Where to spend your first night as a married couple at Holkham, Norfolk

August 2, 2019 | Weddings and celebrations | 6 minute read

Just inland from the most beautiful beach along the North Norfolk coast and next to 3,000 acres of Holkham parkland which surrounds 18th-century Holkham Hall is The Victoria Inn. A hidden gem in which to spend your first night as a married couple or your last night as a single man/lady.

Tori Hancock Photography

Luis Holden Photography

Tori Hancock Photography

Among the twenty bedrooms in the Norfolk boutique hotel are 10 inside the Ancient House, a charming country house just opposite The Victoria Inn that can be hired exclusively.

The cosy rooms have an eclectic mix of antique and modern furniture with plump armchairs and country-style textiles – each individually styled. Amongst the bedrooms are four suites with their own living rooms, including the newly-renovated Bridal Suite. Cool blues and coastal textures create a beautifully calm setting in this spacious suit. Simple, neutral furniture mixes with pops of patterns and colour giving the Bridal Suite a contemporary and fresh feel. A walk-in shower and huge bath in the modern bathroom complete the bridal suite offering.

Being on the other side of the road to The Victoria Inn makes the Bridal Suite feel secluded and romantic, plus it’s pin-droppingly quiet. Still, the room is close enough to take advantage of ordering breakfast in bed while you watch the sun stream in through the almost-floor-to-ceiling windows.

Choose from a full English or Lady Leicester’s healthy start – smashed avocado on sourdough toast, poached eggs, toasted sunflower seeds and harissa – if you’re still on the wedding diet, plus there’s the likes of porridge with stewed fruit and pastries with local jams.

Tom Calton Photography

Tatum Reid Photography

If the Norfolk weather graces you with sun, relax in The Ancient House’s private walled rose garden with a hamper of Holkham goodies, stroll down to Holkham beach or explore the parkland. Among the towering trees you’ll stumble across The Triumphal Arch, a bedroom like no other.

With sprawling views of Holkham’s Parkland, the Triumphal Arch is an 18^th century Grade 1 listed building designed by William Kent to impress visitors as they drove in their carriages to Holkham Hall. Now, the arch is one of the most romantic places to stay in Norfolk.

The Arch has recently undergone a makeover with the help of Lady Leicester to create a more romantic setting for Holkham wedding couples.

Lady Leicester had a clear vision of what she wanted to achieve, and with the project team, they spent time looking at the various ways in which we could create a more romantic feel to the top floor room.

Lady Leicester says “The bed is very much the focal point of the room. As you lie in bed, the views from the north window are spectacular and you can see all the way along
the South Avenue leading to the obelisk and the hall. On a clear day, you can see as far as the monument.”

On the ground floor you’ll find a rustic-style but well-equipped flagstone kitchen (complete with underfloor heating), a spiral staircase leads to the shower room and WC, then up again to a stunning – newly refurbished – bedroom. A king-sized bed, open fire and roll top bath provide a dreamy space to find total peace and relaxation, surrounded by nature.

The Triumphal Arch comes with a delicious welcome hamper of local goodies, which will set you up for your first breakfast as a married couple. And if you can’t bear to leave your furry friend behind, you’ll be pleased to hear that dogs are welcome at this Norfolk accommodation.

Book The Victoria Inn, or The Triumphal Arch for your wedding night!