Norfolk


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oulton-hall-aylsham-sun-1-jun"><a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/19706/oulton-hall">Oulton Hall</a>, Aylsham &#8211; Sun 1 Jun</h2>



<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/12/2023/04/Oulton-Hall-NGS.jpg" alt="Oulton Hall, NGS" class="wp-image-41092" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Oulton-Hall-NGS.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Oulton-Hall-NGS-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Oulton-Hall-NGS-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Oulton-Hall-NGS-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Oulton Hall, NGS</figcaption></figure>



<p>Gardens designed by a&nbsp;<em>Chelsea Flower Show</em>&nbsp;winner are definitely ones to make a beeline for. Medallist and green-fingered guru Clare Agnew can take credit for those at Oulton Hall, where herbaceous, Italian, water, sunken and parterre gardens flow from one to the next. There’s also lake and woodland walks, all of which surround the 18th century manor house and clock tower.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elsing-hall-gardens-elsing-sat-7-jun"><a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/9629/elsing-hall-gardens">Elsing Hall Gardens</a>, Elsing &#8211; Sat 7 Jun</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="803" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/05/9629-03.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67299" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/05/9629-03.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/05/9629-03-800x642.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/05/9629-03-768x617.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You&#8217;ll go to Elsing Hall Gardens for the abundant collection of classic garden roses but stay for the walled, terraced and formal gardens, interesting pinetum, ginkgo avenue and views across the picturesque lake. There&#8217;s 10 acres of gardens to take in, and a 10 acre park surrounding the striking 15th Century fortified Manor House. In short, it&#8217;s nothing short of stunning. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ferndale-upper-stoke-holy-cross-sun-8-jun-amp-sun-27-jul"><a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/43490/ferndale">Ferndale</a>, Upper Stoke Holy Cross&nbsp;– Sun 8 Jun &amp; Sun 27 Jul</h2>



<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/12/2023/04/Ferndale-NGS.jpg" alt="Ferndale, NGS" class="wp-image-41085" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Ferndale-NGS.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Ferndale-NGS-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Ferndale-NGS-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Ferndale-NGS-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ferndale, NGS</figcaption></figure>



<p>More petite than many gardens on this list, Ferndale proves good things do come in small packages – this third of an acre is brimming with apple trees, veggie plots, a greenhouse, water feature and rose arbour, as well as ornaments dotted around the garden and a tree carving keeping an eye on visitors. There’s spots to sit and rest and, if you’re lucky, there might even be an accordionist playing French music in the garden. Ooh la la!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-manor-farm-house-fakenham-sun-15-jun"><a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/19730/manor-house-farm-wellingham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manor Farm House</a>, Fakenham &#8211; Sun 15 Jun</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/05/19730-03.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-67321" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/05/19730-03.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/05/19730-03-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/05/19730-03-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>On the surface Manor Farm House is cottagecore galore but while wandering around the four acre country garden you&#8217;ll see it is <em>sooo</em> much more. You&#8217;ll find an small but amazing arboretum, vegetable parterre, rose tunnel and formal quadrants, but it is the walled &#8216;Taj&#8217; garden with its old fashioned roses, lillies, tree peonies and pond which is Muddy&#8217;s favourite area. And if you&#8217;re lucky, you might just see a small herd of Formosan Sika deer wandering around too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lexham-hall-litcham-wed-16-jul"><a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/4388/lexham-hall">Lexham Hall</a>, Litcham&nbsp;– Wed 16 Jul</h2>



<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/12/2023/04/Lexham-Paul-Close-Photography.jpg" alt="Lexham - Paul Close Photography" class="wp-image-41091" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Lexham-Paul-Close-Photography.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Lexham-Paul-Close-Photography-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Lexham-Paul-Close-Photography-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Lexham-Paul-Close-Photography-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lexham &#8211; Paul Close Photography</figcaption></figure>



<p>Summer is the perfect time to visit Lexham Hall’s gardens, which are on a traditional Norfolk farming estate and surround an envy-inducing family home straight out of&nbsp;<em>Downton</em>. In July the walled garden borders will be at their best,  spot the reed-thatched summerhouse and chill out on the tranquil lake and river walks before refuelling with a drink and a bite to eat.</p>



<p><strong>After more? Take a look at these open days throughout June</strong>:</p>



<p><a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/45139/the-norfolk-hospice-tapping-house">The Norfolk Hospice</a>, Tapping House &#8211; Sun 29 Jun<br><a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/18212/high-house-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">High House Gardens</a>, Shipdham &#8211; Sun 8 Jun &amp; Sun 14 Sep<br><a href="https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/the-white-cottage-pe31/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The White Cottage</a>, West Rudham &#8211;  Sun 8 Jun<br><a href="https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/wensum-house-pe31/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wensum House</a>, East Rudham &#8211; Sun 8 Jun<br><a href="https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/wensum-farmhouse-pe31/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wensum Farmhouse</a>, Nr West Rudham &#8211; Sun 8 Jun<br><a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/43491/47-norwich-road" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">47 Norwich Road</a>, Stoke Holy Cross &#8211; Sat 14 Jun<br><a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/43492/d9f7c7aa-1a6c-ee11-8124-00155d9dea00" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">51 Norwich Road</a>, Stoke Holy Cross &#8211; Sat 14 Jun<br><a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/35958/broadway-farm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broadway Farm</a>, Scarning &#8211; Sun 22 Jun<br><a href="https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/squires-barn-ip20/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Squires Barn</a>, Harleston &#8211; Sun 29 Jun<br><a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/43235/kerdiston_manor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kerdiston Manor</a>, Norwich &#8211; Sun 29 Jun</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>And don’t forget…</strong></h2>



