Blickling EstateGroups Guide 2017

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling

You’ll never forget your first sight of Blickling...

The breath-taking red-brick mansion and ancient yew hedges sit at the heart of a magnificent garden and historic park in the beautiful Bure meadows.

Blickling’s owners have used the estate as a place of quiet refuge for centuries, while playing their part on the world’s political stage. We hope that your group will come to know one of these people a little better.

Philip Kerr, 11th Marquis of Lothian, left this estate to the National Trust in 1940, and he’s vital to its story. Without him, it’s unlikely that Blickling would still be around for you to explore, along with manyother places that you love.

He was instrumental in drafting the National Trust Act in parliament in 1937 which enabled the firstlarge-scale transfer of country houses to the National Trust in lieu of death duties.

This guide is designed to help you plan your group visit, with practical information as well as ideas to inspire you, to ensure you all get the most out of your day.

“Our visit to the Blickling Estate was in every sense a marvellous point in our program. We are looking back to many deep impressions strolling through house and garden. It will be a pleasure to me to come back again with another group if theopportunity arises.”

FD University, 2016

“We all had a wonderful day at Blickling, a very warm welcome and the sun shone on us all day long. We wandered leisurely through the gardens and wooded areas,absolutely gorgeous. The RAF Oulton Museum attracted more of our members than I thought it would, and Geoff was terrific, his enthusiasm and knowledge was a credit to everyone involved.”

CC Horticultural Society, 2016

“Just wanted to say thank you so much for all your help with our day – it was very well received, especiallythe two volunteers who showed us the textiles in the attic – their enthusiasm was infectious! What a great job they are doing.”

CW – Costume Society Group, 2016

What will you love about Blickling Estate?

• There’s more than 400 years of history

• There are 55 acres of beautiful gardens to

explore

• We’re on hand to help with park walks and

special tours

• It’s only 14 miles from Norwich, and within

easy reach of Norwich airport

• A variety of events & activities are held

throughout the year

• Our three cafés on site serve delicious food

for a quick snack or a tasty meal

• You’ll find a range of tours to suit your

group’s interests

What not to miss...

• Take in the views across the lake from the Acre, where LadyAstor played croquet

• Linger in the Dell, a place of tranquillity and great for wintercolour

• Visit the Orangery, the temple and the secret garden. Checkout what’s new in this ‘garden for all seasons’

• Visit our walled garden development project and see whatwe’re up to

The Garden

Four centuries of good husbandry have made Blickling’s garden one of the greatest in England.

It changes through the seasons and has evolved over the centuries to reflect different fashions.

In 1932 Lord Lothian brought in Norah Lindsay, the society gardener, to create the garden you see today.

The Estate

The estate covers over 4,600 acres, and includes 950 acres of woodland and parkland, and 3,500 acres of farmland. Visitors have access to much of this land and you can explore three waymarked routes of between two and five miles. You’ll discover some interesting buildings, including the pyramid-shaped mausoleum.

You’ll find downloadable routes on our website, or tell us what you are looking for and we’ll help you organise your activity.

What not to miss...(Our daily offer will vary)

• Look out for wildlife that calls the park home.If you’re lucky, you’ll see owls, reed buntingsand occasionally red deer

• Enjoy one of the way-marked trails as you wander through historic woodland or enjoy the magnificent view from the lake

• Discover the ancient woods and pyramidmausoleum

• See Blickling turn blue in May with ourFestival of the Blues, celebrating the bluebellseason

New for 2017. Follow our multi use trail, acircular four mile route suitable for all usersincluding adapted wheelchair users andpushchairs

•

A new visitor experience

To celebrate our 75th birthday in 2015, we transformed a rather tired suite of function and store rooms which used to form the private living space of Lord Lothian and his sisters.

We’re celebrating the 70th anniversary of Indian independence throughout 2017. We will explore the connection between Blickling and the role Philip Kerr played with India’s vibrant cultural history.

We show the house as it would have been - a place of hospitality, with music of the period, personal letters, ashtrays, whisky glasses and newspapers.

What not to miss...(Our daily offer will vary)

• Explore Lord Lothian’s old bedroom and study

• Enjoy the magnificence of the Great Hall.Climb the grand staircase and find out whograces the 23 paintings on display

• Listen to conversations of Lord Lothian andhis house party guests

• Visit the kitchens and get a feel for life below stairs. You may even find the cook recreating recipes from the 1930s!

• Catch the Diggers doing live interpretation onWednesdays, some weekends, and at manyevents throughout the year

The RAF Oulton Museum

RAF Oulton was a bomber base created on the Blickling Estate in 1939. The station was instrumental in winning the war, as documented by the Luftwaffe themselves.

Discover the amazing bravery of the aircrews that flew from RAF Oulton during WWII.

Read the accounts from RAF men and women, stationed at RAF Oulton, as well as letters home to loved ones, describing their lives during the war.

