Holkham Park in the Autumn

Thomas Coke, later to become the first Earl of Leicester, began his 30 year project to build his Palladian mansion in 1734 to flaunt his wealth and display his art treasures.  12 years before building started he began the development of the park which over many generations converted a fairly barren landscape into the magnificent deer park we see today with extensive woodlands and a beautiful lake.

On the walk we enter the park from the east gate, turning south on a track through farmland to the Great Barn where Thomas William Coke, his descendant, held his renowned Sheep Shearings, a Georgian prototype of  modern Agricultural Shows. We then turn north going up to the Obelisk on the route early arriving visitors would have taken and where they would have had their first sight of the magnificent Hall spread out below them over the crest of the hill.  A sight to behold !

We pause at the Temple on the crest of the hill before descending to pass the Ice House and Hall, then walking along the lake, with the trees in their Autumn colours, to the monument to T. W. Coke.  We turn back with great views of the north facade of the Hall before returning to the east gate.