Blickling and Felbrigg celebrate a year of bus services improving greener access to estates

The weekday routes were launched last year following Norfolk County Council's regular review of bus services and a partnership with Good Journey, a national organisation promoting car-free days out across the county.

The Felbrigg service sets off from Sheringham, four times a day, and Cromer two times a day, using fully accessible 18-seater buses that travel through the scenic estate and provide a unique view of 17th-century Felbrigg Hall, dropping off and picking up passengers in the visitor car park.

Visitors to Blickling Estate can travel via a Sunbeam bus direct from Aylsham Market Place on a Monday and Friday. The Sunbeam service 1A departs Aylsham at 10.10am and 11.40am. The return journey departs from the roadside in front of Blickling Hall at 11.50am, 1.28pm and 4.08pm, allowing bus users plenty of time to explore the house, gardens, estate, cafés, shop and second-hand bookshop, before making their return journey.

Heather Jermy, General Manager of Blickling Estate, said:

“I’m delighted that we now have an established bus route between the heart of Aylsham and Blickling Estate during the week. This car-free access to our rural setting allows visitors access to the history, beauty and nature Blickling has to offer in a more sustainable way. It also provides those who can’t drive, or who don’t have access to a car, with more options when planning a day out. For some, it might also be a more affordable choice.”

Ella Akinlade, General Manager of Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate, said:

“Spotting the bus from my office window has become a comforting sight and an emblem of how we can continue to welcome many more people in a greener way to Felbrigg. We are grateful to Sanders Coaches and North Norfolk District Council who have enabled this service to happen, so that it can benefit those from surrounding villages as well as holidaymakers enjoying all that North Norfolk has to offer.”

Alongside seasonal highlights of bluebells, azaleas and rhododendrons and bountiful produce growing in walled gardens, Blickling and Felbrigg have full programmes of events to enjoy throughout 2025. Easter trails, Summer of Play and Christmas experiences inspired by these National Trust places and their treasures top-off the year. A rotation of fascinating items are on display in the houses year-round, with workshops, talks and tours to look out for.

All services are signed up to the Government’s national bus fare cap, which means a single journey is £3 until the end of 2025. Children under five and concessionary pass holders travel for free. Well behaved dogs are welcome (although not on seats).

Both National Trust places are part of the Good Journey scheme and offer a discount for anyone arriving car-free. This is currently 20% off entry and 10% off in the cafés. To find out more, visit the Good Journey webpages for Felbrigg and Blickling.

Visit Sanders Coaches to view the timetable for buses via Felbrigg Hall.

Visit the Sunbeam Coaches to see the timetable for the 1B Service to Blickling Estate.