Sandringham House - © Elwyn Thomas Roddick
Sandringham House is a famous Royal residence located in Norfolk, it forms part of the extensive Sandringham Estate. The estate has been a Royal residence for generations of the Royal family and has witnessed a number of significant events during its history that have had an impact on UK history. The Queen and members of the Royal family regularly spend the Christmas period at Sandringham, the house is very much still in active use by the Royal family and provides a country retreat away from the pressures of the city.
Each year at certain times the public can visit the estate, there are plenty of attractions for visitors to see and explore, these include the famous house, the museum and the gardens. The estate is located in scenic surroundings that is both peaceful and tranquil and offers visitors with a fun day out at a popular historic tourist attraction.
Overview & History
Sandringham House is located within the Sandringham Estate and has been a private home for monarchs for a number of generations. The estate is a commercial estate that is privately managed on behalf of the Queen, the main popular attractions here include the house, the gardens, museum and country park. Sandringham is an active Royal residence and when the Queen and the Royal family are not in residence at certain times of the year the house is open to the public.
Sandringham has been a Royal residence for around 150 years and has seen its fair share of important and dramatic events over the years. Back in 1862 Albert Edward, Prince of Wales purchased the house and the house had its first role as the home for the Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandra of Denmark.
The couple made a number of improvements, extensions and alterations to the house and the estate including building new roads, landscaping and renovating cottages. The house has then rebuilt completely to allow it to cope with large social occasions and an increasing family, the house played host to visits by Heads of State and retreats for the Royal Family.
Sandringham has been the setting for some dramatic events over the years, in 1871 the Prince of Wales suffered from typhoid fever, he survived and made a recovery. Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, fell ill at Sandringham and died there in 1892.
During the First World War the estate was hit by several bombs that damaged the estate. King George VI had great affinity for Sandringham like his father had before him and spent much time there. He also died at Sandringham in 1952.
Attractions
Sandringham House was built back in 1870 by the Prince and Princess of Wales and has been described as the most house in England. Since this time it has been passed down as a private home through four generations of monarchs and is the country retreat for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. The ground floor rooms are used by the Royal Family, these are open to the public to view and inside the contents and decoration have been kept as they were in Edwardian times.
There are collections of art works, gifts of silver, enamel and porcelain that were given by Royal Families from around Europe over the years. There are a number of family portraits on the walls and a collection of oriental arms and armour that were brought back from India and the Far East in 1876. The Ballroom in the house contains a special exhibition that changes on an annual basis.
Sandringham Museum contains a collection that houses both large and small items. There are grand gifts given to the Queen on State Visits abroad and personal items for the Royals. The museum is housed in what was the former coach houses and stable block and has been used for various purposes including as a post, fire and police station.
The Gardens at the estate are set in sixty acres of land and have been described as the finest of all the Royal Gardens. With each generation of Royals that have lived at the estate they have added their own personal touch to the gardens. The original gardens have been altered since they started back in 1862, over the years two new lakes were excavated, a romantic rockery and grotto were created and a scenic valley created to direct water from natural springs into the upper lake.
In 1913 a summerhouse named The Nest was built for Queen Alexandra, this is kept in its splendour by the workforce that look after it. In the 1960s Sir Eric Savill well known for his gardens at Windsor was invited to re-landscape the Woodland Walk and the Bog Gardens. More recently in 1996 the Stream Walk was created.
The Church of St Mary Magdalene at Sandringham is thought to be among the finest examples of carrstone buildings in the UK and dates back to the 16th century. The church is of historical interest and is still regularly used by the Royal Family and staff at the estate for worship.
The Country Park covers an area of approx 600 acres and is open to the public. Originally in 1968 an area of the estate was designated a Country Park, since then the area has been expanded and contains a number of trees and is home to a range of species of birds, plants and animals. The park is free to enter and offers free parking for visitors too.
There are Nature Trails that are marked, one is 1½ miles and the other 2½ miles in length and there are a number of other woodland paths for visitors to explore. There are tractor and trailer tours on offer during the open season and makes for an enjoyable and fun way to see the park.
The Sandringham Estate is home to a number of craft fairs and country shows throughout the course of the year.
How to Get There
The Estate is accessible by both car and public transport.
By Car:
Sandringham is located approx 6 miles north-east of the town of King's Lynn in Norfolk and is signposted from both the A148 Fakenham Road and the A149 Hunstanton Road. Follow the brown and white coloured tourist road signs that will take you to the estate.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode to use is PE35 6EN
There are car parking facilities at the estate.
By Bus/Coach:
There are local bus services from King's Lynn that stop at the estate, these include Bus number 41 available from King's Lynn Bus Station. The bus stop for Sandringham is located at the Sandringham Visitor Centre
The Coasthopper bus service offers visitors regular service during peak season, between King's Lynn including the railway station & bus station and Cromer (Cadogen Road).
National Express runs a number of services from towns and cities in the UK to King's Lynn.
By Train:
The closest train station is located at King's Lynn, connections are available from London King's Cross station with an hourly service with services from First Capital Connect. From King's Lynn station visitors can use the CoastHopper bus service to access the estate.
There are also train services to King's Lynn from Norwich and Peterborough stations with hourly frequencies.
Contact Details
The Sandringham Estate
Estate Office
Sandringham
Norfolk
PE35 6EN
Telephone: +44 (0)1553 612908
Fax: +44 (0)1485 541571
email: visits@sandringhamestate.co.uk
Website: Sandringham Estate
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
From mid April until late July and then early August until start of November
For the House:
Open daily from: 11.00 to 16.45 (for Oct to Nov 16.00)
For the Museum:
Open daily from: 11.00 to 17.00 (for Oct to Nov 16.00)
For the Gardens:
Open daily from: 10.30 to 17.00 (for Oct to Nov 16.00)
The estate and its attractions may have times when it is closed or closes early or operates alternative opening hours at short notice. It is recommended visitors check all opening and closing times and specific days visits are open when booking to get the latest information & avoid disappointment, as changes can occur.
Further Information:
Admission Prices:
House, Museum and Gardens:
Adult: £10 approx, Children: £5 approx, Concessions: £8 approx, Family Ticket: £25 approx
A guided tour costs an extra £2.50 approx.
Facilities:
Visitor information
The visitor centre is located in the Country Park, free car and coach parking and the Restaurant, Gift Shop and Plant Centre. It is the starting place for trailer and tractor tours that include commentary by the driver.
With there being plenty to see and do at Sandringham, visitors are advised to allow approx 3 to 4 hours to see the estate and its attractions in an unhurried manner.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Sandringham House Map
Tips & Other Considerations
There may be some variations on the opening hours depending on the time of year and the attraction you wish to see. It is wise to double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open and avoid disappointment.
Follow sensible travel precautions and remain alert, vigilant and aware of your belongings at all times especially your wallet/purse and valuables and ensure they are hidden away from 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 Sandringham 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 planner for door to door directions. Check the road & traffic news before you travel.
If you are looking for car parking close to Sandringham, ensure you fully understand the rules, regulations & charges for car parks and street parking. The rules & regulations can be complex & confusing if you are unclear, it is wise not to park there.
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, trams, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time to avoid missing the service.
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.
