For a few months of the year, Her Majesty The Queen’s, country retreat of Sandringham House is open to the public. Calling it a ‘House’ does feel to be a bit of an understatement as this magnificent family home has been used by four generations of British Monarchs since 1862.

The view of the house from the grounds

Sandringham Estate is located deep in the Norfolk countryside and in total covers 8,000 hectares, but just the house itself is set within 24 hectares of beautifully kept gardens.

Unfortunately, but as expected, any form of photography is not permitted within the house; after all this is still a Royal family home.

The House was built in 1870 by the Prince of Wales (later to become King Edward VII), on the grounds of a much smaller house. A ballroom was added in 1881, and then a further wing was added in the 1890s.

Sandringham House from the lawns,

It was in 1977, the year of Her Majesty the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, that the house was opened to the public. You’re able to wander through the very rooms that are still regularly used by the Royal Family, and the décor remains very much as it was in Edwardian times.

The main entrance to Sandringham House

When you enter Sandringham House, you are greeted by very friendly informative guides who encourage you to chat and ask questions about the house & the family history.
 
It is really quite informal and fascinating to hear the little insights they give into the Royal Family’s life.

Sandringham House

A secret door was pointed out to us, where beyond which in 1932 a temporary radio studio was set up for King George V, to broadcast the first Royal Christmas Message.

The house tour isn’t long, but it is certainly worth doing, as you do have the option of excluding it in your ticket price.

The museum at Sandringham which first opened to the public in 1930, is housed in the former coach house and stable block. It is home to an interesting collection of historic Royal vehicles, family history and also gifts received by the Royal family from State Visits abroad.

Sandringham Museum

During the childhoods of the present Royal Family, miniature replicas cars were made as gifts to the Royal children – what fun they must have had!!!

James Bonds Aston Martin miniture car

A dream toy car

An Anglo-American Racer

A toy Aston Martin convertible

Amongst the collection is various vehicles used by the Royal family dating from 1900 onwards.

'Woody' - The 1951 Ford V-8 Pilot Shooting Brake

A selection they used was a 3 Litre Rover, for HM The Queen a London Taxi used by Prince Philip, Prince Charles’s Aston Martin & his MGC

Prince Charles' MGC

The 24 hectares of beautiful gardens at Sandringham were first opened to the public by King Edward VII in 1908.

The gardens in bloom

The gardens at Sandringham House

The gardens have continually evolved through the years incorporating meandering woodland walks, rockeries, magnificent formal gardens and sweeping lawns and lakes.

A path through the gardens

Deep red foliage

Avid Royal followers may recognise St Mary Magdalene’s Church, as this is regularly shown on TV when the Royal Family visit Sandringham Estate every Christmas.

Entrance to the Churchyard

Sandringham Church dates from the 16th century & includes memorials to members of the Royal Family from Queen Victoria onwards. It is regularly used as a place of worship by the Royal Family and Estate staff.

St Mary Magdalenes Church, Sandringham

The Church tower

For current pricing and visitor information here is the Sandringham Estate link. Parking is free of charge

Seen the Queen at Christmas at Sandringham? It's a wonderful place to visit, it feels so peaceful. Why not visit?

* This post may contain links to affiliated sites where we earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

(Why not Pin It for Later?)