SOMERLEYTON HALL

The present Somerleyton hall was built between 1844-1851 by Sir Morton Peto a self made entrepreneur who was also responsible for the building of the harbour and esplanade at Lowestoft. No expense was spared in the transformation of the House and gardens but by 1861 Sir Morton was in serious financial difficulties and was forced to put the entire estate up for sale. It was bought by Sir Francis Crossley a carpet manufacturer from Halifax and great grandfather of the present Lord Somerleyton.

In the gardens is one of the finest mazes in Britain. Made of Yew hedges, it was designed and planted in 1846 by celebrated landscape gardener William Nesfield. If no mistakes are made the journey to the centre and back is nearly 800 yards, but usually a lot longer.

The main entrance gate and the gatekeepers lodge.

The inside of one of the glasshouses.

The magnificent front façade of the hall.

The lovely and colourful Sunken Garden.

These topiary archways lead from the formal gardens in front of the hall to the main gardens.

The gardens.

The entrance to the maze.

Oh no which way do I go now left or right?

Obliviously not this way, another dead end!

Ah, the middle at last with its lovely Pergoda and a few tired looking visitors contemplating the return journey.

All I've got to do now is find my way out.

Looking down the Pergola with its fine display of grapes vines, wisteria and roses.

This massive tree trunk belongs to a Sequoiadendron giganteum from California.