Norfolk: Six centuries of architectural and artistic genius

There is plenty to explore in the medieval city of Norwich, from the cathedral with its ornate cloisters and the city’s imposing gates, which lead to a once Saxon marketplace, to the Museum of Norwich, Norwich Castle and shopping opportunities.

This spectacular 18^th century Palladian house is rich in history and sits in the heart of a stunning 25,000 acre estate. Grand from the outside, the interior of this Georgian property is nothing short of opulent with its elaborate, colonnaded Marble Hall, magnificent state rooms and Classical Statue Gallery. One of the ten Treasure Houses of England, Holkham has superb collections of paintings, furniture, tapestries and statuary and is surrounded by rolling parkland filled with deer and other wildlife.

Explore the idyllic Norfolk Broads on boat journey. Whilst you drift past reedy marshes, the skeletons of windmills and amongst the tangle of bird-filled flora along the banks, learn about the wildlife, history and origin of this tranquil waterland.

Mentioned in the Domesday Book, the Tudor house that once stood at Blickling is widely believed to have been the birthplace of Anne Boleyn. The present red-brick Jacobean mansion was built by Sir Henry Hobart (1560–1626) after he purchased the estate in 1616. Inside, the ornate rooms boast incredible ceilings, tapestries, furniture and paintings, with stunning views out to the 55 acres of formal gardens. The beautiful Long Room houses an historically important national book collection, with a handwritten manuscript from the 1100s containing the Dialogues of Pope Gregory the Great.

Dating from 1096 and set in 44 acres of beautiful grounds, this awe-inspiring, welcoming building is known for its spectacular architecture, magnificent art and a fascinating history. One of the finest complete Romanesque cathedrals in Europe, with the second tallest spire and largest monastic cloisters in England, the cathedral houses more than a thousand beautiful medieval roof boss sculptures and a plethora of art and literary gems.

Housed in a world-class Norman Foster building at the University of East Anglia, the Sainsbury Centre is much more than a conventional gallery. Home to modern and world art spanning 5,000 years, explore the art collection of Robert and Lisa Sainsbury, the Anderson Collection of Art Nouveau and the University’s Abstract and Constructivist Collection, alongside a range of temporary exhibitions. There is also a Sculpture Park set in 350 acres of grounds, which includes works by Henry Moore, Elisabeth Frink and Antony Gormley.

Sandringham House is the King’s country estate, set in 24 hectares of fine landscaped gardens. The house itself, well used by the Royal Family, was built in 1870 and the interiors still reflect an elegant Edwardian style. Filled with sumptuous objets d’art gifted to the Royal Family over several generations, Sandringham provides a fascinating insight into the British Monarchy