We knew that we couldn’t leave this area of Norfolk without visiting Sandringham – it was less than 10 miles from where we were staying after all.
This is such a lovely part of the world. As you leave the main road and head towards Sandringham itself you find yourself driving along a wide tree-lined avenue; here you can park up for a picnic and to take walks in the woods.
Having already had lunch we continued to the spot where you find the house and church on the right side of the road (neither visible from the road), and on the left a large open area and a shop, café and toilets adjacent to the, free, parking.
The cost to visit the house, gardens and museum is £15.50 for each adult (£10 each if you don’t want to visit the house). It is worth it – the house is charming, and knowing that the royals use it as a much loved home in the winter makes it all the more special.
As you enter you immediately see items that the royals use daily whilst in residence, and there are numerous members of staff on hand to give you those little details that bring everything to life. We even met a lady who is on the winter staff and so was able to tell us that ‘this is where the queen sits when going through her correspondence each morning with her lady in waiting..’
The house is owned by the Queen and all the contents belong to her personally as well. It really is an interesting and informative tour, but no photography is allowed inside the house, which is understandable (although it doesn’t stop people from trying it on..)
The museum is housed in the old coach house and stables. There is so much to see here including carriages, cars, bicycles, even a fire-engine!
In the old stables, still complete, with the original stalls, is a tearoom – I had a rather nice slice of Victoria sponge in here 🙂
The gardens are beautiful with various walks, the lake and a ‘nest’ visible across the lake towards the house.
Eventually you come to the church which is rather lovely. The altar-piece and pulpit are both very ‘rich’ – clearly crafted from silver. There are plagues to many royals evident within the church.
The following day we moved on to Stamford as we wanted to go to Rutland Water. In the afternoon we visited Stamford itself, a very pretty stone built town with several churches, a pretty riverside and a number of independent shops & pubs as well as the usual chains.
There used to be a castle here which is explained on an information board near the river.
We had a quick drink before heading back to the van. We didn’t choose the best establishment, but it was a good spot for people watching!
The following day we cycled around Rutland Water and I will recount this in my next post 🙂
turnrightoutofportsmouth 