Somerleyton Hall & Gardens Review

Several years ago we visited Fritton Lake for a fun afternoon with the kids, and on the way home we swung by Somerleyton Hall to take a few pictures and determined that we would visit again soon to take a proper look at this impressive stately home and gardens.

It took a bit longer than we planned but we did indeed return and it was worth the wait. Here’s a few pictures from when we visited. These were taken in the spring, hence the sun, blossom and lack of winter coats. We figured we would hold on to these to release early in the year to brighten up a winters day. Hope they do the job!

Somerleyton Hall - boys exploring the gardens — The boys exploring the gardens!

Parents review -With the boys reaching tween and teenage this was a good place to visit. Plenty of space for them to burn off a bit of energy and some interesting things to see too. I’ve noticed as they get older their interests do change and certainly our teenager takes great interest in Norfolk’s stately homes (though he is very much in to history.)

The maze was particularly helpful in burning off some energy as they jogged around (cautiously, I might add, to be aware of other users) to see who could get to the centre and back out again quickest.

I found the grounds, the architecture, everything was just stunning. Indeed, I stopped often along the paths just to admire it all. The boys want to visit again, which is always a win because teens/tweens are hard to please.

Somerleyton Hall Gardens - blossom on the grass — Blossom on the ground

Field Notes
We spent somewhere between 1 to 2 hours exploring the gardens, maze, greenhouses, orangery etc. Your stay would be longer if you access the house too.
There are paths all around the grounds, so unless you go off the path you shouldn’t get muddy. i.e. you probably don’t need to take wellies. Of course, with kids, it might be worth packing. After all, when have kids ever stayed on the path?!
There are places to eat and drink. We find taking snacks for the kids is always a good idea, wherever you go.

FACILITIES – There toilets, including disabled toilets, located in several locations, and a Tea Room for refreshments, Kitchen Garden Restaurant & Shop

DOGS – No dogs, except guide-dogs.

SAFETY – There is a pond in the Sunken White Gardens. Care should be taken in the maze

WHEELCHAIRS/ACCESSIBILITY – All areas of the garden are accessible, although the paths are uneven in places. There are steps down to Sunken White Garden, and from this garden to the tour entrance hall (but there is another way in)

CLOBBER – Everyday footwear should be fine.

DISTANCE AND DURATION – It’s difficult to say how far we walked, but I’m sure we walked somewhere between 1 and 2 miles around the grounds.

ANYTHING ELSE? – You can pay to access the hall and gardens or to access the gardens only.