Pre-arranged coach trips and group visits are warmly welcome at Houghton Hall and Walled Garden. Depending on the interests and needs of your party, including history, art and horticulture, we are always happy to put together a tailored visit. This can be on a self-guided basis, so that each member of the group can explore at leisure, or a more structured approach with perhaps an expertly-guided tour of Houghton Hall and its award-winning walled garden.
Whatever you decide, always factor in time if you can to visit the amazing Model Soldier Museum and historic stables and tack room, together with a stroll around the deer park and perhaps a visit to the medieval St Martin’s Church, which dates from the 13th Century.
“Well what an incredible day. Everything went like clockwork.
Group visit organiser, 2023
The arrival arrangements were perfect, and the tour of the commenced without a hitch.”
Historic house tours for groups
Built in the 1720s for Great Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, Houghton Hall is one of Norfolk’s most beautiful stately homes and remains one of England’s finest Palladian houses. A collaboration between the two defining British architects of the age – Colen Campbell and James Gibbs – and with lavish interiors by William Kent, Houghton was built with an eye to reflecting the wealth, taste, and power of its owner.
Contemporary arts tours for groups
An impressive collection of contemporary sculpture by world renowned artists is displayed in the gardens and grounds, many created specially for Houghton. In addition, we have two major solo contemporary art exhibitions in 2024: Antony Gormley – Time Horizon (21 April – 31 October) and Magdalene Odundo (9 June – 29 September).
Garden tours for groups
Winner of the Christie’s Historic Houses Association ‘Garden of the Year Award’ the five acre Walled Garden is one of Houghton’s most popular attractions.
The space is divided into several contrasting ornamental gardens. These include a spectacular double-sided herbaceous border, an Italian garden, a rose parterre, fruit and vegetable gardens, a glasshouse, a rustic temple, antique statues, fountains and contemporary sculptures.
“We did so enjoy our visit to Houghton. Our guide was brilliant and made the tour so interesting and enjoyable. It is the most lovely house, very much a favourite of the group. The garden was stunning , all really very special.
Group visit organiser, 2023
Coach trips and group visits – need to know:
House and garden tours take around one hour each and must be pre-booked. These are usually based on a minimum number of 12 people per tour, but for bespoke packages, we can arrange for a lower number.
House tours normally commence at 11am at the latest, as the house opens to the public at 12 noon (gardens open at 11am but we can accommodate groups during opening hours due to the size of the garden).
We want everyone to enjoy their time here, and are more than happy to advise you on the best arrangements for your group visit or coach tour, based on timings, mobility, and interests.
Groups of more than 20 people are normally split into two for guided tours.
There is no charge for coach drivers or couriers.
Groups are welcome to visit the café for refreshments/lunch on a self-paying basis, and we can also arrange private catering in the South Wing.
To enquire about coach trips and group visits and for pricing information and availability, please contact info@houghtonhall.com