Mannington Hall is a beautiful moated medieval country house in the heart of Norfolk.
The hall has been owned by the Walpole family since 1722 and now belongs to Robert Walpole, 10th Baron Walpole. It’s a great location for exploring all that this part of England has to offer – from historic houses and gardens to picturesque villages and miles of unspoiled coastline.
You can enjoy luxurious rooms with en suite bathrooms and free WiFi throughout your stay at Mannington Hall. The restaurant serves delicious food made from fresh local ingredients sourced from nearby farms whenever possible – including organic vegetables grown right here on site! There are also plenty of activities available on-site such as fishing trips or even falconry lessons if you fancy yourself as an adventurer! If you’re interested in learning more about the property’s fascinating history then be sure to check out the museum which houses artifacts dating back centuries ago. This truly is a unique experience unlike any other.
What is Mannington Hall Garden
Mannington Hall Garden is a garden that is located in Norfolk, England. The gardens include a moated medieval manor house. They are surrounded by a large range of plants and flowers, including traditional and contemporary roses. One of the more unique displays in the garden is an evolution of roses through the years, showcasing their different colors and shapes over time. Mannington’s gardens are part of Lord and Lady Walpole’s Mannington Estate. This includes Wolterton Park, also in Erpingham.
The History of Mannington Hall Garden
The garden has a long and colorful history. It was originally built in the 1460s by William Lumner. The Potts family acquired it in 1550, and an estate map from that time shows the presence of fishponds but no mention of a garden. Mannington remained in the Potts family’s possession until 1736 when Horatio Walpole bought it. Walpole’s 1742 map of the estate shows gardens within the moat and a long axial road to the west, as well as an area labeled ‘Park’ to the south.
Horatio Walpole was born in 1717. His father, Robert Walpole, served as Great Britain’s first Prime Minister. Horatio became the 2nd Earl of Orford when his father passed away in 1745. He married Maria O’Brien in 1747 and had five children with her before she died in 1761. In 1757, Horatio purchased Wolterton Hall and its surrounding parkland. He extensively developed the grounds there, creating an ornamental landscape including canals, woodland walks, and monuments.
Walpole later remarried in 1766 to Catherine, the Duchess of Buckinghamshire (also known as Lady Mary). The two lived at Mannington Hall with Orford’s daughter, Antonia. In 1771, Walpole purchased Wolterton Park from his uncle George II and later that year inherited Houghton Hall in Norfolk. Mannington remained the family’s main home until 1781 when they moved to Houghton. They also stayed there during the winter months; Catherine died at Houghton in 1797 and Walpole passed away at Mannington the following year.
Walpoles’ farm manager, David King, purchased Mannington Hall in 1793. He stayed at the home until 1806 when he sold it to Robert Loder (also spelled Loedor).
After his death, Mannington fell into disrepair. George Frederick Zander acquired the home in 1842 and began renovating it; however, he did not live there and didn’t do much work. Robert Loder’s heir, George Edward Paston-Bedingfeld (also known as Bertie), purchased the home and estate in 1849 and continued its restoration. He moved into the Hall with his wife Caroline in 1863; they stayed until 1867 when their son Walter inherited it.
Walter had a son, also named Walter Paston-Bedingfeld, in 1887. This grandson of Robert Bedingfeld was born at Mannington Hall and moved back into the home with his wife Winifred after they got married. The couple immediately began major renovations on the property to restore it to its former glory. During this time, they added a sun parlor and library onto the south wing of the home.
The 1st Walter passed away in 1933, and his son took over as owner of Mannington Hall. His wife, Lady Anne Colomb (known as Anita), was an avid gardener who made several changes to the estate’s landscape. She introduced a long border of blue camassia, a lawn on the north side of the Hall with a patterned herbaceous border, and a sunken garden bordering one of the canals.
Anne passed away in 1986, leaving her grandchildren as heirs to Mannington Hall. Lord David Walpole is now the owner of the estate, which is currently run by his wife, Lady Jane, and their two children.
The Grounds at Mannington Hall
The grounds here are expansive and lush, with rolling fields in the distance, manicured gardens, and rows of hedges. Today, the estate encompasses 80 acres of gardens. The gardens include three fountains (made via Robert Bedingfeld in the 19th century), an orchard, a terrace walk lined with trees, herbaceous borders on both sides of the Hall, and a sunken garden. The land also includes two canals, one of which surrounds the Hall. Upon entering the property’s main gate, guests are greeted with gardens on both sides of the road. Wrought-iron gates mark each entrance to the estate.
