A Guide to Discovering the Past at Stately Homes Across the East of England
- Jessica Simms-Baalham
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
Royal retreats and moated manors, the East of England is full of stately homes worth visiting. Many are open throughout the year, with quiet gardens in winter, vibrant flowers in spring, busy trails in summer, and colourful woodlands in autumn.
Whatever the season, visiting a stately home is a great way to spend a few hours and we’ve rounded up some of the best stately homes across the region, as well as where you can find a bite to eat, a drink, or a place to stay after your day out.
SUFFOLK
In Suffolk, stately homes range from moated Tudor manors to country estates. Kentwell Hall in Long Melford is known for its hands-on approach to history, often hosting living history days and seasonal events across its grounds. Just down the road, Melford Hall offers a quieter visit, with ties to Beatrix Potter and a peaceful deer park to explore. Whichever one you choose to explore, The Black Lion in Long Melford and The Crown at Stoke-by-Nayland are well placed for a meal or overnight stay nearby.
Closer to Bury St Edmunds, Ickworth House stands out with its grand rotunda and sweeping parkland. Managed by the National Trust, it’s open year-round for walking, touring, and cycling. Just a short drive away you’ll find The Weeping Willow in Barrow, making it an ideal dinner stop after your day. Helmingham Hall, although privately owned, opens its gardens throughout the summer and is well known for its classic drawbridge, wildflower meadows and formal borders.
NORFOLK
Norfolk is home to some of the region’s most impressive historic estates. The Sandringham Estate, the King’s country retreat, welcomes visitors of all ages to soak up history in its 20,000 acres of gardens, trails, and woodland. Not far away, Houghton Hall combines 18th century architecture with a modern art programme, showcasing sculpture installations across its grounds. Le Strange Arms in Old Hunstaton and The Chequers Inn in Thornham can both be found nearby, offering a welcoming atmosphere for you to relax after your day.
On the coast, Holkham Hall blends history with a sense of space, offering boat hire, cycle routes and access to one of the county’s best beaches. Nearby pubs include The Globe at Wells-next-the-Sea and The Wiveton Bell in Holt.
Elsewhere in the county, Felbrigg Hall is one of the lesser-known National Trust properties, with a working walled garden and network of walking trails through woods and parkland. Oxburgh Estate, with its red brick façade and moat, is packed with stories from the Wars of the Roses through to the Victorian Era.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
Wimpole Hall is a well-known estate in Cambridgeshire, having been lived on and farmed for over 2,000 years. Explore the centuries old house, stroll through the miles of parkland, or visit the traditional farmyard filled with a modern piggery and cattle sheds. Not far away, Anglesey Abbey offers a different experience. Originally a priory, it’s now a country house with beautifully maintained grounds, including a winter garden that’s especially popular at the start of the year. Both properties are managed by the National Trust and are within easy reach of The Carpenters Arms in Great Wilbraham, perfect for lunch, dinner or a relaxed overnight stay after your visit.
ESSEX
Straddling the border between Essex and Cambridgeshire, Audley End House offers one of the best all-round stately home experiences in the region. With Jacobean architecture, a Victorian kitchen and landscaped grounds, there’s plenty to see in every season. Just on the outskirts of the property, you’ll find Audley End Miniature Railway – a family-friendly adventure with seasonally themed events. The Eight Bells in Saffron Walden is a short drive away and makes for a great base to eat or drink nearby.
You’ll also find a couple of smaller but equally interesting properties in Essex. Near Chelmsford, Hylands Estate combines a restored historic villa with parkland and seasonal events. Over in Coggeshall, Paycocke’s House offers a glimpse into Tudor life, with timber-framed architecture and a compact garden that’s ideal for a shorter visit.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re wandering through gardens, discovering local history, or just looking for a picnic spot, these stately homes make for memorable days out. With plenty of our pubs or hotels never too far away, there’s always somewhere special to eat, drink, or stay nearby.
Browse our full collection of pubs with rooms and Big House hotels here.
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