The Mannington Hall Estate is set for a new visitor centre in a proposal submitted by owner Richard Ellis to North Norfolk District Council.
In the plans, the new centre would be located where the former visitor centre had sat before it was torn down, and would include a relocated gift shop and information point kiosk.
A design statement submitted with the proposal said: “The proposal is a simple, but enhanced version of what used to exist – reinstating an appropriate building that belongs to the complex of the existing, ancillary buildings in the context of the Hall.”
The proposed visitor centre as shown in the planning documents. (Image: Matter of Place Architects)
An aerial view of the current site of Mannington Hall Estate. The white lines show where the visitor centre is planned. (Image: Matter of Place Architects)
Mannington was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, and its hall was built around 1460 for William Lumnor.
Known for its Gothic windows, motif chimneys and distinctive snapped flint facade, it was purchased in the mid-18th century by diplomat Horatio Walpole, the first Lord Walpole.
He was also the brother of Sir Robert Walpole, who is widely regarded as Britain’s first Prime Minister.
The Walpole family, including the late Lord Walpole who died in 2021, remained the owners until last year, when it passed to the Ellis family.
An old aerial view of the estate, which shows the former visitor centre building. (Image: Matter of Place Architects)
The café has been refurbished and is now operated by Norfolk bakery Bread Source, and work is also being carried out on the holiday cottages.
Essential maintenance is being carried out on the lake and moat sluice, alongside a long-term programme to refresh the estate’s gardens and parkland.
Today, visitors can explore 20 acres of themed gardens, including a sensory garden, rose garden and an enchanted children’s trail.
Nature lovers can enjoy lakes, meadows, a bird hide, and extensive countryside walks, as well as exhibitions in the Stable Gallery.
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