Holkham

Holkham is one of the most beautiful locations on the North Norfolk Coast. Holkham Bay is the most extensive, diverse and dramatic nature reserve in Norfolk, with windswept sand dunes, a maze of creeks, shady pinewoods, green pastures and marshes. Across the coast road is Holkham Hall, a Palladian style mansion and home of the Coke family. The hall is set in large parkland, full of nature trails and marked walks. A pub and tea room can be found on the main road, between the bay and the hall.

	Holkham is a dogs paradise! Dogs are allowed on Holkham Beach and nearby woods. Dogs are also allowed in the grounds of Holkham Hall, including the courtyard (not in the house and walled garden). Dogs are allowed in the Victoria Inn.
	Kids can enjoy the fabulous beach at Holkham. They can also explore the nature trail and information at 'The Lookout'. There is a woodland play area at Holkham Hall.

View a detailed tourist information map of Norfolk

We start our tour of Holkham overlooking its fabulous bay. This has been called one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole country and at low tide, you can walk out over the golden sand to the sea beyond. The bay is surrounded by pine trees, planted to protect the land behind. A path goes around the entire bay, one direction taking you all the way into Wells-next-the-Sea, making a lovely walk and gives great views over sand dunes. Much of Holkham is within a coastal nature reserve, which is one of the biggest in England. As well as the sand and pines, the area also contains marshes, salt flats, and narrow creeks. These places are home to plenty of birds, and other wildlife.

Click to view a full 360 view of Holkham Bay

In between the private car-park (on Lady Anne's Road) and the beach, you will find The Lookout. This is a recent addition and is aimed at nature lovers, plus anyone wanting a cup of tea! The round, mainly open air building houses viewing points over the surrounding countryside, plus nature information panels, a cafe and toilets. It provides a welcome break for walkers and shelter when the weather is not so good.

Click to view a full 360 view of the inside of The Lookout

Holkham's other star attraction is Holkham Hall, arguably the finest Palladian house in the country. It looks like a Roman palace, or perhaps an exotic villa and the design has been praised for its exceptional simplicity. The exterior has barely any decoration at all, instead featuring stark, simple brickwork that makes for a very striking appearance. The concept was dreamt up in the 18th century by Thomas Coke, the 1st Earl of Leicester. Today, the hall is still home to Coke's descendent, the current Earl of Leicester, and his family. Holkham Hall, home of the Coke family and the Earls of Leicester, was built between 1734 and 1764 by Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester. This Palladian style mansion reflects Thomas Coke's appreciation of classical art developed during his "Grand Tour" of Europe which lasted 6 years and from which he returned in the spring of 1718. The hall is set in large grounds, consisting of a lake, parkland, monument, walled garden and nature trail.

Click to view a full 360 view of Holkham Hall and Park

Even though it's still in use, Holkham Hall is open to the public. The interior is grand and elegant, without ever being too extravagant. Visitors are encouraged not to be shy; they can walk on the carpets, and get close to the artefacts on display. And of course, there's plenty to look at. Upon entering, the first sight is the Marble Hall, with its huge set of stairs and is decorated with plaster statues of classic deities. Elsewhere in the house, you can find patterned ceilings, classic art, and ornate fireplaces. Particularly notable rooms include the Saloon, which has walls lined in red velvet, and the Old Kitchen, which used to prepare around 1700 meals a month. As you explore, you may notice that each of the formal state rooms is designed to be symmetrical. In some cases, this means that the builders had to include false doors! We thoroughly recommend you explore the hall for yourself.

Holkham summary of what to SEE and DO