Oxburgh Hall
In fertile farmland on the edge of both the Fens and the Breck in the stunning Norfolk countryside, you will find Oxburgh Hall.
With its turrets, intricate brickwork, tall chimneypots and off course the immaculate surrounding moat, this perfect stately home attracts many visitors each year.
Built in 1482 by the Bedingfelds, Oxburgh survived religious persecution, Civil War devastation, near dereliction and threatened demolition.
Oxburgh remains the Bedingfelds family home today, although the hall passed into the hands of the National Trust in 1952.
We fell in love with Oxburgh Hall at first sight and have visited this beautiful place many times. It never seems to amaze.
The Hall
The Hall has undergone numerous changes in its 500-year history, due to the hardship the family faced.
Although Oxburgh’s collection was reduced when times were hard and the house was sold in 1951, the house today still reflects the tastes of the Bedingfeld family.
It contains a number of items on loan from the family and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Priest hole
During the reign of Elizabeth I, life for Catholics became particularly dangerous.
Therefore, a priest hole was built at Oxburgh. It is concealed beneath a trap door in the garderobe.
This tiny space would become a refuge for a Catholic priest in the event of the house being searched.
Brickwork
Oxburgh was built in red brick, an expensive and fashionable material which reflected the newly acquired status of Sir Edmund Bedingfeld at that time.
The prominent Gatehouse is a masterpiece example of this brickwork and is the best surviving example of the original Tudor building.
Gardens
The gardens surrounding Oxburgh Hall are very pretty. They were created by the 6th Baronet during the Victorian period.
Wander around the striking Parterre, discover the Walled Garden and explore the less formal areas such as the Wilderness and My Lady’s Wood.
Walking
Oxburgh Hall is nestled on the edge of the Norfolk Brecks, where the land meets the wide-open Fenlands.
As you wander beyond the garden, you will soon be out into the wider parkland and woods.
A nice 3,5-mile circular will take you from Oxburgh Hall to Gooderstone.
A lovely stroll through the Norfolk countryside, along farm tracks and bridleways. It takes in some of Breckland’s nationally protected farmland.
In Gooderstone you can stop for lunch at the Bedingfeld Arms or visit the Gooderstone Water Gardens.
Here you can walk through an enchanting garden, explore the nature trail and enjoy delicious home-made cakes.
The Brecks
Continuing due south from Oxburgh you enter a borderland where the Brecks meets the Fens.
The Brecks is an area of Breckland in Suffolk and southern Norfolk.
It is a strange landscape, characterized by the twisted scots pines of Thetford Forest, purple heathland, rare wildlife, and uncommonly blue skies.
There are many great Breckland walks to explore.
We followed a gentle 10-mile trail through the Little Ouse valley linking Thetford and Brandon which follows the old towpath.
The Little Ouse River runs through the heart of the Brecks. This walk allows you to experience the wide range of landscapes in the Brecks.
Cool Places to Explore: Thetford Forest | Elveden Hall | Castle Acre | King’s Lynn.
Cool Places to Eat: Bedingfeld Arms | Elveden Courtyard | Cocoes Café & Deli.
Cool Places to Stay: Strattons Hotel.
