Somerleyton Hall

Set in a beautiful 5000 acre English estate, Somerleyton Hall is widely acclaimed as one of the most beautiful stately homes in Britain. Open to the public every April to September, Somerleyton Hall also plays host to luxurious weddings and events, serves pub-goers at The Duke's Head and holidaymakers with its charming Fritton Lake woodland lodges. Get ready for an enchanting trip back in time. As a visitor today you’ll enjoy the finely preserved experience of a Tudor period mansion. But there has been a high status residence on the Somerleyton site since the beginning of the Norman conquest of Britain, with a manor house here as early as 1240AD. Today’s visitors will encounter the Hall in its enlarged and remodelled version, with beautiful stone work and sumptuous interior detailing courtesy of Victorian entrepreneur Sir Samuel Morton Peto. He hired John Thomas, Prince Albert’s favourite sculptor no less, to carry out the renovations and the quality of the workmanship shines through today. Take a turn through the carved oak entrance hall, imagine the high times spent in the ballroom with its dramatic crimson colouring and elegant ceiling. From the library and its dramatic alabaster fireplace to the dining room’s signature Crossley family carpeting, a trip to Somerleyton is an experience of historical opulence. Every great country home was complemented by the ambition of its surrounding pleasure gardens and Somerleyton is a wonderful example of that Victorian vision. Visit the walled garden to discover the beautiful and ornate iron and glass greenhouses, designed by Joseph Paxton, the architect of Crystal Palace. Don’t miss the 70 foot high pergola, home to wisteria, roses, clematis and vines.