The experience is moving and memorable, and one not to be missed.

‘A station armourer’s thoughts at Blickling.’ by TC Long

“I recall one battle order for 500lb semi armour-piercing bombs for an attack on shipping.”

“It was a bad day: of the six aircraft that went out, only three returned. Long before the Dambusters, 139 Squadron practised skip-bombing, which involved an attack on the beam at low level.”

“With those three crews the Squadron lost a small amateur dance band.”

Special days

14 - 17 AprilCadbury Easter Egg HuntCome and explore the gardens as you find clues for our Easter trail, and receive a Cadbury chocolate bunny.

1 - 31 MayFestival of the bluesWe’ll be turning Blickling blue for the month of May to celebrate our beautiful bluebell season. The estate will be lit up in blue, there will be bluebells for sale and guided walks. The celebration will culminate in an afternoon of blues music in the garden.

11 - 12 AugustBlickling concert weekend This event is now firmly rooted in the Norfolk social calendar, encapsulating all that is best in an outdoor concert. So dust down your candelabra, bring your picnic, flags and wine and soak up the atmosphere.

15 - 16 SeptemberSummer Nights Film FestivalWe’re very excited to be part of the Summer Nights film festival. Bring a blanket, a picnic and your friends and enjoy the great outdoors in a cinematic experience that you will never forget.

1 - 10 DecemberWinter FestivalWinter is one of the busiest times of year at Blickling and this year you’ll find plenty to see throughout December. Whether you’re looking for a frosty walk by the lake followed by hot soup with crusty bread, or a gorgeous wool blanket to snuggle in by a roaring fire, we’ve got it covered. You’ll find some special festive events happening on certain dates.

Please check our website for further details.

Everything stops for tea...There are plenty of options when you’re feeling hungry and our eateries offer everything from light snacks to more substantial meals.

We use local, seasonal produce wherever we can, often from our own kitchen garden. We’re regularly using over 18 different items including beetroot, carrots, basil, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, garlic and red onions.

The Farmyard (in the farmyard by the coach drop-off point)An alfresco café, perfect for warm days, serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, scones and cakes.

The Buckinghamshire ArmsThis traditional 17th century pub & former coaching inn serves real ales and great food.Run by local team Colchester Inns

The StablesYou’ll find plenty of choice at The Stables, from hot and cold dishes to soup, sandwiches and cakes. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, as well as children’s lunch boxes.

Muddy BootsSituated by the main car park, Muddy Boots is perfect for a post-walk coffee. With aninformal atmosphere, enjoy savoury pasties, Italian ice-cream, tea and cake.

Eating and shopping

Perhaps we could tempt you to a little shopping too?

Gift shop & plant centreWhether you’re treating yourself or buying a present, there’s something for all tastes. As well as the favourites you’ll find in most National Trust shops, you’ll find local products such as chocolate, jams, chutneys and beer from Norfolk.

We have a range of garden gifts and furniture as well as a wide selection of beautiful peat-free plants at our Plant Centre, which you’ll find in The Farmyard. You can also pick up friendly advice, inspiration and handy hints from our team as you browse the extensive collection. Feel free to pick up your plants at the end of your visit.

Second-hand bookshop (in the farmyard, by the coach drop-off point)We have one of the largest second-hand bookshops in the National Trust. With thousands of titles to choose from, you’re bound to bag a bargain. Any money raised from the sale of books goes towards vital restoration projects around the Blickling Estate.

Stamp shopBlickling’s stamp shop opened in 2012 and can supply all manner of used stamps, often including Penny Blacks. Exclusively run by volunteers, they’re helping us to raise funds for the renovation of the walled garden and other essential conservation projects.

The Hobart GalleryOur gallery houses local photography, art and craft exhibitions all year round. Why not pick up a piece of local art during your visit, to remind you of your visit to Blickling?

Planning your visit

All group visits and guided tours must be booked at least 14 days in advance. Please contact our group bookings administrator on 01263 738005 or email blickling@nationaltrust.org.uk to discuss the details of your planned visit. Once the booking has been made, further details will be sent out about your visit.Blickling Estate can be enjoyed at your own pace. Knowledgeable guides are in each room, happy to answer questions and to tell you more about the history and treasures of the house.

Guided tours Guided tours are available for groups before the house opens for the day. They last for about an hour (max 12 people) and must be booked in advance. Specialist tours can be arranged from gardening and architecture to portraits or scandal and gossip. These are all available if pre-booked (please ask at the time of booking). Tours are at an additional cost: £3 for standard highlight pre-booked tours of the house, £3 for pre-booked tours of the garden. Other bespoke tours - prices available on request.

PaymentPayment for groups must be made as a single payment by cash or credit card, either on the day or by invoice within 7 days of your visit providing this has been prearranged at the time of booking .

