On a blisteringly hot day, we decided to go to NT’s Blickling Hall, near Aylsham (check), about 25 minutes drive from East Runton. This is a very grand house, the home of a former [check], and significant as the property which started the NT’s donated-estates portfolio.
Although we did pop our heads inside hall itself, Littley was still a little too young (there is a vast array of child-friendly activities, including a period dressing up box for children a little older than 2), we spent the majority of our time there in the gardens. We enjoyed a picnic lunch and a stroll around the gardens and grounds, before finishing up with a well-deserved ice cream.
With the effects of the heat starting to get to us, we headed back to Waverley, happy but tired.
Verdict
Although Littley enjoyed her time there, I think she will get more out of it when she is a little older. Definitely one to put on the list for a repeat visit in a couple of years time. It is free to NT members (well worth paying for annual membership) and has plenty to engage children and adults alike. As with most NT properties, there are various options to eat and drink, or buy momentos.
As a passing note, we’d like to make special mention of the staff who were working that day; I don’t think we’ve ever met such friendly, attentive staff at an NT property. It really felt as though they wanted us (with particular focus on Littley) to enjoy our visit.