Attractions and Places To See around Blickling - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Blickling are primarily centered around the extensive Blickling Estate, a National Trust property in Norfolk, England. This area features a grand Jacobean mansion, formal gardens spanning 55 acres, and over 4,600 acres of parkland and woodland. Visitors can explore historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural points of interest, including ancient yew hedges and a scenic lake. The gently undulating parkland offers way-marked trails suitable for walking and cycling.
Best attractions and places to see around Blickling
- The most popular attractions is St Margaret's Church, Felbrigg, a historical site that is a stunning medieval church built from flint with stone and brick dressings. It is located in a peaceful rural setting and was built in the 13th century.
- Another must-see spot is Felbrigg Hall, a historical site known for its 17th-century Jacobean architecture and Georgian interior. Visitors can explore the historic house and its extensive grounds, which include woodlands and orchards.
- Visitors also love Baconsthorpe Castle, a man-made monument consisting of the ruins of a 15th-century fortified castle with a moat. This site was once home to the Heydon family and features a turreted gatehouse.
- Blickling is known for its historical sites, religious buildings, and natural features. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches and castle ruins to grand estates and expansive parklands.
- The attractions around Blickling are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and 25 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Felbrigg Hall
Highlight • Historical Site
The estate originally belonged to the Felbrigg family before passing to John Wyndham's family who owned the house for centuries before it was given to the National Trust. Robery Wyndham Ketton-Cremer, who left the estate to the National Trust, was the author of a number of books on the estate and Norfolk.
During winter, the parkland is open from dawn to dusk but the house is closed, tickets cost £7.85. Tickets to the full estate in summer cost £12.40.
You can find more information, here: nationaltrust.org.uk/felbrigg-hall-gardens-and-estate
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Baconsthorpe Castle
Highlight • Monument
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All Saints Church, Gresham
Highlight • Religious Site
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St Margaret's Church, Felbrigg
Highlight • Historical Site
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St Agnes' Church, Cawston
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Tips from the Community
One of Norfolk's signature round tower churches.
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Impressive country house, run by the National Trust but the driveway through the grounds is open to cyclists without charge.
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Well worth seeing! Extensive parkland with marked hiking trails, a walled garden with many flowering plants and a dovecote and of course the manor house with its exquisite furnishings of valuable paintings and furniture. The property is managed by the National Trust.
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Closed for restoration work as of Aug/Sept 2023, but you can still view from the car park. Baconsthorpe Castle is a moated and fortified 15th century manor house, that are a testament to the rise and fall of a prominent Norfolk family, the Heydons. Over 200 years, successive generations of this ambitious family built, then enlarged, and finally abandoned this castle. Sir John Heydon probably built the strong inner gatehouse during the turbulent Wars of the Roses period, and his son Sir Henry, whose memorial can be seen in Baconsthorpe Church, completed the fortified house. In more peaceful times, their descendants converted part of the property into a textile factory, and then added the turreted Elizabethan outer gateway, inhabited until 1920 (https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/baconsthorpe-castle/)
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One doesn't see many castles being built these days, but this one is well under way.
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Here lies the ruins of the 15th century fortied Baconsthorpe Castle, complete with moat, which was once home to the Heydon family. Part of the property was converted for use as a textile factory, while the later addition of the turreted gatehouse was lived in until the 1920s. The site is managed by English Heritage: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/baconsthorpe-castle/
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Great stop for a coffee and cake. A nice through road as well for bikes (including road ones) so no need to go back on yourself
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore at Blickling?
The Blickling Estate offers a variety of natural features, including 55 acres of formal gardens, over 4,600 acres of parkland and woodland, and the scenic Blickling Lake. You can also find ancient yew hedges, veteran trees, and the historic Great Wood. During spring, the Bluebell Woods are particularly beautiful.
Are there walking trails suitable for different abilities around Blickling?
Yes, the Blickling Estate features gently undulating parkland with way-marked walks and cycle trails. There's an approximately 4-mile multi-use trail suitable for walkers, cyclists, pushchairs, and adapted wheelchair users. For more specific routes, you can find various hiking trails around Blickling, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, such as the "Blickling Estate – Fountain in the Walled Garden loop from Blickling" (easy) or the "Blickling Mausoleum – Blickling Hall loop from Blickling" (moderate). You can explore these and more at Hiking around Blickling.
Can I go cycling around Blickling?
Absolutely. The Blickling Estate's parkland includes designated cycle trails. For longer rides, there are numerous cycling routes available in the wider area, including easy options like the "Blickling Tower – Blickling Estate Forest Trails loop from Blickling" or more extensive gravel biking routes. Discover more cycling adventures at Cycling around Blickling and Gravel biking around Blickling.
What historical sites can I visit beyond Blickling Hall?
Beyond Blickling Hall, you can explore several other significant historical sites. These include Felbrigg Hall, a 17th-century Jacobean house with Georgian interiors, and the ruins of Baconsthorpe Castle, a 15th-century fortified manor. Additionally, there are several historic churches such as St Margaret's Church, Felbrigg, All Saints Church, Gresham, and St Agnes' Church, Cawston, many featuring unique architecture like round towers.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in the Blickling area?
Yes, the Blickling Estate itself is very family-friendly, offering expansive parkland for exploration, easy walking trails, and seasonal activities. Many of the historical sites like Felbrigg Hall and Baconsthorpe Castle are also suitable for families, providing space to run around and explore history. The multi-use trail is ideal for pushchairs and adapted wheelchairs, making it accessible for families with young children.
What is the significance of Blickling Hall's library?
Blickling Hall is home to one of England's most significant country house libraries. It contains over 12,500 books, making it the largest and most important book collection cared for by the National Trust. Visitors can explore this impressive collection as part of their tour of the Jacobean mansion.
Are there any unique historical monuments at Blickling Estate?
Within the Blickling Estate, you can find the striking 45-foot high stone pyramid known as The Mausoleum, located in the 'Great Wood'. It serves as the burial place for John Hobart, the 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire, and his family. Additionally, the RAF Oulton Museum, situated above the Stables Cafe, showcases objects and documents from the Second World War, when the estate was used by the RAF.
What is the best time of year to visit Blickling?
Blickling offers different experiences throughout the year. Spring is ideal for seeing the bluebells in the Bluebell Woods and enjoying fresh blooms in the formal gardens. Summer often brings open-air theatre and music concerts. Autumn provides beautiful foliage in the Great Wood and parkland. While the house may have reduced opening hours in winter, the parkland remains open for walks, offering a tranquil experience. Check specific opening times for Blickling Hall and gardens before your visit.
Are there dog-friendly options for walks at Blickling?
Yes, the extensive parkland and woodland trails at Blickling Estate are generally dog-friendly, making it a great place for walks with your canine companion. Always check for specific signage regarding lead requirements or restricted areas, especially around formal gardens or livestock.
How long does it take to walk around Blickling Lake?
The scenic walk around Blickling Lake is an easy route within the parkland. It typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, offering lovely views of the house, park, and woodland, and is a good spot for birdwatching.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Blickling?
Visitors frequently appreciate the historical depth and natural beauty of the area. The stunning Jacobean architecture of Blickling Hall, the extensive and well-maintained gardens, and the peaceful parkland walks are often highlighted. The opportunity to explore sites like Felbrigg Hall and the ruins of Baconsthorpe Castle also adds to the rich experience, with many enjoying the blend of history and outdoor activity.
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