Houghton Hall
The impressive Houghton Hall was built in the early 18th century for Sir Robert Walpole, the first British Prime Minister and is a key building in the history of Palladian architecture in England with magnificent interiors designed by William Kent. The Estate is owned by the current Marquess of Cholmondeley, holder of the office of the hereditary Lord Great Chamberlain of England.The Houghton Hall gardens received the “Garden of the Year Award” from Christies and the Historic Houses Association in recognition of the renovation of the stunning 5-acre walled garden which began in 1991. The Garden is divided into sections or “rooms” by clipped yew hedges interspersed with statues. The rose parterre has over 150 English rose varieties set around a sunken fountain. One of the more recent additions to the garden the Waterflame feature designed by Jeppe Hein.
There is also a Model Soldier Museum housing one of the largest and most comprehensive collections in the world with 20,000 pieces on display in various battle formations. A picnic and play area for children is situated next to the car park with a licensed restaurant and Gift Shop in The Stable Square.
Houghton Estate also has a large herd of beautiful white Fallow Deer along with several other exotic deer species.