Walter Paston-Bedingfeld created this driveway covered in grass and wildflowers in 1986. It leads up to the Hall, where two large willow trees reside on either side of its entranceway.
A shaded water garden is located near the Hall as well as a restored 19th-century gazebo, which looks out onto it. A pergola with climbing roses hangs off one end of the gazebo and is a popular place for picnics amongst guests.
A rose garden resides to one side of Mannington Hall, adjacent to the terrace walk path. The formal gardens on either side of this walk contain a wide variety of roses in their borders. In the spring, hundreds of daffodils brighten up the area.
Walter Paston-Bedingfeld also created a sunken garden below the terrace walk in 1986. The level of this garden is about 10 feet lower than the rest of the property and is bordered by trees and shrubs on its perimeter. It has many winding paths, which lead to a central pool and fountain.
The Historic Bedingfield Orchard sits to the far west of the estate and is made up of two rows of crabapple trees, evenly spaced with ornamental plumb trees between them. An old wall sits just outside this orchard and encloses a large area with woodlands in it.
This canal runs along the western edge of the estate and was constructed during the 16th century. It’s lined with trees and is crossed by an arched bridge. The canal borders a rectangular pool that has islands in it, covered in water lilies and surrounded by hedges.
A long semi-formal garden border is located near the south gate of the estate. It’s framed by a double row of boxwood and contains a variety of flowers, shrubs, and perennials.
The circular Herbaceous Border is about 70 feet wide and bordered on both sides by boxwood hedges. Walter Paston-Bedingfeld planted this garden in the 1980s using many different varieties of herbaceous perennials. He often came out to care for it himself until his death in 1993.
How to get to Mannington Hall
The easiest way to get to Mannington Hall is to take the A47 from Norwich and follow the signs for Mannington. The postcode (NR11 7BB) can frequently lead you to their private entrance. The public entrance is reached before the private one if approaching from the direction of Saxthorpe.
Opening times at Mannington Hall
The Gardens are only open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, while the Garden Tearooms are open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the same days. The country walks are available from 9 a.m. till dark every day. Except for groups, there is no need to make a reservation in advance.
Entry Prices for Mannington Hall Gardens
- adult is £10.00,
- concessions (senior/student/carer) is £7.00,
- children under sixteen is free,
- entrance ticket gives admission for two open days within one week,
- priority for season ticket holder, and
- free for RHS and HHA members
What to See and Do at Mannington Hall Garden
There are a number of things to see and do at Mannington Hall Garden. Some of the highlights include walking through the beautiful gardens and landscapes, taking a stroll down the terrace walk, enjoying a picnic in the gazebo, and visiting the tearooms for a bite to eat. Additionally, there are many special events that take place throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit to Mannington Hall Garden
1. Take a walk down the terrace walk
2. Enjoy a picnic in the gazebo
3. Visit the tearooms for a bite to eat
4. Check out their event schedule before your visit
5. Walk through the beautiful gardens and landscapes
6. Enjoy the garden walks
7. Visit in spring for all the daffodils
8. Take a walk down to see the ruins of St Mary’s Church (Mannington Hall Gardens)
9. See the swans on the lake when you visit Mannington Hall
10. Enjoy looking at the Lakes
11. Visit in the summer and see the beautiful colored flowers
12. Walk around on a sunny day and enjoy all the pretty views (Mannington Hall Gardens)
13. Visit Mannington Hall and explore everything it has to offer
Other Places Nearby
There are a number of other places nearby that are worth visiting. Some of these include Blickling Hall, Felbrigg Hall, and Oxburgh Hall.
Blickling Hall
Located 6 miles away from Mannington Hall. It has an impressive historic house, an education building, a restaurant, art exhibitions, and exhibits on the history of the site.
Felbrigg Hall
This hall is 6 miles away from Mannington Hall. The house features collections of fine furniture and paintings, while visitors can enjoy the walled garden, the orchard, and the woodland walks.
Oxburgh Hall
8 miles away from Mannington Hall. The house has an impressive exterior that dates back to 1390 and a lavish interior with one of the best collections of 18th-century furniture and art in Britain.
Conclusion
Mannington Hall Garden is a beautiful place to visit. There are many things to see and enjoy in the garden, from walking through its beautiful gardens and landscapes, taking a stroll down the terrace walk, enjoying a picnic in the gazebo, or visiting the tearooms for a bite to eat. Additionally, there’s an event schedule that can help you plan your visit so be sure to check it before going. Whether you’re looking for some quiet time alone with nature or want something fun like getting lost on one of their country walks (make sure not to worry about any bears), it has everything you need!
Learn more about Mannington Hall Garden