Benefits for coach drivers & group leadersCoach drivers with groups visiting the house and garden receive a complimentary meal voucher. Group leaders will gain free admission to the house and garden.

What to do in half a day

Explore the houseImmerse yourself in the rich history and imagine what life would have been like in the 1930s.

Join a garden tourExplore the gardens with one of our guides and get some top tips.

Visit the RAF Oulton MuseumFind out about Blickling’s wartime history in our museum, upstairs in the East Wing.

Treat yourselfEnjoy tea and cake at one of our cafes.

What to do in a whole day

Explore the estate with our lake walk Enjoy breathtaking views of Blickling’s parkland with a walk through woodland and open fields.

Take a highlight tour of the houseFind out some of the fascinating stories of Blickling’s past with one of our expert guides.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Stables caféWith a selection of light lunches, seasonal dishes and sandwiches, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Browse the second-hand bookshopPick up a bargain, then take it to a quiet spot in the garden.

One day is never enough

Blickling Estate opening times 2017

M T W T F S S

House*6 Mar - 29 Oct*** 12-5 M T W T F S S4 Nov - 26 Nov 12-4 . . . . . S S1 -10 Dec 12-6 . . . . F S SGarden, shops & café 1 Jan - 5 Mar 11-4 M T W T F S S6 Mar - 29 Oct 10 - 5.30 M T W T F S S30 Oct - 30 Nov 11-4 M T W T F S S1 Dec - 23 Dec** 11-4** M T W T F S S27 Dec - 31 Dec 11-4 . T W T F S SHistoric park and woodlandOpen all year Dawn-dusk M T W T F S S

* Last entry to house one hour before closing.** Christmas: 1-10 December, Friday, Saturday and Sunday open until 7pm. Plant shop, RAF museum and stamp shop: check times before visit. ***Tuesdays: special focus on caring for our collection (shorter house route).

Group admission prices:

March - October: Whole property - £12.70 Garden only - £7.60 Winter: Whole property (5-26 November , January & February)- £8.90. Garden only (1-30 November & 1 January - 28 February) Adult £5.35. Please note; These special group prices are for a minimum of 15 people and must be paid in a single payment.

Blickling EstateBlickling, near Aylsham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR11 6NFTelephone 01263 738030Email blickling@nationaltrust.org.ukwww.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling

For alternative formats, please call us on 01263 738030 or email blickling@nationaltrust.org.uk

Follow us... @BlicklingNT BlicklingEstateNT BlicklingNT

Photography: © Archant/Antony Kelly, © National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus/Paul Bailey/Jo Bosch/Andrew Butler/Antonia Gray/Kenny Gray/Nadia MacKenzie/Paul Macro/Spike Malin/John Millar/Arnhel de Serra/Andy Davison/Justin Minns

The National Trust is a charity completely independent of Government funding. We rely on the support of the public through membership, donations, legacies and visitor income.

By supporting our stamp shop and second-hand bookshop at Blickling, you are helping fund vital conservation projects. Your support makes a real difference to what we can do to preserve and protect this special place.

Help us bring our walled garden back to life.The aim of the project is to return the walled garden to a working kitchen garden for the first time since the 1950s, supplying fruit and vegetables to the cafés. The layout will be based on a design similar to that employed 75 years ago.

It is a project of regeneration rather than restoration and we hope that you will become a part of it, by helping with a donation (making a purchase at our book or stamp shop) or simply returning to follow our progress.

Conserving the library.There are over 12,000 books contained within the 123 feet Long Gallery. Our book collection is one of the biggest and the most important in the National Trust.

Over the next five years we’re working on a huge project to preserve these precious treasures forever. We want to change the way we look after the books by improving the environmental conditions in the long gallery. We will also be continuing to catalogue the books.

There are many fascinating stories contained within our collection and we’d like to bring them to life for our visitors, enabling you to share in their care.

Where to next?Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate

One of the most elegant country houses in East Anglia, the Hall is a place of surprises and delights, a mixture of opulence and homeliness where each room has something to feed the imagination.

Outside, the decorative and productive walled garden is a gardener’s delight and inspiration, providing beautiful flowers for the hall, with the allotments in the walled garden providing fruit and vegetables for the community.

The rolling landscape park with a lake, 211 hectares (520 acres) of woods and waymarked trails is a great place to explore nature and wildlife on this bountiful estate.

20 minutes away

Sheringham Park

Landscape park and woodland garden with miles of stunning coastal views

Wander through Sheringham Park and you’ll discover why it became the personal favourite of its designer, Humphry Repton. Visit the Repton exhibition to see the story of his 1812 design during a turbulent period of history.

Spend a day here exploring 1000 acres of varying habitat including woodland, parkland and cliff top. Look out for wildlife, 3 species of deer can be seen alongside a wide variety of birds and butterflies.

25 minutes away