Houghton Hall & Gardens
World-class house with exceptional contents and grounds.
King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 6UE
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Picnic area
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Shop
- Accessible parking
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible toilets
- Guide dogs welcome
- Access statement available
Houghton Hall is one of the grandest survivors of the Palladian era, built in the 1720s for Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.
It is a showcase of the work of architects James Gibbs and Colen Campbell, complemented by the richly ornamented interiors of William Kent, and furnished to reflect Walpole’s wealth and power. The Hall is the home of the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, Walpole’s descendent, and his family.
Surrounded by traditional parkland, Houghton has a spectacular herd of white fallow deer. The award-winning five acre Walled Garden, which recently featured in Monty Don’s British Gardens, includes a breath-taking double-sided herbaceous border, a formal rose parterre, and a rustic temple designed by Julian and Isabel Bannerman.
The interior of the imposing stables building was as carefully considered as the house, with superbly constructed brick vault ceilings supported on timber pillars. The stables were planned to house 80 horses of different qualities, the most valuable having their own stalls, whilst the coach horses would share.
The stable block also houses the Model Soldier Museum, which holds The Cholmondeley Collection of Soldiers, one of the largest private collections in the world, the gift shop and the café.
Dogs are allowed in restricted areas only – see website for details. Assistance dogs welcome.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
May: Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, plus Bank Holiday Mondays
June: Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday
July and August: Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, plus Bank Holiday Monday 31 August
September: Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday
October: Thursday 1 and Sunday 4 Oct
Opening times:
11am – gates open for access to the Walled Garden, Model Soldier Museum, old stables, deer park, sculpture park, exhibition room, shop and café
12pm – House opens
4pm – last entry at the gates, last entry to the house
4.30pm – house closes
5pm – Walled Garden, Café, and outside areas close
Historic Houses members visit the Walled Garden, Model Soldier Museum, deer park and old stables for free (pre-booked ticket worth £10). Entry to the art exhibitions, the Hall itself, and the Sculpture Park is £22 when pre-booked. Historic Houses members can simply pay the difference for full admission (£12).
Pre-booking is recommended. Members should input their Historic Houses membership numbers at the time of purchase and take their cards with them.
Visit their website for further information on opening times and prices.
Historic Houses free entry does not apply to groups. However, pre-booked groups of 15 or more are entitled to a free place for the organiser/courier and coach driver.
Private guided tours can be arranged and must be pre-booked.
Contact [email protected] or call 01485 528569.
Houghton Hall provides opportunities for schools, colleges and universities to use the inspiring landscape for self-guided programmes to learn, discover and explore. These limited-availability visits usually take place on a Tuesday at no charge.
For more information or to enquire about an educational visit, kindly contact [email protected]
- Accessible parking
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible toilets
- Guide dogs welcome
- Access statement available
Getting here
King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 6UE
13 miles East of King’s Lynn, 10 miles West of Fakenham, 1.5 miles North of the A148
The nearest train station is King’s Lynn Station – which is 1hour 40 minutes from London King’s Cross.
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