The National Trust opens its doors for longer
More hours, more fun! This year the National Trust is opening its properties earlier
than ever before. As dust sheets are being removed the final preparations are being made
to open the doors of some of the regions most magnificent country houses – the first
of which will open on Saturday 28 February.
Visitors can now visit the majority of National Trust properties from February through to
November. A trial was carried out at Blickling Hall and Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk last
year, when both properties opened their doors from 11am, 2 hours earlier than they ever
had before. The trial was a great success and now other properties are following suit in
an effort to make the visiting experience easier.
Nick Champion, Communications Manager for the National Trust in the East of England
explains; “By opening our doors earlier it not only allows our visitors more time to
enjoy our properties, some can even visit more than one in a day. We are increasing the
opening hours of our houses as part of a wider plan to bring consistency to opening hours
across all National Trust pay-for-entry sites.”
So, for time well spent, choose from over 40 fabulous days out in the East of England with
the National Trust. Here are some suggestions:
NORFOLK
Come and explore Blickling Hall and learn more about life below stairs in the 1930s at
this magnificent Jacobean property. Alternatively, step back in time, into the dangerous
world of Tudor high politics at Oxburgh Hall with its secret doors and priest’s hole.
Don’t forget that National Trust countryside properties are also open. Why not visit
Dunwich Heath, Hatfield Forest, Sheringham Park, Wicken Fen or Dunstable Downs? To find
out more about National Trust properties near you and their opening times, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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What's on this March
Blickling Hall, Park & Gardens
Spring into Blickling
March/April, 10.15am - 5.15pm. The perfect time to see the Blickling Garden
spring into bloom. A wondrous display of over 2,000 hyacinths, 100,000 daffodils, 5,000
tulips and a host of magnificent magnolia trees. Tour of the Garden at 2pm available on
most days for a further £1.50. Please call to confirm availability. Garden Entry
Volunteer Recruitment Day
Tuesday 3 March, 11am - 1pm. Do you have a few hours to spare? Why not
become a volunteer for the National Trust. Come for a coffee and a chat with staff members
looking for volunteers on the Property in all departments. Get involved! Come to the
Front Hall in the Main House.
Mother's Day
Sunday 22 March, arrive 12.30 for 1pm lunch. Give Mum the treat she
deserves with a delicious 3 course lunch in our Restaurant. £27.50. Booking essential on
0844 800 4308.
Spring Craft Fair
Friday 27 to Sunday 29 March 10am to 5pm (11am - 5pm on Friday) A variety of
crafts including ceramics, jewellery, clothing and pictures. Walled Garden. Pay on
Gate, £3 adults, £2.50 NT members/consc, Children £1, under 5's free.
Felbrigg Hall, Garden & Park
Guided Garden Tour
Wednesday 4 March, 2pm. Join a member of our gardening team for an
informative walk around the West and Walled Gardens. Take the opportunity to ask for
gardening hints and tips. Booking not necessary. £5.00
Guided Garden Tour
Wednesday 18 March, 2pm. Join a member of our gardening team for an
informative walk around the West and Walled Gardens. Take the opportunity to ask for
gardening hints and tips. Booking not necessary. £5.00
Mothering Sunday Lunch
Sunday 22 March, 12.30pm - 3pm. Mum deserves a treat on her special day, so why not
take her to lunch in our 'Carriages' restaurant? Booking essential 01263 838237. £25.95.
Sheringham Park
Sheringham Park Ramble
Sunday 1 March, 2pm at the Visitor Centre. Volunteer-led ramble starting
from the Visitor Centre. Route varies through the year. You must have suitable clothing
and footwear and the ability to walk for at least 2 hours. Dogs on leads please. Car park
charges apply for non-members. Free to all.
Historical Walk
Sunday 15 March, 2.00 - 3.30pm. Join one of our volunteers for a walk,
including the interesting history of Sheringham Park, with a fun quiz for younger members
of the group. Walk approx. 2 miles. Suitable footwear required. Pay on Day. Dogs on leads
please. Car park charges apply for non-members. Adults £1.50, children free. |
