Exploring the estate at Felbrigg

A bare tree in winter with the low winter sun behind it at Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate, Norfolk — Misty morning in the parkland at Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate, Norfolk | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

With 520 acres of woodland surrounded by a rolling parkland, lake and waymarked paths, there is plenty of space to explore the estate at Felbrigg. Discover the wildlife that call Felbrigg home and find out when is best to catch a glimpse of the elusive deer.

The Great Wood

Planted over several generations, the main purpose of this 380 acre wood was timber production. Today, there are a wide variety of trees of all ages, including ancient beeches, oak, sweet chestnut, hawthorn, ash and sycamore.

V for Victory

Within the woodland you'll find the Victory V, so called as it’s made up of two tree-lined avenues which, when seen from the sky, look like a V. It was planted by Robert Wyndham Ketton-Cremer, the Squire, in 1946 both to celebrate the Allied victory and as a monument to his brother Richard, who died in the Second World War.

The Ice House

You’ll find the Ice House as you walk around the Victory V. The bricks are late 17th century, with one of them dated 1633, but the Gothic detailing suggests they are 18th century.

It’s thought that the Ice House may have been built of bricks taken from a demolished section of the 17th century park wall. Designed to deliberately look like a ruin, the Ice House has a shaft 28 feet deep and is a favourite place for Felbrigg's bats to hibernate.

The Ice House in the Great Wood surrounded by fallen autumn leaves. It was built with bricks in the 18th century to look like a ruin. — The Ice House in the Great Wood, Felbrigg Estate, Norfolk. | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

The Lake at Felbrigg

The lake was the perfect place to lazily unwind during long summer days or entertain visiting members of the genteel set who were enjoying holidays in nearby fashionable Cromer. Today, it’s home to plenty of wildlife.

As part of our commitment to looking after the whole of the Felbrigg Estate for future generations, the final stage of a lake wall project is undersway. There is a temporary Lake Walk route in operation from September - November 2023. Signs are in place and there are still brilliant views of the landscape to enjoy.

Felbrigg Church

The 14th-century church stands about a quarter of a mile south-east of the Hall. The interior is full of interest and character and likely not much changed since the celebrated Norwich School painter John Sell Cotman was married here in January 1809.

The nave features Georgian box pews and the roofs of the nave and chancel are good examples of 15th century carpentry.

Swans and cygnets at Felbrigg Lake | © National Trust Images/Justin Minns

Wildlife at Felbrigg

Felbrigg's diverse habitats have something to offer the animal lover at every time of day and in every season. Golden Plover rise from the parkland, their cries mingling with the swirling lapwings. The hare and stoat run silently up a furrow, and you might even spot the weasel, occasionally seen casually pottering in the car park or walled garden.

Birds

Barn owls and Little owls glide silently over the open fields as they hunt their prey, and Tawny owls can be found in the Great Wood. The pastures also attract farmland birds such as skylarks, linnets and yellowhammers, whilst Great Spotted and Green woodpeckers are often heard hammering nearby.

Bats

Eight species of bat can be found at Felbrigg, including Natterer’s bat and the rare Barbastelle. Larger species such as Noctule and Serotine can be seen hunting over the park. Old hollow trees provide roost sites for bats, and there are over 100 bat boxes on the estate.

Deer

Felbrigg is home to four types of deer: Roe, Red, Muntjac and Chinese Water. You are unlikely to spot them on busier days, but walkers visiting the estate earlier in the day often catch a glimpse. They are easily spooked, so please keep your distance.

Dragonflies and damselflies

In the summer you'll find a number of these colourful creatures on the estate. The lake and wetlands at Felbrigg provide excellent habitats for common species, as well as attracting the odd rarity.