Sandringham
Sandringham is the much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen, and has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862. The house, set in 24 hectares of stunning gardens, is perhaps the most famous stately home in Norfolk and is at the heart of the 8,000-hectare Sandringham Estate, 240 hectares of which make up the woodland and heath of the Country Park, open to the public free of charge every day of the year. Sandringham is a friendly and informal place to visit, with knowledgeable guides in every room of the house and acres of beautiful gardens to explore while the Museum houses extraordinary collections of Royal vehicles, rare ceramics, photographs and memorabilia.
Sandringham's gardens were opened to the public by King Edward VII in 1908, and the Museum by King George V in 1930; Sandringham House was opened to the public at Her Majesty The Queen's wish in her Silver Jubilee year of 1977.
There is a very great deal to see and do at Sandringham and visitors should allow at least 4 hours in order to get the most out of their visit. The shops and restaurants at the visitor centre are open every day all through the year. However, Sandringham House, Gardens and Museum are now closed until 1st April 2012.
2012 opening dates:
Sandringham House, Gardens and Museum will be open daily from Sunday 1st April until and including Sunday 4th November EXCEPT on the following 3 dates: Good Friday 6th April, Tuesday 12th June and Wednesday 25th July.
Church of St. Mary Magdalene
The parish church of St Mary Magdalene, Sandringham, is a country church of exceptional historic interest, with memorials to many members and relations of the Royal Family from Queen Victoria onwards. It is used regularly as a place of worship by the Royal Family and Estate staff.
Sandringham Church is considered to be one of the finest carrstone buildings in existence, and dates back in its present form to the 16th century.
The sumptuously decorated chancel with its carved angels frames the silver altar and reredos presented to Queen Alexandra by the American Rodman Wanamaker as a tribute to King Edward VII. He also presented her with the silver pulpit and a silver 17th-century Spanish processional cross. Other notable features include a Florentine marble font, a Greek 9th-century font and stained glass from the 16th century onwards.
The church is open daily in 2011 from Saturday 23rd April until Sunday 24th July, and again from Friday 29th July until Saturday 29th October. Opening times are from 11.00am to 5.00pm (4.00pm in October), Sundays 1.00pm to 5.00pm (4.00pm in October), unless there are additional services taking place. During the winter it is open only for services.
The Coach House Sandringham
Sleeps 4, from £390 to £650 per week
The Coach House is an idyllic retreat which is part of a picturesque vicarage (built in 1850) and located in the heart of the royal Sandringham Estate. It has been recently renovated throughout to an exceptionally high standard to provide a luxurious hideaway for those seeking the comfort of a boutique hotel, but also the space and privacy that a holiday cottage provides. Upstairs is a gorgeous bedroom suite with wonderful uninterrupted countryside views and a comfortable sitting area with a wood-burning stove. It is ideally located only 2 miles from Sandringham House, 5 minutes drive to Houghton Hall & Gardens and a short drive to the beautiful North Norfolk coast.
The Coach House is available for stays of 2 nights or more throughout the year.