Sheringham Park

Sheringham Park, above the seaside resort of Sheringham, with its scenic walks through undulating terrain and long vistas down to the coast makes a good day out at any time of the year.

The 1000-acre estate, designed by landscape gardener Humphrey Repton in 1812 for the Upcher family, is considered one of his finest works.

Sheringham Hall, which is privately owned, would fit easily into any Regency film set. Its location is just perfect in a wide stretch of meadow just below a wooded hillside, with never ending views down to the coast and out to sea.

But it's the National Trust managed park that draws most of the visitors. 50 acres of the estate are given over to a wild garden of mature woodland, which contains one of England's most extensive collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and camellias. And if you love rhododendrons and azaleas, then make sure you visit in May or June.

Rhododendron Blossom at Sheringham Park
© essentially-england.com

At that time, all the trees are in full bloom and the wood blazes with truly amazing colour. But what usually takes my breath away is the view from one of the many towers.

Climb up above the canopy of the wood and look down on a cloud of rhododendron blossom. If you time your visit right, the view will be absolutely spectacular.

For the remainder of your day, there are numerous walks which meander over the hillside. They're well-kept and easy to follow and each turn in the path opens up yet another colourful view. If you feel really energetic, there's a folly to climb for even wider vistas, or you can join the Norfolk Coast Path and make your way down to Weybourne Station on the North Norfolk Railway to watch the steam train pass like a memento from a bygone era. The National Trust have a waymarked route that visits these sites.

Up in Sheringham Park, the National Trust maintains a visitor's centre, where you can find our more about Humphry Repton's work and the plants and wildlife that have made their home in the park.

You can also treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea at the cafe, join the National Trust or look over the plants that are for sale in the shop. There are bound to be a few rhododendrons amongst them ... and what better memento to take home from a visit to Sheringham Park?

Steam Train on the North Norfolk Railway © essentially-england.com

And if you're interested in learning more about Humphry Repton and his work, then check out this beautifully illustrated book.

Sheringham Park can be much more than just a day out. This area of the North Norfolk coast lends itself to leisurely exploration and I can think of no better way to explore than to rent a holiday cottage and take it easy.

Are You Planning a Holiday in Norfolk?

Where You Could Stay

Norfolk has no shortage of fabulous holiday accommodation whether you want to spend time on the beach, love boating or want to explore inland. You may covet a tiny fisherman's cottage like the one in Blakeney we kept returning to. You may like something larger and more modern like a loft overlooking the Norfolk Broads, or the right place for you may be a chic city apartment perfectly placed to explore Norwich...

Holiday Cottages in Norfolk: The Granary, Hingham | sykescottages.co.uk

The Granary
Hingham
Sleeps 4

Holiday Cottages in Norfolk: The Dingle, Cromer | sykescottages.co.uk

The Dingle
Cromer
Sleeps 9

Holiday Cottages in Norfolk: Fieldview, East Barsham | holidaycottages.co.uk

Fieldview
East Barsham
Sleeps 8

To see other holiday cottages in Norfolk click here. Or check out holiday cottages in other parts of England by clicking here.

However, if you fancy a hotel how about some of these...

The Goldern Lion Hotel
Hunstanton

Blakeney House
Blakeney

Chalk & Cheese
Shouldham

To view more hotels in Norfolk click here or you could use our search box below.

What You Could See and Do

It's next to impossible to be bored in Norfolk, there's just so much to do and see. The list below includes some of our favourite places

Explore Norwich with its shops and two cathedrals and pay a visit to Norwich Castle and its teapot museum.
Visit Admiral Lord Nelson's birthplace at Burham Thorpe and read the report of the Battle of Trafalgar in a copy of The Times from 1805
Spend a day at Sandringham and Castle Rising castle
Take a ride on the Holt to Sheringham Railway and explore the beautiful little town of Holt and the seaside town of Sheringham
Explore the ruins of Castle Acre and Castle Acre Priory
Shop in Burnham Market
Wander around the small town of Blakeney, explore the church and harbour before making an attempt to reach the seals at Blakeney Point
Admire the famous windmill and go birdwatching in Cley-next-the-Sea
Be wowed by the rhododendrons in Sheringham Park
Visit Anne Boleyn's family home, Blickling Hall, or explore Oxburgh Hall, a fabulous manor house with a moat.
Go wildlife spotting while walking through the Cley marshes from Blakeney
Or even fish for crabs and wander along the famous pier at Cromer.

For more holiday ideas return from Sheringham Park to the Norfolk page.

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