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Pictures of Somerleyton Hall

a Stately Home in the town of Somerleyton, in the county of Suffolk

Somerleyton Hall, Suffolk

About Somerleyton Hall

Somerleyton Hall, a splendid Victorian residence of palatial proportions was the creation of Sir Morgan Peto, a clever ex-bricklayer turned railway contractor. He bought what was originally a 17th century house in 1844 when he was only 33, and he then set about bringing it up to date.

It was intended the house provide the inspiration for what was to come, but by the time it was finished, Peto and the sculptor John Thomas, who had been employed to turn the house into a Jacobean Mansion had produced between them an impressive property showing a combination of Victorian, Italian and French styles.

The use of soft, pale Caen stone gives Somerleyton its typical French look, the stone was chosen by Thomas for the ease with which it carved. There is much ornamentation carved on the building, with the most elaborate addressed to the stone connecting screen between the wings in the French Renaissance style - this is in sharp contrast to the Italian looking tower on the opposite side.

To the naked eye the inside of the hall seems somewhat sombre in contrast to the softness of the exterior. Here there is much use of oak panelling, particularly in the 17th century parlour. The richly decorated staircase, hall and dining room all have some original features, but it is the Victorian rooms that are the most impressive. The Victorian entrance Hall has dark oak woodwork relieved by marble panels, Minton floor tiles, and standing beneath the painted dome a stuffed polar bear mingles with elegant statutory!

Sadly, Sir Morgan was not to live out his dream, in 1863 owing to the failure of his business he was forced to sell and the house was bought by the Crossley family, who later became Lords of Somerleyton.

Today, this fine historic home remains in the hands of the Crossley family, the estate is owned and run by Lord Somerleyton, grandson of the original purchaser Sir Francis Crossley, a wealthy carpet manufacturer. All its lavish architectural features remain intact, but the house has been redecorated, and as one would expect, at times new pieces of furniture have been acquired.

Somerleyton Hall is surrounded by lovely pastoral grounds, perfect for a leisurely stroll alongside beautifully manicured lawns dotted with ancient trees. There is a rich variety of shrubs and plants, with lots of bright flower borders. The most delightful feature is the yew hedge maze of 1846, this has been keeping visitors to the hall entertained for over 150 years, particularly children who seem to relish getting caught up in its ever decreasing circles!

The gardens have splendid garden statutory and Victorian greenhouses alive with charming flower displays. There is a beautiful walled sunken garden, and a 300 foot long pergola.

For visitors wishing to eat "al fresco" there is a pretty shaded picnic area close to the car park, otherwise for refreshment try the delightful Loggia Tea-Room which serves light lunches and afternoon teas.
Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Somerleyton Hall.

Planning a visit? Please help support this website by booking your hotels near Somerleyton Hall and uploading your pictures.
Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Somerleyton Hall

Fritton Lake Country Park(1.6 miles, 2.5 km, direction N)Pictures
Lowestoft Museum(3.6 miles, 5.8 km, direction SE)Pictures
Burgh Castle Marina & Caravan Park(4.1 miles, 6.6 km, direction N)Pictures
Lowestoft Lighthouse(4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction SE)Pictures
Burgh Castle Roman Fort(4.7 miles, 7.6 km, direction N)Pictures
Benacre Nature Reserve(8.0 miles, 12.9 km, direction S)Pictures
Caister Castle(9.0 miles, 14.5 km, direction N)Pictures
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens(9.1 miles, 14.7 km, direction N)Pictures
Mettingham Castle(9.9 miles, 15.9 km, direction SW)Pictures
Bungay Castle(10.9 miles, 17.5 km, direction SW)Pictures

All attractions in Suffolk
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Somerleyton Hall

Somerleyton, a Picturesque Village in the county of Suffolk (0.7 miles, 1.1 km)
Found nestling in a corner of the north-east Suffolk countryside is the charming, tranquil village of Somerleyton.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Gorleston-on-Sea, in the county of Norfolk (4.2 miles, 6.8 km, direction NE)
Quieter than its near neighbour, Gorleston has a prestigious Blue Flag beach which is especially attractive to families.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Lowestoft, in the county of Suffolk (4.4 miles, 7.0 km, direction SE)
This is now a sunny holiday resort but for many years fishing played an important part in the history of the development of Lowestoft.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Toft Monks, in the county of Norfolk (4.6 miles, 7.3 km, direction SW)
This is a village whose charm is equalled by its quaint name. It is ideally situated close to the beautiful Norfolk Broads in a picturesque region famed for its great pubs, restaurants and attractive shops in pretty market towns.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Reedham, in the county of Norfolk (5.3 miles, 8.5 km, direction NW)
Reedham is ideally placed for cruising the waters of the Broads National Park, exploring the North Norfolk and North Suffolk coastlines and for discovering the historic city of Norwich.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Great Yarmouth, in the county of Norfolk (5.7 miles, 9.2 km, direction N)
This is one of Norfolk's premier holiday resorts. Its main attraction is its miles of lovely golden sands backed by dunes and a broad seafront walk amongst pretty flower beds.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Beccles, a Historic Market Town in the county of Suffolk (6.2 miles, 10.0 km, direction SW)
A town of picturesque buildings, with many relaxing places in which to quietly roam.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Barsham, a Picturesque Village in the county of Suffolk (7.8 miles, 12.5 km, direction SW)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Caister-on-Sea, in the county of Norfolk (9.1 miles, 14.6 km, direction N)
Caister-on-Sea has a lovely expanse of sands backed by delightful grassy dunes. It has all the usual seaside facilities needed to ensure the whole family has a relaxing time with fun for the children.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Acle, a Historic Market Town in the county of Norfolk (9.6 miles, 15.5 km, direction NW)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

All towns in Suffolk
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Somerleyton Station(1.1 miles, 1.8 km, direction SW)
Haddiscoe Station(2.3 miles, 3.8 km, direction W)
Norwich Airport(19.5 miles, 31.3 km, direction NW)
Cambridge Airport(67.1 miles, 107.9 km, direction W)
M11 Junction 14(70.7 miles, 113.8 km, direction W)
M11 Junction 9(70.8 miles, 113.9 km, direction SW)
Somerleyton Hall to London(103.9 miles, 167.2 km, direction SW)

Accommodation & Hotels near Somerleyton Hall

Hotel Name
Wherry Hotel(3.5 miles, 5.7 km, direction SE)
The Sun Rise Inn(3.9 miles, 6.3 km, direction SE)
Cliff Hotel(4.2 miles, 6.8 km, direction NE)
The Pier Hotel(4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction NE)
The Royal Court Hotel(4.7 miles, 7.6 km, direction SE)
The Carlton Manor Hotel(4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction S)
Best Western Hotel Hatfield(4.9 miles, 7.8 km, direction SE)
Hotel Victoria(4.9 miles, 7.9 km, direction SE)
Horse and Groom Hotel(5.4 miles, 8.7 km, direction NE)
The Southern(5.9 miles, 9.5 km, direction N)
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