Houghton Hall and Gardens, KIngs Lynn, Norfolk PE31 6TY
Details
Accessibility
https://www.houghtonhall.com/visitor-information/disabled-access
"Accessibility"
A great day out however you explore.
Where possible we make provisions to ensure Houghton is accessible for wheelchair, mobility scooter and buggy users. The whole stable block is wheelchair/buggy friendly, but the stable yard has small cobbled stones. In the Walled Garden, two mobility scooters and seating are available. Note that some paths are gravelled. At the House, wheelchairs are provided, and a lift is available upon request, as State Rooms are up one flight of stairs.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted."
Brief description
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houghton_Hall
2025: "Houghton Hall (/ˈhaʊtən/ HOW-tən)[1] is a country house in the parish of Houghton in Norfolk, England. It is the residence of the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley.[2]
It was commissioned by the de facto first British Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, in 1722, and is a key building in the history of Neo-Palladian architecture in England. It is a Grade I listed building surrounded by 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) of parkland, and is a few miles from Sandringham House.
The house has a rectangular main block which consists of a rustic basement at ground level, with a piano nobile, bedroom floor and attics above. There are also two lower flanking wings joined to the main block by colonnades. To the south of the house is a detached quadrangular stable block.[3]
The exterior is both grand and restrained, constructed of fine-grained, silver-white stone. The Gibbs-designed domes punctuate each corner. In line with Palladian conventions, the interiors are much more colourful, exuberant and opulent than the exteriors.
The park surrounding Houghton Hall was redesigned in the 18th century by Charles Bridgeman.[4] In the process, the village of Houghton was demolished and rebuilt at the main gates of the park,[5] with the exception of the medieval Church of St Martin, which now sits alone in the park.[6]
The house, including the north and south attachments, was designated as Grade I listed in 1953.[3]
Houghton has remained largely untouched, having remained "unimproved" despite the Victorian passion for remodelling and redecorating, due to the fact that for most of the 19th century the family lived mainly at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire, and only stayed at Houghton for the shooting. Houghton still belongs to the current Marquess of Cholmondeley, and parts of the structure and grounds are opened to the public throughout the year.
The stable block at Houghton Hall houses the Cholmondeley Collection of Model Soldiers, previously at Cholmondeley Castle and moved to Houghton Hall in 1980 soon after it was opened to the public. The collection was started in 1928 by the 6th Marquess, expanded throughout his life, and now includes about 20,000 figures.[34][35]"
Address
Houghton Hall
King's Lynn
Norfolk, PE31 6TY
Phone
01485 528569
Website
Directions
Opening Times
Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change
Transport
Amenities
Baby Changing Facilities
Disability Toilets
Museum https://www.houghtonhall.com/see-do/model-soldier-museum
2025: "Model Soldier Museum
Discover the World's Largest Private Collection of Model Soldiers
Established in 1928 by the 6th Marquess of Cholmondeley, father of the current Marquess, The Soldier Museum stands as the world's largest private collection of model soldiers. Originating from the Marquess's schoolboy days at Houghton Hall, the collection expanded post-war at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire, where he frequently commissioned custom battle scenes."
Travel Information
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Location
Nearest Venues
Soldier Museum, Houghton Hall PE31 6TY
2 metres*
295 metres*
St Martin's Church, Houghton Hall, Norfolk
469 metres*
Harpley, Norfolk. Open daily. Free entry.
1.84 miles*
1.88 miles*
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.