Enjoy North Norfolk Making the most of North Norfolk
Love is all around in Norfolk this Valentine’s Day and the Norfolk National Trust stories of romance of the people who lived and worked in their special places could be all the inspiration you need for that special someone.
And what’s more, every romantic day out helps the conservation charity to look after these places for future generations.
Fall in love with breathtaking views and take a walk through centuries of romantic tradition at some of the most striking historic houses and gardens in the county.
Here are some of their favourite romantic tales:
They married for love – Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk
When Henry Bedingfeld inherited Oxburgh Hall, he was a bachelor. Although he was in need of money, he married for love; proposing in Paris to Sybil Lyne-Stephens, who was 23 years his junior. They were married soon after.
Price: normal admission charges apply
For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburgh-hall
Image by Justin Minns
Wartime sweethearts – Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk
Also, during the Second World War, the Bedingfeld family offered the family chapel at Oxburgh Hall, so that airmen from the nearby RAF base could marry their sweethearts before going back to war.
Price: normal admission charges apply
For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburgh-hall
The influence of a mistress – Blickling Hall, Norfolk
It was the witty and older sister of John Hobart, who owned Blickling Hall in the 1700s, that became the mistress of King George II. Whilst he was still a prince, he made a financial settlement with her husband in exchange of her services as a royal mistress! Henrietta’s romantic influence is thought to have been instrumental in obtaining her brother his earldom in 1746.
Price: normal admission charges apply
For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate
Image by Andy Davison
Etched with love – Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk
At Felbrigg Hall there is a love poem that dates back to around 1735, etched into a pane of glass in the window of the butler’s pantry. It was etched by Benjamin Stillingfleet, William Windham II’s tutor, in praise of a local beauty, Anne Barnes, with whom he was in love.
Price: normal admission charges apply
For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/felbrigg-hall-gardens-and-estate
Image by Justin Minns
Romantic cottages for two
If you’re planning a romantic break for Valentine’s Day, the National Trust’s collection of holiday cottages have everything you need for an extra special getaway just for two. From gatehouses to castle watch towers, pretty cottages to cosy bothies, coastal retreats to estate lodges, you’ll find our holiday cottages full of character and charm and surrounded by beautiful views. What’s more, every holiday cottage booking helps support the Trust’s work as a conservation charity looking after special places, for ever, for everyone.
Discover more at www.nationaltrustholidays.org.uk or by calling 0344 800 2070.
