A Weekend in
Norfolk
The beautiful walk to Holkham Beach, near Wells-next-the-Sea. Image: Camilla Frances.
Rose Cholmondeley shares her favorite things to see and do in the glorious English county of Norfolk
When she moved to Houghton Hall, the ancestral seat of her husband, David, seventh Marquess of Cholmondeley, Rose, Marchioness of Cholmondeley, quickly fell for both the fine Palladian estate and rural Norfolk where it lay. A collector and art lover, Rose shares with Cabana her personal recommendations for a perfect Norfolk weekend, including her favorite beaches, antique shops, historic houses and gardens.
The walled gardens at Holkham Hall, a Neo-Palladian style estate. Image: Camilla Frances.
Houghton Hall, one of England's finest Palladian houses. Image: Ashley Hicks.
Where to Stay
The Gunton Arms
A traditional pub with 16 rooms decorated by Robert Kime, and therefore absolute perfection. It also has a great restaurant, led by chef Stuart Tattersall, and great art, curated and collected by its owner, Ivor Braka.
The Gunton Arms
A traditional pub with 16 rooms, all decorated by Robert Kime and therefore absolute perfection. It also has a good restaurant, headed by chef Stuart Tattersall, and great art collected by its owner, the art dealer, Ivor Braka.
The Gunton Arms
A traditional pub with 16 rooms, all decorated by Robert Kime and therefore absolute perfection. It also has a good restaurant, headed by chef Stuart Tattersall, and great art collected by its owner, the art dealer, Ivor Braka.
Where to Shop for Antiques
Norfolk has a great selection of antiques shops and dealers. My favorites are:
Richard Scott Antiques, in the market town of Holt. He sells very affordable things, such as antique plates and glasses.
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Where to Shop for Antiques
Norfolk has a great selection of antiques shops and dealers.
My favorites are:
Richard Scott Antiques, in the market town of Holt. He sells very affordable things, such as antique plates and glasses.
Bayfield Hall Antiques, near Holt. In the grounds of a grand house, these converted stables are home to several dealers selling a mix of antique and vintage objects and furniture.
Norfolk Decorative Lighting - a selection of antique lighting.
Mongers of Hingham - an architectural salvage yard where I source lovely old reclaimed baths, basins and other items.
John Davies, Fakenham - he has antiques, but also makes fantastic reproductions and bespoke frames in his workshop.
Historic Houses
Felbrigg Hall
Blickling Estate
Sandringham Estate and Royal Parkland
Holkham Hall (pictured, right)
Houghton Hall (pictured, above)
1) Lilly Pulitzer x Suzie Zuzek
When Lilly Pulitzer launched her classic shift dresses in the ’60s, few knew their playful nature-inspired prints were the vision of Florida-based artist Suzie Zuzek. The striking collection mixed Zuzek’s imagination and masterful drawing with Pulitzer’s eye for vivid color. The striking collection mixed Zuzek’s imagination and masterful drawing with Pulitzer’s eye for vivid color. launched her classic shift dresses in the ’60s, few knew their playful nature-inspired prints were the vision of Florida-based artist Suzie Zuzek. The striking collection mixed Zuzek’s imagination and masterful drawing with Pulitzer’s eye for vivid color. The striking collection mixed Zuzek’s imagination and masterful drawing with Pulitzer’s eye for vivid color.
Walled Gardens
North Norfolk has some particularly special walled gardens full of wild flowers and architectural surprises. My favorites include Houghton Hall, Felbrigg Hall and Holkham Hall (pictured).
1) Lilly Pulitzer x Suzie Zuzek
When Lilly Pulitzer launched her classic shift dresses in the ’60s, few knew their playful nature-inspired prints were the vision of Florida-based artist Suzie Zuzek. The striking collection mixed Zuzek’s imagination and masterful drawing with Pulitzer’s eye for vivid color. The striking collection mixed Zuzek’s imagination and masterful drawing with Pulitzer’s eye for vivid color. launched her classic shift dresses in the ’60s, few knew their playful nature-inspired prints were the vision of Florida-based artist Suzie Zuzek. The striking collection mixed Zuzek’s imagination and masterful drawing with Pulitzer’s eye for vivid color. The striking collection mixed Zuzek’s imagination and masterful drawing with Pulitzer’s eye for vivid color.
Art and Design
Houghton: May-September, Houghton is open to the public and full of art and sculpture by leading artists.
Sainsbury Centre, Norwich - the Sainsbury family's art collection, including works by Lucy Rie and Hans Coper.
Art and Design
Beaches
My favorite beaches are those on the North Norfolk coast, with huge dunes and vast expanses of golden sand. I love Holkham, which has beautiful pinewoods; Thornham (combine with a trip to Eric's Fish & Chips) and Brancaster beaches.
1) Lilly Pulitzer x Suzie Zuzek
When Lilly Pulitzer launched her classic shift dresses in the ’60s, few knew their playful nature-inspired prints were the vision of Florida-based artist Suzie Zuzek. The striking collection mixed Zuzek’s imagination and masterful drawing with Pulitzer’s eye for vivid color. The striking collection mixed Zuzek’s imagination and masterful drawing with Pulitzer’s eye for vivid color. launched her classic shift dresses in the ’60s, few knew their playful nature-inspired prints were the vision of Florida-based artist Suzie Zuzek. The striking collection mixed Zuzek’s imagination and masterful drawing with Pulitzer’s eye for vivid color. The striking collection mixed Zuzek’s imagination and masterful drawing with Pulitzer’s eye for vivid color.
Best Kept Secret
The Shell Museum
Described in an early Norfolk guide book as, "a rare little museum for all who love beautiful things", this tiny jewel houses the UK's finest seashell collection, plus fossils, pottery and local archaeological finds.
1) Lilly Pulitzer x Suzie Zuzek
When Lilly Pulitzer launched her classic shift dresses in the ’60s, few knew their playful nature-inspired prints were the vision of Florida-based artist Suzie Zuzek. The striking collection mixed Zuzek’s imagination and masterful drawing with Pulitzer’s eye for vivid color. The striking collection mixed Zuzek’s imagination and masterful drawing with Pulitzer’s eye for vivid color. launched her classic shift dresses in the ’60s, few knew their playful nature-inspired prints were the vision of Florida-based artist Suzie Zuzek. The striking collection mixed Zuzek’s imagination and masterful drawing with Pulitzer’s eye for vivid color. The striking collection mixed Zuzek’s imagination and masterful drawing with Pulitzer’s eye for vivid color.
Houghton x Cabana
Discover exquisite textiles and tableware inspired by Norfolk's Houghton Hall.
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