SANDRINGHAM ESTATE - THE ROYAL FAMILY’S COUNTRY RETREAT
The Sandringham Estate in Norfolk is home to a 600-acre Country Park as well as the Sandringham Gardens. The estate's most prominent attraction is Sandringham House, a privately held rural retreat owned by the British royal family.
Sandringham provides an opportunity to rest and unplug exercise and clear your mind, and learn about the Royal Family's background. The dog-friendly Royal Parkland spans 243 hectares and features way-marked pathways for cycling or hiking as well as a huge children's forest play area.
King Edward VII opened the Sandringham Gardens to the public in 1908, and King George V inaugurated the Museum in 1930, with a 3d entry fee. During her Silver Jubilee year, 1977, Her Majesty the Queen opened the House to the public.
Sandringham House
Sandringham House
The main eight ground floor rooms, which are routinely used by the Royal Family, are accessible for visitation from April to October, with the décor and furnishings staying mostly unchanged since Edwardian times, and a richness of history within.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, who subsequently became King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, erected Sandringham House in 1870. Queen Alexandra, and subsequently Queen Mary, were both avid art collectors. Members of the Russian and European Royal Families were regular visitors to Sandringham House, bringing presents of enamel, silver, and silver gilt. Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany, for example, presented a beautiful Dresden porcelain chandelier and mirror frame. Family portraits by famous contemporaneous court painters like Heinrich von Angeli, Sir Luke Fildes, Franz Winterhalter, and Edward Hughes adorn the walls.
Wheelchair users have complete access to the House. Tickets to the House also include entrance to the Gardens.
Sandringham Gardens
The more formal Gardens, which cover 25 hectares (60 acres) and are enjoyed by the Royal Family and their visitors when in residence, are accessible from April to October. Since 1863, when King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra bought the Estate, the grounds have been expanded in turn by each Monarch.
St Mary Magdalene Church
From Queen Victoria forward, the parish church of St Mary Magdalene has housed memorials to various members and relatives of the Royal Family. It is routinely used as a place of worship by the Royal Family and Estate personnel, is free to visit, and is open from April to October while the House and Gardens are open.
THE COURTYARD AT SANDRINGHAM
The Courtyard at Sandringham
Sandringham Courtyard offers a variety of dining and drinking options, as well as a comprehensive array of artisan Norfolk items ranging from lovely home and garden equipment to country dress.
Throughout the day, Sandringham Restaurant provides a variety of food and drinks, with many ingredients proudly produced on the Estate.
Afternoon tea at Sandringham is quintessentially English, it is ideal for closing out your vacation or commemorating a special event.