Oxburgh Hall Kings Lynn

A romantic moated manor house, home to the Bedingfeld family for 500 years, Oxburgh reveals one family’s unshakable Catholic faith and story of endurance.

It’s hard not to fall in love with Oxburgh Hall when you catch your first glimpse of the imposing red brick manor house, reflected in the tranquil moat. Built by the Bedingfeld family in 1482 as a statement of power and prestige, it remains their family home today. Peaceful now, Oxburgh and the family have endured turbulent times. Through religious persecution, Civil War devastation, near dereliction and threatened demolition, Oxburgh’s story is one of survival.

Step inside to discover the legacy of the 6^th Baronet who created much of what you see today, from the Victorian Gothic interiors to the ornate architectural additions that reflect a romantic view of Oxburgh’s medieval past. Look out for the needlework created by Mary, Queen of Scots and a priest’s hole, all of which reveal secrets of the past. Don’t forget to visit the roof for panoramic views of the French parterre and Oxburgh’s surrounding countryside.

Outside, the gardens are a mixture of formal and wilderness, with the walled garden and parterre adding colour and seasonal interest. For those wanting to explore further, you can follow one of the estates walks through woodland and along the River Gadder – keep your eyes peeled for otters.

Oxburgh Hall Event Summaries

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt

Easter is the time of year when the natural world springs back into life. Experience all that nature has to offer by exploring the grounds in our Easter hunt to claim your Cadbury chocolate egg prize. There are garden games to enjoy too! Don’t forget to join us in the family chapel on Sunday 21st April for performances by the wonderful volunteer choir.
 Please note: Last entry for the Easter Egg Hunt is at 15:30. £2.50 per egg hunt plus standard admission to the grounds and estate.

Spring Trail  Spring has sprung and all across Oxburgh’s gardens and estate are little signs of nature stirring from a winter sleep. Join our spring trail for little explorers and keep an eye out for new leaves, buds and wildlife including the birds that have made Oxburgh their home. Can you match up the birds with their eggs to win a delicious prize? £2.00 per trail plus standard admission to the grounds and estate.

Spring Woodland Walk  Join the Ranger for an informal walk around the woodlands at Oxburgh. Learn about woodland ecology and management and discover our spring flora and fauna as nature bursts into life. Get an insight into the history of the woodland, its archaeology and changes to the landscape.
Please wear suitable outdoor, waterproof clothing and boots as some areas may be muddy. Booking is available now on our website. Tickets are £7.50 per person which includes admission to the gardens and estate.

Castle Crafts  Oxburgh might be a family home but it looks like a castle! Join us for castle crafts to make a shield to defend yourself against the dragon that might be lurking in the gatehouse, then create your own puppet dragon to practice on. All damsels in distress can make their own custom designed damsel hats! Standard admission to the house and gardens applies.

Big Chandelier Clean Don’t miss this opportunity to see the magnificent crystal chandelier in the Saloon undergoing its annual clean. Oxburgh’s staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions and tell you what it takes to conserve 1,957 crystal drops. Standard admission to the house and gardens applies.

Bee Weekend  Celebrate the value of bees. Join us and the West Norfolk Bee-keeping Association, alongside other exhibitors with their interactive displays to uncover the wonderful world of bees. Explore Oxburgh’s gardens with our bee themed children’s trails and activities too. Standard admission to the gardens and estate applies.

Costume Weekend  Discover who would have lived, worked and visited Oxburgh when Henry VII was King as the north terrace is turned into a 15th century encampment by our costumed volunteers. Learn the skills of a seamstress and how to play teetotum. Visit the wool merchant to try lifting the woolsack or have your ear wax removed by the resident doctor. Standard admission to the house and gardens applies.

Outdoor Summer Theatre We have held in summer! The Lord Chamberlain’s Men presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s rustic and supernatural comedy packed with some of his most famous characters from Puck, the merry wanderer of the night, to the hilarious Bottom. Filled with drama and comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream is not to be missed. A perfect play for the outdoors, in the enchanting surroundings of Oxburgh Hall.

Please bring your own rugs or low backed seating and come prepared for the weather! All tickets are non-refundable. Picnics welcome and the Tea-Room will be serving drinks and light snacks.
Booking is essential and tickets are available via our Central Booking Office on 03442 491895.

Scything Day Have a go at scything, the traditional way to cut grass and a great way to keep fit! Our expert scythers will be cutting the meadow in our orchard and Emorsgate Seeds will be on hand. Learn why this ancient art is important and discover how you can create a wildflower meadow of your own from scratch. Standard admission to the gardens and estate applies.

Tudor Tuesdays  Be transported back to when Oxburgh Hall was built in 15th century England by dressing up as Lord or Lady of the manor. Discover the life of a Yeoman with a sword and shield or dress in long skirts to become a daughter of the house. Suitable for kids big and small! Standard admission to the gardens and estate applies.

War of the Roses Re-enactment Saturday  What was life like as a medieval soldier in the 15th century? What did they look like? How did they eat? What did they use? Find out how members of the family would have lived as soldiers during the War of the Roses as Oxburgh Hall becomes a soldier’s encampment for the weekend. Real cannon fired each day! Standard admission to the gardens and estate applies.

Secret Tudor Music at Advent  Hear moving music by English composers such as William Byrd and Thomas Tallis performed by Eboracum Baroque in the perfect setting for Advent, the family chapel at Oxburgh Hall. During the Reformation the Bedingfeld family would have been forced to conceal their Catholic faith. Experience the ‘secret music’ that composers such as Byrd composed to be performed intimately in households such as Oxburgh, during masses delivered by Catholic priests who found refuge in priest holes much like the one in the King’s Room. Tea room will be open for pre performance and intermission hot and cold drinks and light snacks, including mulled wine. Booking is essential and tickets will go on sale closer to the date of the event. Ticket prices vary depending on the performance time.

For an up to date diary of whats on at Oxburgh Hall visit our website