley</a> with his iconic <em>Time Horizon</em> sculptures (above), until <strong>Thu 31 Oct</strong>, with the hall and gardens closing for the winter on the same day. The gardens are dotted with permanent sculptures by artists such as Henry Moore, and an extra-special&nbsp;<em>Skyspace</em>&nbsp;installation by light and space artist James Turrell which are worth a nosey if you haven&#8217;t seen them before.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-royal-garden-waste-to-fashion-s-future-sandringham"><a href="https://sandringhamestate.co.uk/events/vin-omi-from-royal-gardens-to-fashions-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Garden Waste to Fashion’s Future</a>, Sandringham</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/417566147_781515290694677_7267903639442623693_n-800x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56694" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/417566147_781515290694677_7267903639442623693_n-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/417566147_781515290694677_7267903639442623693_n-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/417566147_781515290694677_7267903639442623693_n-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/417566147_781515290694677_7267903639442623693_n.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



<p>Fashion fans and eco Queens assemble! It&#8217;s your last chance to see the pioneering exhibit between VIN + OMI and His Maj, King Charles, at Sandringham. The collection of 26 pieces from the award-winning designers have each been made using plant waste taken from the Royal Gardens, including Highgrove and Sandringham. The resulting garments and accessories are seriously cool and might just promote you to look through your own flower beds. On display until <strong>Fri 11 Oct</strong>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-fun">FAMILY FUN</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.thebressinghamgardens.com/">The Bressingham Gardens</a> and <a href="https://bressingham.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steam Museum</a>, near Diss</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/secret-garden-the-bressingham-gardens.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-44312" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/secret-garden-the-bressingham-gardens.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/secret-garden-the-bressingham-gardens-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/secret-garden-the-bressingham-gardens-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/secret-garden-the-bressingham-gardens-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Mums of loco-lovers might be regulars at Bressingham’s Steam Museum (closing <strong>Sun 3 Nov</strong>), but if you&#8217;re partial to a garden gander, head to The&nbsp;Bressingham Gardens which are open until mid November. There’s a whopping 8,000 species and varieties of plants over six linked gardens, including a new secret garden with pampas grass, echinacea and verbena (pictured above).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gressenhall-farm-and-workhouse-near-dereham"><a href="https://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/gressenhall-farm-and-workhouse">Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse</a>, near Dereham</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/Gressenhall-Adventure-Playground.png" alt="Gressenhall Adventure Playground" class="wp-image-44235" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/Gressenhall-Adventure-Playground.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/Gressenhall-Adventure-Playground-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/Gressenhall-Adventure-Playground-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/Gressenhall-Adventure-Playground-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Another family favourite about to bed down for winter is&nbsp;Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse&nbsp;which closes on <strong>Sun 3 Nov</strong>. Explore the workhouse museum and then head outside to the orchards, working farm, lovely riverside walk and excellent adventure playground. Don’t miss the top-notch quiche and sausage rolls in the café. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.watatunga.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watatunga</a>, near King&#8217;s Lynn</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/Watatunga.jpg" alt="Watatunga Wildlife Reserve" class="wp-image-44245" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/Watatunga.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/Watatunga-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/Watatunga-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/Watatunga-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For a safari without leaving the country, nay county, hit up&nbsp;Watatunga,&nbsp;a wildlife reserve that’s big on ecotourism and conservation. Scour their 170 acres in search of water buffalo, deer, antelope and birds from your very own electric buggy! You can book a stay there in the cool self-catering accommodation year round but for a buggy tour of the park you&#8217;ll need to get in before <strong>Thu 31 Oct</strong>. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.pettittsadventurepark.co.uk">Pettitts Animal Adventure Park</a>, Reedham</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/10/Pettits.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-30961" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/10/Pettits.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/10/Pettits-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/10/Pettits-667x500.jpeg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/10/Pettits-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/10/Pettits-700x525.jpeg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This petting zoo and family adventure park is having its last hurrah before it closes for the season with free Halloween <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=931138389055547&amp;set=a.486392666863457" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pumpkin picking</a> from <strong>Fri 25 Oct &#8211; Sun 3 Nov </strong> (each paying child receives one free pumpkin). There&#8217;ll also be spooky live shows, rides and animal exhibitions for a full-on day of fun.</p>


The final countdown! Last chance to visit these cultural gems

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