If you're looking for a day trip that's fit for a king or queen, look no further than the Sandringham Estate. This sprawling country retreat has been the private residence of the British royal family since the 19th century and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Norfolk.
Located in the heart of the Norfolk countryside, the Sandringham Estate covers over 20,000 acres of stunning gardens, woodlands, and farmland. When you visit, you'll have the chance to explore the many highlights of the estate, from the beautifully manicured gardens to the historic buildings and museums.
One of the most popular attractions at Sandringham is the stunning Sandringham House, the private residence of the royal family, which is open for visits between April and October. You can also take a tour of the grounds and learn about the history and architecture of this stunning building, as well as exploring inside St Mary Magdalene Church (open in the same month as the house and gardens) where the Royal Family famously have their Christmas Day Church Service. Be sure to take a stroll through the formal gardens (again open April - October), which feature a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as a lake and several water features.
If you're interested in history, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Sandringham Museum. This fascinating attraction is housed in the former coach house and stables and features a wide range of exhibits on the history of the royal family and the estate itself. You'll have the chance to see vintage cars, royal memorabilia, and even the first-ever royal motor car.
But the Sandringham Estate isn't just a place for history lovers. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy too, from long walks in the woods (which we actually did ourselves today with our gorgeous dog, Luna) to horseback riding, birdwatching and even a huge outdoor children's adventure play park.
Sandringham Estate even run a wide range of workshops and events throughout the year, including snowdrop walks and willow crafting. Perfect for a day out with the kids, doing something fun but surrounded by nature.
The Sandringham Estate is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Norfolk and you're sure to build up an appetite spending the day there. There's so many options for food on the estate; from picnic tables if you want to bring your own sandwiches, to cafes and even a restaurant. Today though, we discovered an amazing country pub just a 15 minute drive from Sandringham that we'd highly recommend; The Rose & Crown in Harpley. It's a beautiful quintessential country pub from the outside but so beautifully done out inside, with floral wallpaper, deep blue walls and lots of art. And the food? It's to die for! We highly recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment - www.roseandcrownharpley.co.uk
With its stunning gardens, historic buildings, beautiful countryside and so many other great finds on its doorstep, Sandringham really is a day trip fit for a royal. So why not plan your visit today and see the beauty and history of Sandringham for yourself?