At the heart of the 20,000 acre Royal Sandringham Estate is Norfolk’s most famous stately home, set in 60 acres of stunning gardens, first opened to the public by King Edward VII in 1908. Welcome the return of spring by exploring the gardens when they reopen for February half term and at weekends in March.

Sandringham is the Queen’s private Norfolk home and her winter retreat. With an eye for all seasons, four generations of British monarchs have made their mark on the gardens. There is an oak tree planted by Queen Victoria, a Giant Red Wood, planted by Princess Christian Of Denmark and by the upper lake, a majestic Veteran Oak believed be more than 8oo years old.

Be first to see early spring bulbs appear from the warming earth, shoots of vibrant green bringing hope after the winter rest and return in March when sheets of colour dance in the breeze. You’ll find rare and unusual trees, shady woods, naturalistic areas rich in wildlife, a huge rock garden, two ornamental lakes fed by natural springs, a formal lime avenue and enclosed hedged garden designed by Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe for George VI in 1947. In the 1960s the Queen added a shrubbery of Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia trees from a collection at Windsor.

Sandringham Royal Parkland is dog friendly with waymarked trails for cycling and walking, just the ticket for blowing away seasonal blues, especially when followed by a lovely pot of tea at Sandringham’s Courtyard Café!