Houghton Hall
Norfolk, England
Key facts
- Operator
- Cholmondeley family (Marquess of Cholmondeley)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
Pinpoint
RMH4+F6, Bircham Rd, King's Lynn PE31 6TY
Telephone 01485 528569
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Houghton Hall is a Palladian mansion built for Sir Robert Walpole and is now home to the Cholmondeley family. Reviewers talk most about the very large walled garden with its kitchen garden and formal areas, and about the herd of white deer in the wider parkland. The cafe and courtyard seating get consistently good reports, and a museum of model soldiers displayed in dioramas is mentioned as a pleasant surprise; opinions are more mixed on the entry price and on the contemporary art placed around the estate.
Worth the trip
The walled garden and the white deer herd, which come up in review after review as the things people remember.
Before you go
Reviewers suggest allowing a long morning or afternoon rather than a quick stop, and several found the entry price steep without some form of discount; much of the visit is outdoors, so wet weather cuts it short.
The walled garden is the highlight for most reviewers, described as large and stunning with a kitchen garden and many separate areas, and the gardening team is singled out for thanks by more than one visitor. The white deer herd in the parkland and the model soldier exhibition, with its dioramas, are both mentioned repeatedly as worth seeking out. The cafe is well reviewed for bright, spacious surroundings, a terrace overlooking the gardens and good quality food and cakes, and staff and volunteers are described as friendly and enthusiastic. Opinions are more mixed on the house and its art exhibits, with one reviewer saying they would not repeat that part of the visit while others found the house and exhibitions impressive, and the same reviewer notes the entry price is not cheap without some form of discount. Several suggest allowing a long morning or afternoon to do the site justice.
Palladian mansion built for Sir Robert Walpole, now home of the Cholmondeley family.
“Big Norfolk estate . Interesting white deer herd, well maintained formal gardens. Not sure I'd bother with the house or wider gardens with the art exhibits again but worth seing one time at least .. Not the cheapest to…”- Jfb 0264, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “We parked easily and initially visitrd the cafe for a light lunch whivh we ate in tbe delightful courtyard area.” - Jacqueline Merralls
- Facilities
- “Enjoyed the café and the small museum of soldiers displayed in various dioramas over the centuries.” - Paul Knighton
Common questions about Houghton Hall
Where is Houghton Hall?
Houghton Hall is in Norfolk, England, at RMH4+F6, Bircham Rd, King's Lynn PE31 6TY.
Do you need a ticket to visit Houghton Hall?
Yes - Houghton Hall is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Cholmondeley family (Marquess of Cholmondeley). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Houghton Hall?
Yes - Houghton Hall offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the stately home itself or within its grounds. See the Stately Homes You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Houghton Hall?
The walled garden and the white deer herd, which come up in review after review as the things people remember.
Is Houghton Hall a ruin or still intact?
Houghton Hall is largely intact - Palladian mansion built for Sir Robert Walpole, now home of the Cholmondeley family.
