Euston Watermill - © Ashley Dace
Euston Hall is located on the Euston Estate in Norfolk, the manor house and the gardens are the main attractions were. Visitors to Euston will find a fine heritage attraction with plenty of history and some fine collections. The gardens offer visitors the chance to enjoy a relaxing stroll and taking the delights of the garden and scenery. There is also a river walk for visitors to enjoy, the location is scenic and tranquil making for an enjoyable place to visit on a day trip.
Attractions
Euston Hall has been the home of the Dukes of Grafton for over three centuries, the current Duke still resides here. For the past quarter of a century the Hall has opened its doors to public to view, over the years many visitors have viewed the historic manor house and seen the fine collections it is known for. There are a number of fine collections and treasures here among the best known are the collection of paintings the court of Charles II and there are works by Stubbs, Van Dyck and Lely among others.
Euston made an appearance in the Domesday Book in 1087 referred to as a manor belonging to the Abbey at Bury St Edmunds. During the Middle Ages there was a manor house here however by 1666 it was nearly ruined and was bought by Henry Bennet, Earl of Arlington and Secretary of State to King Charles II. Henry Bennet then oversaw the building of a grand house that was French in style. Over the years there have been a number of changes, alterations and extensions to the original building.
The Church of St Genevieve is located on the site of the original medieval parish church, it is known as being a rare example of a 17th century church that has remained unaltered over the years. The church is one of only four that were built during the reign of Charles II. The church was built in the 17th century with the aim to be in keeping with the new manor house and has been described as among the most aesthetically pleasing churches in the UK. A look inside the church shows some fine woodwork and some elegant plaster bands of decoration located on the vaults and the arches.
The Watermill was originally built back in the 1670s, the aim of the watermill was for irrigation and for grinding corn. In 1731 the Watermill was redesigned by William Kent, the change in design meant it then resembled a church. In 2000-01 the Watermill was once again fully restored with renovation to the wheel and the building.
The Temple was designed in 1746 by William Kent and is an unusual octagonal folly, it was his last work. The temple features a striking octagonal banqueting hall rising to a dome. The temple is not currently open to the public.
The Gardens, Pleasure Grounds and Park are well worth seeing for visitors. The formal garden is located to the east and was designed by the present Duke around the William Kent summer-house. The Pleasure Grounds were laid out by John Evelyn, who was known as an expert on trees and a respected landscape gardener. He designed the walk through the pleasure grounds which visitors can enjoy when visiting the gardens. The park and river layout was designed by William Kent and is considered among his best works and the project was completed by the famed 'Capability' Brown.
The Archives Exhibition was established back in 1999 which showcases a display of the Fitzroy family archives. The exhibition is located within the Billiard Room, visitors seeing the collection can see a number of letters, photographs and family portraits.
How to Get There
The Hall can be accessed by both car and public transport:
By Car:
Thetford in Norfolk is just over 85 miles from central London. The approx journey time is 2 hours. From London take the A11 then the A12 then the A406 North Circular. At junction 4 exit on to the M11 and drive until junction 9 and exit towards A211 Norwich, drive along the A11 until junction 36 when it becomes the A14, exit the A14 at junction 38 back on to the A11 and at Elevedon, turn right on to Elvedon Road, drive straight along Station Road and The St and Barham Road and turn right in to Thretford Road and the Hall is further up along the road.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode is IP24 2QP.
By Train:
From Norwich and Cambridge Stations there are trains to Thretford, the journey time is approx 45 minutes. From London Liverpool Street Station there are trains available to both Norwich and Cambridge and from London Kings Cross there are trains available to Cambridge. From Thretford bus Station visitors can take the Bus route no. 332 that stops close to the entrance of the Hall.
By Bus:
From Thretford town centre at the bus station there is the route number 332 that takes visitors close to the entrance of the Hall.
Contact Details
Euston Hall
Euston
Thetford
Norfolk
IP24 2QP
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1842 766366
Fax: +44 (0)1842 766764
email: administrator@euston-hall.co.uk
Website: Euston Hall
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
Open from third week in June until middle of September:
Open between 14.30 until 17.00
Further Information:
For House and Gardens:
Adults: £6.00 approx, Children: £3.00 approx & Concessions: £5.00 approx
Facilities:
The Craft Shop sells local goods produced by local people including gifts, souvenirs and memorabilia.
The Tea Rooms offers a range of drinks and refreshments, snacks and cakes.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Euston Hall Map
Tips & Other Considerations
Opening hours may vary depending on the time of year and other factors. It is recommended visitors double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open.
Follow sensible travel tips and remain alert, vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Ensure valuables are not in public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Thetford in Norfolk, ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Use the journey & route planner for door to door directions and check the latest traffic news & updates before you start your journey.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops in time.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
