Norfolk Gardens

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden comprises 53 hectares (131 acres) of beautiful ancient woodland, water gardens and a private broad at South Walsham in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. The garden is renowned for its fabulous collection of candelabra primulas – the best naturalised collection in the UK – which can be seen in May. It is also well known for magnificent Autumn Colour's in late October and early November. Fairhaven also organise events throughout the year, such as jazz music.

Set at the edge of the Norfolk Broads, Hoveton Hall Gardens is a delightful 15 acre garden mixing both formal and informal planting across the seasons. Beginning with the burst of early Spring bulbs, the spectacular Rhododendrons and Azaleas in May and June through to the mid-summer delights of the 'Spider Garden'. Full summer colours of Hydrangeas followed by autumn berried shrubs and leaf tints complete what is truly a garden for all seasons.

East Ruston Old Vicarage is one of the most remarkable and enjoyable gardens in Britain. It is located quite close to the sea and well protected from the full blast of the wind by dense wind breaks, making it possible to grow remarkably tender plants. Clustering about the Arts and Crafts Vicarage, walled and hedged compartments vary strongly in mood from cool formality to explosions of colour and form. Sculptures, lavishly planted pots and finely detailed walls and gates also play their decorative part.

Along the main road from Aylsham to Cromer, you will find this lovely art and craft centre, surrounded by over four acres of ponds and gardens. The converted brick and flints farm buildings are home to a collection of working studios, shops and a gallery. There is also a tea-room and timbered gallery above. The centre is surrounded by beautiful gardens, planted in 1987, including island beds, borders, ponds, streams and wild areas, with specimen trees set in grass.

Sandringham House is set in 60 acres of beautiful gardens. Sandringham's gardens were first opened to the public by King Edward VII in 1908 and since then we have been able to share with the Royals, their woodland walks, carrstone rockeries, statues, lime avenues and a lovely stream walk. All of these features of the garden have been created by various generations of the Royal family.

Sheringham Park is one of the finest examples of Humphry Repton's garden designs (now owned by the National Trust). There are miles of fabulous scenic countryside paths, with gazebos and viewing towers offering fantastic coastal vistas. There is a fabulous display of rhododendrons and azaleas in late spring, but all year round you can see mature woodlands, with rare trees and shrubs. There is a visitors centre and shop (open seasonal). Dogs are allowed on a lead.

In Little Walsingham are the Priory Gardens. Dominating the site, is the impressive, twin turreted 13th century arch, that would have housed the great east window of the priory church. The priory grounds are beautifully maintained, and in Spring the woodland setting is bursting with flowers, including bluebells, daffodils and brilliant white snowdrops. Walking along the footpath beside the River Stiffkey, a narrow stone bridge can be found and this was built as an access road for pack horses. In the garden area, you will also find two healing wells where the sick were brought in medieval times.

Blickling Hall is only a couple of miles from Aylsham and is a magnificent Jacobean house, garden and park, famed for its long gallery, fine tapestries, paintings and rare books. The extensive grounds contain a formal garden, lake and parkland.

Not far from Cromer is Felbrigg Hall, one of the finest 17th-century country houses in East Anglia. Owned by the National Trust, you will see some remarkable Stuart architecture and a fine Georgian interior. There is a lovely walled garden, orangery, orchards and many lakeside, parkland and woodland trails to explore.

The unique Bressingham Gardens are renowned worldwide for their horticultural excellence. Privately owned by the Bloom family, Adrian Bloom and his father Alan have each created a six acre garden, the Dell and Foggy Bottom. Together with four linking gardens, there are now 8,000 species and varieties on display in 17 acres.