Autumn at Blickling Estate

The view across the lake to the house in autumn — The view across the lake is breathtaking at any time of year

Lady in a red coat taking a photo of the autumn colour — Don't forget your camera when you're out and about this autumn

A girl makes a leaf angel by lying on the forest floor. — Experience the joys of autumn at Blickling Estate.

Squashes in the glasshouse at Blickling Estate — A colourful array of squashes and pumpkins can be found growing in Blickling's walled garden.

There's nothing quite like experiencing autumn at Blickling Estate. The dazzling displays of colour are a sight to behold throughout the gardens and parkland, so here are a few ideas for making the most of this vibrant season...

Autumnal delights

As the trees start to turn towards the end of September, come and see a stunning display of autumn colour in the garden until early November. Relax with a take-away hot drink and a piece of cake and soak up the last of the summer sun in one of our many beauty spots around the formal gardens.

Nature spotting

A vast quantity of apples in crates during Blicking's apple harvest.

Fascinating fungi

As we gradually move through autumn, fungi is popping up all over the place. See how many different types you can spot across Blickling Estate and take part in our #NTAutumnChallenge...

Time to ponder

The colourful variations of leaves are quite the sight to behold at Blickling Estate this autumn. Enjoy watching them blowing in the breeze and perhaps even take part in our #NTAutumnChallenge...

Apples and pumpkins

Join us in the walled garden this autumn where you'll see dazzling displays of autumn colour and seasonal produce. You can also take part in our #NTAutumnChallenge...

Autumn challenge

There are some incredible views across the estate and great opportunities to discover nature at its best. Why not get creative and share your seasonal snaps with us? Don't forget to use the hashtag #NTAutumnChallenge.

" The iconic view of Blickling Hall reflected in a calm lake surrounded by trees in all shades of earthy autumn tones is hard to resist, but there are so many great views across the estate you could easily lose days exploring."

The walled garden in full splendour

For four centuries, Blickling’s walled garden supplied enough produce to feed the many families who lived and worked on the five thousand acre estate. However despite falling into disrepair during the twentieth century, work began in November 2014 to restore the walled garden to its former glory.

The five-year restoration project of the 1930s kitchen garden has been funded by donations from across the estate, with particular thanks to a generous portion from Blickling's second-hand bookshop.

We’re proud that in 2018 our visitors can now reap the rewards of the garden’s restoration. With fruit, vegetables and herbs growing in abundance, visitors can not only explore the walled garden in full splendour, but also enjoy eating much of its produce in our cafés.

Garden tours | Daily | 11.30am & 1.30pm

Take part in a garden tour everyday* of the week at either 11.30am or 1.30pm. Check with visitor reception for availability upon arrival. Learn more about Blickling's gardens and the history of its creation.

*despite a regular schedule, our garden tours are led by volunteers, so availability may vary throughout the year.

The view of the lake and Blickling Hall in sunshine — Blickling Hall bathed in autumn sunlight

Discover the great outdoors

Explore the wider estatle and follow the route around the lake for perfect reflections in the water, or perhaps take a stroll up to the Mausoleum for striking views across ancient woodland. The estate walk of 4.5 miles takes in all the best bits of Blickling's ancient woodland with beautiful autumnal colours throughout the parkland.

Guided estate walks

Would you like to find out more about the ancient woodland, fascinating landmarks and secrets of the wider estate at Blickling? From January 2019, meet us outside Estate Barn visitor reception every Sunday at 11am for a guided walk. This hour and a half stroll is a great way to see some of the most stunning views across the estate and to learn about its incredible history. All walks are led by volunteers, so please check availability upon arrival.

Blickling Bounders

Walkies! If you’re here with your dog on a Monday, why not join the Blickling Bounders – a dog-friendly walking group meeting every Monday at 10am in the main car park. If you'd like further information, please call the Ranger team on 01263 731994.

A family enjoy cycling by Blickling's lake

Cycle hire at Blickling Estate

In partnership with British Cycling and HSBC UK, our cycle hub is open every day from 10am. We have a variety of bikes, including tag-alongs and children's cycles, so there's nothing to stop you from venturing further afield on two wheels. Last hire is at 1pm and all bikes must be returned by 3pm at the latest.

Explore the house

Daily from Tuesday 30 October | 10.30am - 3pm

Did you know that your visit is helping to look after Blickling's eighteenth century, Long Gallery library, which contains the finest book collection held by the National Trust? This November, you'll be able to see some of the work that goes into preserving this impressive collection first-hand.

Imagine a world without books...

We are currently in the midst of a five-year conservation project to catalogue every book in the library. Containing over 12,500 volumes, the impressive eighteenth century Long Gallery library is the most prestigious book collection held by the National Trust.

Come and discover Blickling's vast and impressive collections. Our helpful room guides will be here to answer your questions and help you to find out more about our on-going conservation work to preseve these precious items.

Last entry to the house is one hour before closing. Please be aware that the house will be closed on Monday 29 October as we dismantle our temporary art installation 'The Word Defiant!'. The gardens, shops and cafes will still be open, but with our new winter times from 10.30am until 3pm.

Blickling woodland filled with autumn colour — Enjoy Blickling's woodland in the autumn

Autumn menu

Sample our walled garden produce and enjoy seasonal favourites from our restaurant's menu. You'll find apple and pumpkin flavours in our soups and baked goods in all three of our eateries, ready to keep out the approaching winter chill.

Blickling Estate's carrot cake. — A rich and fruity carrot cake made with scrumptious, walled garden carrot and topped with crunchy mixed seeds.

Our top autumnal walks

A footpath surrounded by trees and a rape field

Download the estate walk

The estate walk is 4.5 miles long and takes in all the best bits of Blickling’s ancient woodland with stunning views. Watch out for barn owls, seen regularly hunting for food across the park.

Reflections of autumn colour in the lake

The lake walk

Walk around the lake for perfect reflections of the autumnal colours in the water. The season will bring on crisp mornings and beautiful misty sunrises by the lake.