Holkham

This is one of the most interesting great houses we have had the pleasure to see. Built between 1734 and 1764 and privately owned by the Coke (pronounced “Cook”) family since then, it is a success story that integrates history and farming. Although tourism clearly makes up a very significant chunk of its revenue, the 25,000 acre estate’s farming, forestry and construction operations - all of which adhere to agricultural, ecological, conservation, and sustainability best practices - fill the coffers. Before you tour the William Kent-designed Palladian house, visit the massive walled garden, rent a bike for the day, attend a special event, or walk for free in the park, please take time to explore the exceptional Holkam Stories Exhibit just past the ticket office. Not only does it set the stage for your day, describe the owners, and discuss the origin of the Coke (read: Bowler) hat, but it outlines how cutting edge technology, now and in the past, has often been integrated into the estate's operations. In fact, this exhibit is so good we spent a full hour there! As for the house, it is - as one would expect - spectacular, but since it is a working home there is not as much information available in the rooms as one might encounter at other great homes (no matter: ask one of the excellent volunteers). The vast walled garden, a 15-minute walk from the house, is worth a visit to see how successfully it is being brought back to life after years of neglect. The gift shop is well stocked with a wide variety of local items. All told, we found our day at Holkam fascinating and more than a bit surprising. Allow at least four hours (but we spent over six).

Great place for a day out. Lovely walking around the grounds, a good-quality cafe, and an interesting house. The number of deer in the park is a standout feature. The walled garden is very impressive and well worth the short walk, as it’s not near the house. A big thank you to the person at visitor reception who refunded one of our tickets when one of us was unable to attend.

Liked: We liked how it was a small and not overcrowded. We were two families and were able to pick between 3 options of pitches to allow us to be next to each other. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The area was maintained well. There were large areas to allow children to play. On the grounds the play park is fantastic for all ages. The high ropes are a lot of fun although quite expensive. We went on a bike ride which was fantastic to see so much deer, the lake and the church. Would definitely go back again to Holkham as long as they keep it small. Disliked: Two washing up sinks would be useful instead of one. It had tripled it size from last year. If it's any bigger in the future I don't think we would go back.

The grounds are wonderful. After parking £6. You can access the play area free and high ropes for adventure minded. Cafe is excellent. We hired bikes and would have liked at better run through for 8 yo and 11 yo. Too many gears for occasional riders.

Liked: Fantastic location and scenery. The on-site staff were very friendly, helped us find the perfect pitch location. The on-site showers and toilets were quite good, shame there was no wash basin to brush teeth and have a shave. The pop-up pub and food van was quite nice. Short walk through the grounds to Wells-next-the-sea, lovely little village with lots of shops, pubs & restaurants. The food and drink event in the walled garden was a nice surprise. Disliked: The only dislike is no wash basin to brush teeth and have a shave.

Liked: We loved the site from the moment we arrived, a beautiful and relaxing location, and a very warm welcome from the team at the pop up, who were very helpful during our stay. Pitches are a good size, and the facilities (amazing showers and toilets) were all kept very clean. We also really liked the Adnams van each evening, who my husband says pour a great pint. The food vans were also a great idea. Disliked: Nothing!

House, grounds, walled garden, cafe and shop were all very good. Every member of staff went far beyond pleasant and gave such a personal welcome. Other stately homes would do well to come and see how it should be done. It will be the highlight of our Norfolk break that plus the coastal towns and villages, A real Norfolk welcome plus delicious food.

Liked: The pitch and view were stunning. The facilities were better than expected. The daily food truck was different each day, and beer truck again unexpected. The staff polite, warm and egar to help. Disliked: Wasps, but that's not something the site staff should deal with. Also we had noisey sheep in a near by field for a few nights.