<p>Though we’ll definitely be peeking behind the doors of usually private gardens, there are loads of others which are open over spring and summer in Norfolk, including the majestic royal <a href="https://sandringhamestate.co.uk/attractions/gardens">Sandringham</a>, home to a whopping 60 acres of formal gardens including a new Lower Maze Garden due to be completed by this summer. Open every day, there’s loads there, including a rock garden and two lakes. Make a day of it by exploring Sandringham house and taking a trip to the children’s woodland play area in the parkland.</p>



<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/Plantation-Garden.jpg" alt="Plantation Garden" class="wp-image-35391" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Plantation-Garden.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Plantation-Garden-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Plantation-Garden-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Plantation-Garden-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Plantation Garden</figcaption></figure>



<p>Back in Norwich, head to the magical&nbsp;<a href="https://www.plantationgarden.co.uk/">Plantation Garden</a> to escape into an oasis of calm. Created over 100 years ago in an abandoned chalk quarry, there’s a huge gothic fountain, flower beds, lawns, rustic bridge and greenhouses. Or visit the nearby&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/about/bishops-staff-team/about-bishops_staff_team-bishops/about-bishops_staff_team-bishop_norwich-bishop_of_enviroment-bishops_garden-bishops_garden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bishops House</a>, the Bishop of Norwich’s historic private garden, which is home to a woodland walk, herb garden, kitchen garden, bamboo walk and beehive. It only opens on certain days, when it raises cash for local charities, check the <a href="https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/about/bishops-staff-team/about-bishops_staff_team-bishops/about-bishops_staff_team-bishop_norwich-bishop_of_enviroment-bishops_garden-bishops_garden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dates here</a> from Jun-Aug.</p>



<p>If you’ve not yet visited&nbsp;<a href="https://manningtongardens.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mannington Hall and Gardens</a>, you’re in for a treat &#8211; open mid-May until end of Aug on Wed-Sun. This stunning 15th century hall and its gloriously romantic gardens has remained home to the Walpole family for generations. As well as playing host to the cutest vintage fairs and charity events, Mannington houses&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ambersbelltents.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amber’s Bell Tents</a>&nbsp;for cool camping.</p>



<p>Mums of train-lovers might be regulars at Bressingham’s steam museum, but to break up the routine head to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thebressinghamgardens.com">Bressingham Gardens</a>, which are open until October. There’s a whopping 8,000 species and varieties of plants over six linked gardens, perfect for inspiring a love of the great outdoors (and burning off some energy).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="480" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/07/8-3-720x480.jpg" alt="East Ruston Old Vicarage garden" class="wp-image-29812" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/07/8-3-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/07/8-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/07/8-3-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/07/8-3-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/07/8-3.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">East Ruston Old Vicarage</figcaption></figure>



<p>Up in north Norfolk, there’s&nbsp;<a href="https://eastrustonoldvicarage.co.uk/">East Ruston Old Vicarage</a>, where you can get your fill of fresh air in its 32 acres of gravel, subtropical, rose, Mediterranean and woodland gardens, open now until October. You can also head for a light lunch or afternoon tea at its tea room. Along the coast,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hindringhamhall.org/gardens/">Hindringham Hall</a>&nbsp;is home to mediaeval fish ponds and one of the only complete moats in Norfolk, as well as a tea room. It opens on Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday mornings. We also can’t forget about National Trust lovely&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/blickling-estate">Blickling Hall</a>, which is open year round and boasts 55 acres of formal gardens, 4,600 acres of woodland, parkland and farmland, The Stables and Muddy Boots cafés and the Bucks Arms pub (which does a cracking Sunday roast).</p>



<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/12/2023/04/Hoveton-Hall-Gardens-NGS.jpg" alt="Hoveton Hall Gardens, NGS" class="wp-image-41088" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Hoveton-Hall-Gardens-NGS.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Hoveton-Hall-Gardens-NGS-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Hoveton-Hall-Gardens-NGS-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Hoveton-Hall-Gardens-NGS-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hoveton Hall Gardens, NGS</figcaption></figure>



<p>One for the kids – the nature spy activity trail is perfect for guaranteeing a sulk-free walk, but there’s something for everyone in the 15-acre gardens at <a href="https://hovetonhallestate.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hoveton Hall Gardens</a>, 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 Garden Kitchen Café.&nbsp;</p>



<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/12/2023/04/Pensthorpe.jpg" alt="Pensthorpe" class="wp-image-41093" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Pensthorpe.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Pensthorpe-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Pensthorpe-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Pensthorpe-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pensthorpe</figcaption></figure>



<p>And finally, with five fab gardens,&nbsp;<a href="https://pensthorpe.com/things-to-do/gardens/">Pensthorpe</a>&nbsp;will satisfy green-fingered gurus and nature novices alike. We’re sure we don’t need to tell you about its adventure playground WildRootz (not ringing any bells? There’s slides, a zipline, mud kitchen and giant nest) but the gardens feature everything from towering dandelions and mosaics to a wildlife habitat, manicured gardens around a mighty piece of curving steel and a space designed by&nbsp;Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Julie Toll.</p>


Chelsea FOMO? Try these stunning secret gardens in Norfolk instead

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