Spring has truly sprung in West Norfolk, and what better way to celebrate it than by getting outdoors and taking in some of the wonderful sights in our area?
It is no different at Houghton Hall, which has seen more than 70 varieties of tulips planted among its gardens for its debut Tulips at Houghton event.
The beautiful flowers are nestled among other striking displays at the historic hall, owned and inhabited by David Cholmondeley, 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, and his wife Rose.
The striking gardens make the perfect place to visit during the spring. Picture: Lucy Carter
I was invited to take a look around the beautiful walled garden, where deputy head gardener, Rosie Ernst, gave me a detailed guided tour.
She explained how the walled garden is not normally open at this time of year, with members of the public being able to wander through the spring setting.
Across the five-acre site, visitors can see a wide variety of plants in numbered sections, from Mediterranean and Italian gardens to orchards full of fruit trees.
Lots of inviting places to sit and take in the gardens. Picture: Lucy Carter
It was my first visit in several years, having fond memories of Houghton Hall as a child, so it was exciting to step inside the garden walls on a sunny spring day.
It did not fail to impress – and with different parts of the garden expected to bloom within each season, it is a place that is worth multiple visits.
While tulips in striking colours popped up in pots and beds, the main attraction was on the croquet lawn, which features an array of beautiful flowers scattered among the grass.
I absolutely take my hat off to head gardener Richard Ernst, Rosie, and the rest of the team for creating and maintaining such a tranquil and wonderful space.
An inviting spot to sit on a sunny day. Picture: Lucy Carter
The tulip event was planned in collaboration with leading bulb specialist Peter Nyssen.
I agreed with Rosie when she said that the gardens have “something for everyone”. While I could picture my parents and grandparents enjoying a stroll around the gardens, I could also imagine the younger generation wanting to snap some photos for social media.
Lord and Lady Cholmondeley have themselves got involved with Tulips at Houghton, which opened to members of the public on April 11.
Perfectly pruned gardens at Houghton Hall. Picture: Lucy Carter
While the tulip season is expected to draw to a close soon, the five-acre walled gardens will remain open.
Entry tickets can be purchased online at £12 and £14 on the gate. Under 18s go free.
Lots of tulips, varying in breeds, at Houghton Hall. Picture: Lucy CarterSunny scenes at Houghton Hall. Picture: Lucy CarterTulips are scattered throughout the grounds. Picture: Lucy CarterBeautiful gardens can be seen at Houghton Hall. Picture: Lucy CarterBoldly coloured tulips at Houghton Hall. Picture: Lucy CarterPerfectly pruned gardens at Houghton Hall. Picture: Lucy CarterRichard Ernst, head gardener at Houghton Hall. Picture: Lucy CarterMore than 70 types of tulips are on display. Picture: Lucy CarterPockets of tulips can be found at Houghton. Picture: Lucy Carter
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