Wolterton

Wolterton Hall is an elegant 18th‑century Palladian country house in Norfolk, commissioned by Horatio Walpole, brother of Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. After a fire destroyed the earlier building in 1724, Horatio engaged architect Thomas Ripley to design the current hall, which was completed in the Palladian style that was fashionable at the time. The house and estate remained with the Walpole family for centuries and today stand as a beautifully restored example of Georgian architecture, set within sweeping parkland and still reflecting its historic grandeur.

The surrounding parkland and gardens are a major part of Wolterton’s appeal. Designed in the 18th century with input from leading figures like Charles Bridgeman, the landscape features rolling lawns, woodlands, and views over a large lake, creating a tranquil, picturesque setting typical of the English landscape movement. A historic walled garden—one of the largest in East Anglia—has been revitalised, now flourishing with seasonal fruits, vegetables and blooms, while paths and ha‑has invite exploration and connect different parts of the estate in harmony with the natural surroundings.

In recent years, Wolterton Hall and its gardens have become not just a heritage site but a cultural destination. The estate has opened more of its grounds and interiors to the public, hosting arts and culture programmes, exhibitions and seasonal events that juxtapose contemporary creativity with historic spaces. These activities, along with workshops and special tours, give visitors a chance to enjoy both the history of the Walpole legacy and the living landscape of the gardens in new and engaging ways.