The Ultimate Romantic UK Minibreak to Holkham

Where? The magnifiscent Holkham Lodges within the grounds of Holkham Hall with Barefoot Retreats.

Exactly? Norfolk, England, UK

When? August 2017

Why? For Charlie’s birthday this year I decided to come over all ‘Period Drama’ (in a historical novel sort of way!) and check us into Kiera Knightly’s epic home from the movie The Duchess, aka Holkham Hall in Norfolk. The film ‘Shakespeare in Love’ was also filmed in parts of Holkham. We were lucky enough to be invited to stay at one of the Holkham estates magnificent and unusual holiday lodges.

If you’re looking to impress your loved ones or friends and family, I highly recommend these stunning properties for a special occasion and a fairytale setting. They really are out of the ordinary. Keep scrolling to see the Triumphal Arch lodge where we stayed and yes, it is as extravagant as it sounds….

Above: Bonnie wears vintage dress by Pinko.

Holkham Hall

Set in the heart of a beautiful 25,000 acre estate by the stunning Norfolk coastline, the 18th century Palladian manor house of Holkham Hall stands proud amidst the lush green parkland. The seat of the Earl of Leicester this exceptional stately home is also home to the Earl and his family, it’s a fully functioning, working and living estate.

The hall has a rich history, in art and architecture, featuring the grand Marble Hall with dome ceilings, arches and columns and a very impressive collection of artworks and tapestries including Rubens, Gainsborough and Van Dyck pieces.

Best time to go? We went in August so the weather was warm and we spent the day by the beach. The beauty of staying in the Holkham Lodges is that there’s plenty to do whatever the season. Long beaches and countryside walks in the summer, plus canoeing or kayaking around the lakes.

There’s lots to keep you occupied on cold rainy days too. Visit Holkham Hall with its opulent interiors and exhibits, which incorporate fun interactive displays. Or luxuriate in the peace and quiet of your own secluded lodge and lock yourself in for the weekend with the cosy wood burning stove set alight.

A regal bedroom in the main house. Not for paying guests, this room is for visiting dignitaries only.

The Marble Hall creates a suitably extravagant entrance to the house.

The house kitchen looks akin to something from Downton Abbey. You can just imagine the cooks running around preparing a great feast for the lords and ladies upstairs in the past.

The Triumphal Arch

One of the most unique holiday properties in the country, the Triumphal Arch at Holkham is a grade 1 listed building. Originally designed by renowned architect William Kent the purpose of the arch was to impress travellers who were making their way to the Norfolk coast via the Holkham Estate.

Today it has been converted into a romantic retreat for two, set just on the outskirts of the Holkham Park. It’s hard to imagine staying in a more unusual and quirky property.

Above: Bonnie poses by the Triumphal Arch and below an aerial view of it.

Inside the decor is clean, light, minimal, yet homely with soft textured furnishings. The huge wooden ceiling beams give a nod to the buildings history. It’s grand yet cosy.

The lounge inside the arch.

There’s a wide range of rentals on the estate to, from decadent dramatic rentals like the Triumphal arch through to cosy homes and boltholes like The South Lodge, pictured above.

The interiors are all traditional English heritage style complete with wood burning stove, hygge style throws and cushions and a basket of goodies on arrival filled with local made bread, butter, cheese, snacks and a bottle of bubbles too.

Going for a walk along the isolated windswept beaches of Holkham. The beaches are so quiet it’s the perfect setting for a romantic stroll.

The Victoria Inn

After our day on the beach and looking around the house, we went to The Victoria Inn, also part of the Holkham Estate, for a fantastic birthday dinner. We ordered classic surf and turf, I went for the Lobster (which was perfectly cooked and delicious) and Charlie had the Steak.

Sardines for starters.

Below Bonnie wears red star dress by Dancing Leopards at Silk Fred.

Hello Mr Lobster!

Happy birthday!!! Charlie looks very pleased with his mini birthday cake.

That was such a fabulous weekend away. Thank you so much Holkham Estates for such a wonderful stay. To find out more about the lodges and prices click this link. Can’t wait to visit again soon.

Bon Voyage xx

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