Earth Day: Eight ways to enjoy a sustainable visit to Holkham

April 20, 2023 | WONDER | 5 minute read

This Earth Day, and every day, we’re working hard to be as sustainable as we can be for our planet and our wildlife through WONDER. Here’s how you can help on your next visit to Holkham.

Separate your compostable and recyclable waste and use the correct bin

We’re on a mission to stamp out as much waste as we can. In fact, our goal is to reduce the amount of non-recycled waste we generate by 10 percent each year. Most of the packaging within our cafes is compostable or recyclable and we ask for your support in separating your waste into the correct bins. You’ll find signs on each bin advising what to they’re for, or ask a member of the Holkham team if you’re unsure!

Keep your dogs on leads to protect wildlife

We love welcoming dogs to Holkham, but we want to protect our wildlife too. Within Holkham Park, we ask that you keep your dog on a lead to stop our deer and geese from getting spooked. During the spring and summer months, there is a dogs-on-lead rule in vulnerable areas of Holkham beach to protect ground-nesting birds.

Find out more here.

Bring a reusable cup to our cafés for your hot drinks

Wells Beach Café, the Courtyard Café and the Lookout all use compostable paper cups for takeaway drinks, which are better for the planet than other disposable options. That being said, the best choice is to use a reusable cup which can be rinsed out, washed and refilled with coffee, tea or a hot choc for as long as you need it!

Just to let you know – you can purchase a reusable cup from our gift shop and cafés.

Take your Re:Water bottle home

Our cafes also stock Re:Water bottles. If you want water to take on your walk or cycle, but have forgotten your own bottle, pick up one of these 100% recycled aluminium bottles which can be refilled and keeps water cooler and fresher for longer. Take it home to continue its life! We’re happy to refill any water bottles in our cafés, or you can use the water fountain at The Lookout or the Courtyard Café sink to fill up your own.

Greener maps

If you’d like to use a map to help you to explore, consider using the mobile-friendly interactive version. If you’d prefer paper, Holkham’s visitor leaflets are printed using 100% recycled paper. You can always hand your leaflet back to our team at Visitor Reception if it’s kept in good condition.

Cycle, walk or take public transport to get to Holkham if you can

If you live or are holidaying nearby, consider greener ways to get to Holkham. There’s a bus stop near The Victoria, dropping you close to Holkham Park and Holkham Beach. The 36 Coastliner stops here between Kings Lynn and Fakenham, stopping in Wells-next-the-Sea, Burnham Market, Walsingham and several other lovely Norfolk villages. Up-to-date travel information can be found on Traveline.

By arriving on foot, by bicycle or by bus, you can receive 10% off entry to Holkham Hall, Holkham Stories and the Walled Garden through our collaboration with Good Journey. Find out more about travel options and the discount here.

Keep your distance from wildlife

Holkham is home to a huge variety of wildlife. These animals are lovely to see and observe, but please keep your distance, particularly from seals on the beach and deer within Holkham Park. This helps to keep you safe and the animals calm.

Protect the dunes

Sand dunes are more sensitive than you might expect, and they’re home to a huge range of plants and animal life. The National Nature Reserve team work hard to protect them and we do not allow cycling, BBQs, overnight camping or open fires in the dunes. This keeps them beautiful for us to enjoy, and ensures the dunes continue to be a supportive environment for nesting birds like Ringed Plovers, Oystercatchers and Little Terns.

Thank you for your help in ensuring Holkham can continue to make sustainable progress for our landscapes, wildlife, local environment and planet.