A Weekend Away In Holkham, Norfolk

A Weekend Away In Holkham, Norfolk

Earlier this year Oli and I enjoyed a spring weekend away in Holkham, Norfolk. Holkham is a huge estate, spanning 6,100 hectres.

Amongst the estate is the spectacular Holkham Hall, a deer park, multiple farms, The Victoria Inn, Holkham lodges (the most unique of which – The Triumphal Arch – we stayed in), as well as cafés, gardens and grounds visitors can enjoy. 

In other words, whether you’re staying for a weekend or popping in for a few hours, you’ll be spoilt for choice as to what to do!

Holkham Hall is also a stunning wedding venue. Take a peek at their Instagram account – @HolkhamWeddings – to see exactly what I mean. Since Oli and I are getting married in just a few months now, I’ve never been on higher ‘alert’ to beautiful venues, details, good service . . . !

One to consider if you’re looking for a UK venue.

I’m Wearing

Skirt: hero (Past Season) | Espadrilles: L.K. Bennett (Past Season)

Blouse: Dorothy Perkins (Similar) | Bag: Tu (Similar)  

This may have been our first weekend away in Holkham, Norfolk, but I know we’ll be back!

We had such a brilliant time!

Here’s what we got up to during our weekend . . .

Our Accommodation

The Triumphal Arch, Holkham

Oli and I stayed in The Triumphal Arch, on the Holkham estate. There are a number of Holkham Lodges, available to be booked via SALT, and of them The Triumphal Arch is the most unique. 

The 18th century Grade 1 listed building is, as SALT shares, “designed by the renowned architect, William Kent, to impress travellers passing through to the North Norfolk coast. The arch presents a striking picture with beautiful panoramic views along the avenue to the south and north.” 

We couldn’t quite believe our eyes when we pulled up to The Triumphal Arch.

The building sits right at the top of the Holkham Hall estate, delivering, as promised an amazing view.

There was a herd of friendly sheep ready to greet us when we arrived (they were generally grazing in the area the whole time we stayed!), and as soon as we clocked the arch, we knew that it would be a very special stay. 

Though it’s an old building, the decor in The Triumphal Arch is light, welcoming and modern. The SALT and Holkham teams made us feel especially welcome with a huge hamper of local produce, fresh sourdough bread and hand-written notes. 

I love a hand-written note!

On the top floor of The Triumphal Arch is the master bedroom, which spans the whole floor. There are windows on every side, delivering stunning countryside views in every direction. 

The king size bed is SO comfortable and the room is decked out for cosy nights (complete with open fire) and long lie-ins.

Oh, and that roll-top bath really is a dream!

Oli and I very much enjoyed playing ‘house’ for our weekend away here!

Food & Drink in Holkham, Norfolk

I’m Wearing

Dress: New Look (Very Similar) | Espadrilles: L.K. Bennett (Past Season)

Jacket: Levi’s (Similar) | Clutch: L.K. Bennett 

Earrings: Dinny Hall 

During our stay in Holkham we were invited to try the estate’s pub The Victoria Inn. We enjoyed two days of delicious meals there, from big hearty breakfasts through to long leisurely dinners. 

The staff couldn’t have been friendlier, so much so that one evening they encouraged us to take a cheese board and wine back to our lodge!

The. Dream.

 Yes we bought a bottle, and recreated our favourite Norfolk cocktail at home!  

The Victoria Inn serves a local seasonal menu all day. The pub helps to highlight local businesses and products, including one of my now-favourite gins – aptly named “Norfolk Gin”. 

Try it with a slice of orange! It’s goooood!

When we weren’t dining at The Victoria Inn, we tried out another local pub close by in Stiffkey, the Stiffkey Red Lion, where we enjoyed rosé overlooking a stream.

Fun fact! Farrow & Ball’s ‘Stiffkey Blue’ is named after Norfolk’s Stiffkey Beach.

For ice cream we discovered Hunstanton Ice Cream in Wells. There were sprinkles! And waffle cones! And sooo many flavours to choose from! I was in heaven. 

On our last day in Holkham we took the time to explore Holkham Hall’s walled gardens (more on that below), preceded by a pitstop at the Holkham Courtyard Café which is SO lovely! You can enjoy delicious healthy meals here and coffee and cake aplenty. 

Activities in Holkham, Norfolk

I’m Wearing

Skirt: Joanie Clothing | Trainers: Crew Clothing

T Shirt: Crew Clothing | Sunglasses: H&M

We totally lucked out with the weather during our stay in Norfolk and had sunshine the whole weekend. 

As such we were able to explore the Holkham estate, which in itself is so worth a visit, as well as cycling down to Holkham beach.

Renting bikes from Holkham estate couldn’t have been easier. I really recommend doing so if you’re in the area – it was such an easy cycle – literally one straight road downhill – and the beach at the end of it is SO beautiful.

With soft buttery sand and a huge stretch of blue sky, it looked like an abstract painting!

It was tempting to stay on the estate for the whole of our stay – I mean, between the park and the beach you’re very spoilt! But we did venture along to Wells too, a sweet seaside town, and across to Stiffkey for the aforementioned rosé. 

Touring Holkham Hall & The Estate

On our last day we took a tour of Holkham Hall which was truly INCREDIBLE!

If you are a fan of estate houses, or if you’ve ever toured any of the British Royal Family’s properties, you’ll be familiar with the breathtaking nature of such highly decorative spaces.

Every room is decked out in rich fabrics and antiques. You could spend hours absorbing the details in just one room.

The view from inside Holkham Hall itself is amazing. You can see far across the grounds, and it’s the perfect vantage point to look across the lake and park.

As a final endeavor we hopped on the shuttle train from Holkham Hall up to the walled garden on the estate. You can easily walk this bit, but we were short on time and wanted to get up there with long enough to properly explore.

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I LOVE a good garden, and all things floral, so this truly felt like a huge treat!

The walled garden is huge, and when we visited it was full of early roses and colourful flowers.

In the summer this would be the best spot to enjoy a coffee and picnic with friends!

Overall 

Our weekend away in Holkham, Norfolk was one of our favourite getaways ever. 

The scenery surrounding Holkham is spectacular. Our time away truly made me grateful for living in the UK. Each area is so unique!

I often find that when we travel further North in the UK the sky seems bigger, and the vista feels like it stretches farther. Have you ever noticed that?!

Our accommodation made the stay even more memorable. I’m not sure we’ll ever top the uniqueness of staying in an 18th century arch! It was such a special home for our 48hrs, and the warm welcome we received made it feel even more so. 

It felt like we’d been away for much longer that a weekend, and we drove back home feel refreshed and fuelled up.

Holkham is WELL worth a visit, no matter how long you have.

It is perfect for a day out, a weekend away, and – even – a wedding! Can you imagine?!

A HUGE thank you to the Holkham estate, and SALT, for having us to stay.

What’s Your Take? 

Have you visited Norfolk before? If so, where did you go? Have you been to Holkham Hall? 

And where else should we visit in the area next time?!

I’d love to hear from you!

Love, Monica x

~ All photos taken by me ~

~ Oli and I were guests of Holkham Hall, and SALT ~ 

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