Wild Wolterton: from walking to paddle boarding and beyond
Gracing the county’s scene is the recently revitalised Wolterton Hall. Perhaps the hidden gem of Norfolk’s run of the rural estates.
Wolterton features flowing parkland that deserves to be viewed and explored. Established by, Charles Bridgeman, visionary architect of the English landscape movement, the 500 acres of stunning nature are a sight to revel in.
Walking, dining, artistic immersion and even paddle boarding await those who visit.
Wild walking between Wolterton and Mannington
The winding paths, glorious foliage, and curve of the reed-lined lake make the Wolterton grounds the perfect place to explore
nature on your own, or with the family.
With walking routes between Wolterton and Mannington, two halls recently reunited after hundreds of years, you can make a tale of two halves of your day. This circular walk provides an excellent jumping off point with parking available at Mannington. This means you can spend the day walking between the two, picnicking, or visiting local pubs, cafes and landmarks as you enjoy this scenic circular voyage.
For those who do make it over to Mannington there’s much to enjoy including sensory and rose gardens and a rather enchanted and enchanting children’s trail. Mannington also boasts a whole host of wildlife, including water and wildflower meadows for nature enthusiasts to enjoy.
This natural frame is fitting given the Ellis family sitting at the helm of Wolterton and Mannington’s most recent chapters, with a strong family connection to Ted Ellis, a beloved naturalist and steadfast champion of Norfolk’s wildlife.
Paddle with a stunning view
If walking isn’t your thing there’s other ways to take in the scenery and nature. With Glidesurf offering paddle boarding lessons for public and private groups.
Public sessions run on Saturday afternoons and Tuesday evenings throughout the summer. You’ll first learn how to control the board before moving on to take the 10-acre lake, guided by the instructors, as you learn to stand and turn safely.
Wolterton is the perfect place to learn paddle boarding and offers a unique setting for would-be or experienced in-land paddle boarders looking for a new setting. It’s also the ideal leg up into sheltered flat sea lessons.
If paddle isn’t for you, there’s also plenty of space to sit, watch and take in the surroundings as you watch others take to the waters.
More relaxed pursuits
If you’d rather work your mind, or your palette than walk, or paddle board, there’s still plenty to do.
For those interested in farm to fork, Wolteron has a series of carefully curated dining experiences that take place regularly with a focus on regional and seasonal produce. Spanning a range of renowned chefs and cuisines, these events are not to be missed.
If food isn’t on the agenda, why not sample the artistic majesty of the rolling the arts and culture programme where the Hall’s architecture and light showcases established artists and their works in new and dynamic ways.
Summing up
Something special is happening at these country halls, with those in search of the wild side set to be as equally delighted as those looking for more relaxed pursuits. Whether it’s walking, or grazing Wolterton abounds with possibility.