May 2026

Houghton Hall - House, Gardens, Sculptures & Tulip Spectacular
Monday 4th May 2026

Set in the rolling parkland of rural Norfolk, Houghton Hall is one of the most impressive historic estates in England. Built in the 1720s for Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, the grand Palladian house is now home to the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley and his family. Today, the estate welcomes visitors each spring and summer to explore its historic interiors, award-winning gardens, contemporary sculptures.

Whether you’re interested in architecture, gardens, or modern art, Houghton Hall offers a memorable day out in North Norfolk.

Spring brings one of the most colourful events of the year: Tulips at Houghton, a vibrant celebration of spring flowers in the Walled Garden.

For the event, around 25,000 tulip bulbs are planted throughout the garden in collaboration with bulb specialists Peter Nyssen Ltd. The result is a dazzling display of colour as thousands of tulips bloom alongside blossom trees and other spring plants.

The tulips are carefully arranged across different areas of the garden, with:

• Naturalised species tulips beneath orchard trees
• Large drifts of colourful varieties along borders and pathways
• Decorative potted displays placed around the garden

During the event, the garden becomes a photographer’s dream and one of Norfolk’s most beautiful spring attractions.

Suffolk is full of wonderful places to explore, and two destinations high on my list for a future trip are Ipswich and Felixstowe. Located only around 12 miles apart, the historic county town and Suffolk’s favourite seaside resort make the perfect pairing for a day or weekend of exploring. From historic streets and vibrant waterfronts to sandy beaches and coastal views, both places offer something special.

One of the oldest towns in England, Ipswich is rich in history, culture and character. The town dates back to Anglo-Saxon times and has grown into a lively centre filled with historic buildings, museums and waterfront attractions.

After a visit to Ipswich in the morning, we head to the coast to the seaside town of Felixstowe... Just a short journey from Ipswich, Known for its long promenade, sandy beaches and traditional seaside attractions, Felixstowe offers a classic British coastal experience.

Surrounded by countryside with 1,000 years of history to explore, Bury St Edmunds is the home of Saint Edmund, the original patron Saint of England.

Shopping in Bury St Edmunds offers plenty of choice with a great mix of fantastic independents and High Street favourites. There are beautiful outdoor spaces to explore and a plentiful arts scene including theatre, live music, film and art.

Wednesday is market day too, so there's plenty of other stalls to explore.

First stop will be the beautiful market town of Stamford, often described as one of England’s finest stone towns. With its charming streets, historic buildings and independent shops, there will be plenty of time to explore, soak up the atmosphere and perhaps enjoy a little shopping or a relaxed stroll through the town.

Afterwards, the day will continue with a scenic cruise on board the Rutland Belle on the stunning Rutland Water. Sitting back and enjoying the views across one of England’s largest reservoirs is sure to be a real highlight... And to make it even better… a delicious cream tea will be served on board!

Fresh scones, jam and cream while gently cruising across the water — the perfect way to relax and take in the scenery. History, beautiful views and a classic British treat… this promises to be a truly wonderful day out!

Over the past few years we've had some wonderful days out, and this year promises to be more of the same... Much More!

With lunch included, we cant tell you much more, apart form laughter guarantee'd, the odd dodgy pronunciation or two, and plenty of places to explore too...

The day will begin with a visit to the charming North Norfolk coastal town of Wells-next-the-Sea. There will be time to explore the harbour, browse the independent shops, enjoy the seaside atmosphere or perhaps take a relaxing walk along the quay while watching the boats.

After our stop by the coast, we will continue inland to the stunning Stody Lodge Gardens, where the famous rhododendrons should be in spectacular bloom.

Set within beautiful woodland, the gardens are known for their incredible collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, which create a breathtaking display of colour each spring. Visitors will be able to wander the peaceful paths, admire the vibrant flowers and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

To make the visit even more special, a delicious cream tea will also be included — the perfect treat after exploring the gardens.

With coastal views, stunning spring flowers and a classic cream tea, this promises to be a wonderfully relaxing day out in Norfolk.

Famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, this beautiful market town is full of charm, history and picturesque streets waiting to be explored.

Visitors will have plenty of free time to discover the town’s highlights. A stroll through the historic centre reveals stunning black-and-white Tudor buildings, including the famous Shakespeare's Birthplace, where the world-famous playwright was born.

The town also sits on the banks of the peaceful River Avon, where you can enjoy relaxing riverside walks, watch the swans glide by, or simply sit and take in the lovely scenery.

Nearby, visitors may also wish to see the beautiful Holy Trinity Church, the final resting place of Shakespeare, or admire the striking riverside theatre home of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

With its historic buildings, welcoming cafés, independent shops and scenic riverside setting, Stratford-upon-Avon offers something for everyone. Whether enjoying a relaxed lunch, exploring Shakespeare’s heritage, or simply wandering the charming streets, it promises to be a delightful Sunday visit.

Located just outside Ipswich, this wonderful wildlife park and farm is home to an amazing variety of animals from around the world.

During the visit there will be plenty of time to explore the park and meet some of its fascinating residents. Visitors will be able to see impressive animals such as polar bears, wolves, and lynx, along with farm favourites including pigs, goats and sheep.

There are also many other animals to discover along the way, including zebras, camels, capybaras and a range of birds and smaller wildlife. Every corner of the park offers something interesting to see, making it a great place for animal lovers of all ages. As well as the animals, the park features beautiful countryside surroundings, play areas and places to relax, making it easy to spend a very enjoyable few hours exploring. With wildlife, fresh air and plenty to discover, this promises to be a brilliant day out at Jimmy’s Farm.

There will be plenty of free time to enjoy everything this lively coastal town has to offer. A stroll along the seafront is always a must — breathe in that fresh sea air, enjoy the views and maybe even try not to get too crabby about leaving the beach later!

The famous Skegness Seafront is packed with classic seaside attractions, arcades, cafés and of course the beach itself. It’s the perfect place to relax, grab an ice cream or simply watch the waves roll in. We’ll also have time to explore the bustling Skegness Market, where you can browse a variety of stalls selling everything from clothes and gifts to seaside treats. Who knows what treasures you might find!

And for those looking for a bit of extra excitement, nearby is Fantasy Island — famous for its rides, attractions and huge market. Whether you’re feeling brave enough for the rollercoasters or just fancy a wander around the shops, there’s plenty to enjoy.

With sandy beaches, seaside laughs and a day full of fun, this trip promises to be shore to be a good time… and we’re sure everyone will have a whale of a day!

Visitors will have full admission to the stunning palace, its beautifully landscaped gardens, and the expansive parkland — so there will be plenty to see and explore throughout the day. Inside the House at Blenheim Palace, guests will be able to wander through the magnificent state rooms, admire ornate ceilings, historic paintings and fine furniture, and learn about the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site — the birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Outside, the Blenheim Palace Gardens will offer a feast for the senses, with beautifully maintained flowerbeds, the elegant Rose Garden, and the serene Water Terraces. Visitors will also have the chance to explore the famous Formal Garden, designed to complement the grandeur of the palace itself. The day wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through the Blenheim Palace Park, one of England’s most spectacular landscaped parks. From rolling lawns and majestic lakes to ancient woodland and scenic walks, there will be plenty of photo opportunities and peaceful spots to soak in the views. With the palace interiors, gardens in full bloom, and the vast park to explore, this visit promises to be a day full of history, beauty, and unforgettable memories.