Treasure Houses Win at Hudson's Heritage Awards 2014 - Holkham Hall Win the Award for BEST FAMILY DAY OUT

WINNER:  Holkham Hall, Norfolk

Holkham Hall

BEST FAMILY DAY OUT

Holkham is one of the great estates of Britain, hidden in the extreme North of Norfolk.  It is in an area of exceptional natural beauty and the estate has been able to encourage a growing tourist market and build strong links with local communities.  Over the last few years, an increasing variety of activities have brought large number’s of young families into the park and innovative exhibitions at all times of year have widened the appeal of the house to younger audiences.

Last year saw the introduction of a new education team, a new woodland play area and tree house, new Discovery and Nature trails and you can now explore the park by bicycle, canoe, kayak or rowing boat or even by water zorbing! They have introduced the ‘wow’ factor to key events in the calendar, with a snowy Forest and Gingerbread Room at Christmas, a giant Chocolate egg to win at Easter, a 3 day May Day cycle festival and spooky tours at Halloween.

The judges recognised that visiting children and adults of all ages, including the local community, had been given new opportunities to engage with the landscape, park, architecture and collections and discover new ways of enjoying this fantastic protected heritage setting.2014 Hudson's Heritage Award Winners

About Hudson's Awards

The Treasure Houses Of England

The Treasure Houses of England are 10 of the most magnificent palaces, houses and castles in England today. Together they attract in excess of 2.8 million visitors annually.

Members are Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley, Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Harewood, Hatfield House, Holkham Hall, Leeds Castle and Woburn Abbey.

One of the most compelling features of the Treasure Houses of England is that they all offer the visitor a living history. Most are still homes to the great families who have owned them for generations. Others keep their heritage alive by re-creating scenes and events that have dominated and shaped England from the 9th century to the present day.

Between them they house some of the most important art collections in the world with famous works from artists such as Van Dyck and Gainsborough. The connoisseur of fine furniture, porcelain and china will find priceless examples of Chippendale, Wedgwood and Meissen.

Each house is an architectural masterpiece surrounded by beautiful parklands and garden